Lake George Park: a hidden gem of West Volusia

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Lake George Park: a hidden gem of West Volusia
OLD FLORIDA IN YOUR BACKYARD — Lake George Park in Pierson is a peaceful 4-acre public spot with beautiful views of Lake George, the second-largest lake in the state. The park gives you access to view over 46,000 acres of freshwater areas, perfect for fishing, boating or kayaking. It’s surrounded by greenery, tall cypress trees, and winding trails through pine forests and wetlands. You might even see wildlife like bald eagles, deer, bobcats or an alligator. The park has trails for all skill levels, and there are pavilions and grills for picnics or fishing trips. Visitors are asked to respect the wildlife by not feeding or approaching them. Whether you’re here for a quiet walk, a picnic, or just to enjoy the views, Lake George Park offers a peaceful retreat with a glimpse of old Florida. Lake George Park is open sunrise to sunset daily.

Lake George Park is a four-acre public park located in Pierson. The area is readily known for its beautiful dock overlooking Lake George, Florida’s second-largest lake. The lake access is the main attraction of this park, providing over 46,000 acres of freshwater habitat. 

The park has quiet waters, surrounded by thick greenery and tall cypress trees, making it a perfect place for families, outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

For local residents, the park is a secret treasure. With its stunning views, winding trails, and abundant wildlife, Lake George Park offers a rare opportunity to experience old Florida without big crowds. 

The Beacon spoke to Volusia County native Morgan Keiser, who frequents the park often. 

This beautiful secluded spot is a go-to for locals of all ages. Whether you enjoy fishing without a crowd or you want to take a peaceful walk with a view,” Keiser said. 

Lake George Park is also ideal for anyone who enjoys the water. The lake itself is perfect for boating, fishing and kayaking, with many anglers coming to the area to fish for bass and catfish. There is a public boating ramp available for use. 

For hikers and nature enthusiasts, the park provides trails that break through pine forests and swampy wetlands. These trails, suitable for all skill levels, are perfect for views and a chance to encounter local wildlife, including birds, deer and the occasional alligator. 

Along with trails and water, Lake George Park offers pavilions and grills that are free to use during the park’s operational hours. The space is perfect for a family picnic or even a fishing trip with friends. 

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Lake George is a protected area managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District. According to the SJRWMD, the Lake George Conservation Area protects over half of the eastern shore of Lake George and its surrounding watershed. Next to land purchased with Volusia County, it also helps preserve a 20-mile wildlife corridor along Lake George and the St. Johns River.

The area mainly has hardwood swamps and pine flatwoods and is part of a wildlife management area managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

A standout feature of the property is its high number of bald eagle nests. When the land was purchased, it had the highest concentration of bald eagles outside Alaska. Originally, the eagles built their nests in large, old pine trees in the wetlands, but now they are nesting in newly planted trees outside the wetlands.

The area is home to a variety of species, including the Florida black bear, Sherman’s fox squirrel, and one of the region’s largest concentrations of Southern bald eagles. Other animals found here include the American alligator, gopher tortoise, bobcat, hawk, heron, otter, owl, osprey, and white-tailed deer. Because of the variety of wildlife, visitors should take care not to feed or approach wildlife in the area

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