As of 2022, The Villages has 17.5 miles of nature and walking trails and 930 acres of preserves, according to District Property Management, although not all of it is publicly accessible.
Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve
The Sharon Rose Wiechens Preserve is the largest of The Villages' 11 nature preserves at 624 acres (including a gopher tortoise preserve). About 1.6 million Florida native plants have been installed at the preserve. This wetland offers a view of wildlife from a boardwalk that stretches across the marsh. There’s also a 400-square-foot observation tower for additional viewing opportunities.
To get there: Take Morse Blvd south to the 2nd roundabout past CR 466A. Go east on Moyer Loop. The preserve is just past Belle Glade Country Club.
The Sharon L. Morse Owl Preserve is across from the Hacienda Hills Country Club
Soaring Eagle Preserve
Pine Ridge Eagle Preserve
Fenney Springs Nature Trail
Visitors can view a second-magnitude spring along the Fenney Springs Nature Trail. This trail features a boardwalk under expansive oak hammocks.
3210 Fenney Way
Hogeye Preserve
The Hogeye Preserve is 81-acres which Villagers can see while traversing the 2.5-mile Hogeye Preserve Pathway that begins at Cattail Recreation Area.
Hogeye’s classification as a pathway allows use beyond observing nature on foot. Located in the center of The Village of Marsh Bend is a 2.5-mile loop that is a nature trail, a pedestrian walkway, and a multi-modal path. Map and Description
Chitty Chatty Preserve
The 913-acre Chitty Chatty Preserve is visible from walking trails along the preserve’s western boundary in the villages of Chitty Chatty and Bradford.
4911 Chitty Chatty Run
