Lake Alto North Preserve - Waldo, FL
Lake Alto North Preserve Dog-Friendly Trails in Waldo, Florida
Lake Alto North Preserve is a scenic spot for dog owners in Waldo, Florida, offering easy, pet-friendly hiking trails through diverse Florida habitats. With well-marked loops under wide-open skies, the preserve is perfect for peaceful strolls with your furry friend. The park features native flora like blueberry bushes, wildflowers, and towering Bur Oaks, as well as abundant wildlife and birdwatching opportunities along sandy, grassy, and gravel trails.
Dog lovers appreciate the tranquil 2.8-mile main trail that leads to a serene dock overlooking Lake Alto. Along the way, visitors enjoy shaded benches, grassy areas for a rest or picnic, and the opportunity for dogs to wade in the creek. While there aren’t fenced dog park areas or designated dog zones, leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park. The preserve is cherished for its quiet atmosphere, diverse scenery, and easy-to-navigate paths—ideal for morning or evening walks in North Florida.
Lake Alto North Preserve FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must remain on leash while visiting the park.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there are no fenced dog park sections at this preserve.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are several shaded/covered benches along the trails for breaks.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, you’ll find benches throughout the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Portions of the trail (especially the lake view loop to the left) are suitable for walkers and those with mobility challenges, except after heavy rains.
- Where is the best place to park? There is parking available at the Lake Alto North Preserve trailhead.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve features several connected, well-marked hiking trails of various lengths.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There is a creek and dock access to Lake Alto where wading is possible.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, some areas (like the swamp loop and blackbear trail) can be muddy or submerged after rainfall, so plan accordingly.
Reviews
Lovely local park with well marked trails that lead to a northern half swimming dock on lake alto – Expect to see some really cool unique flora – like blueberry bushes – a huge native Bur Oak section and lots of random pretty wildflowers on trail side and even some shaded /covered benches along the way-
Caution -this will be muddy and in some areas submerged- I advise to stay away from the blackbear trail whenever lake is high or after heavy rains and u should be ok- park is not huge but just right for an evening or morning stroll
We walked the trail on a 55 degree day, during a dry season. It was a lovely, easy walk to the lake. I use a rollator, so if you happened to be disabled, I would recommend you stay go to the left on the lake view loop. The right side has a couple of wet spots. I would not recommend this hike during the summer.
About a 20 minute hike (more if you take a toddler) to a boat dock with an amazing view of the lake!
Awesome place for sunsets. Fishing. Dogs. There is a tiny dock on the lake and well as what I call a bench right on the water. There is no railings protecting you from the lake, so be careful when bringing children.
Don’t let the map confuse you between Lake Alto North Preserve and Lake Alto Preserve. The North Preserve is where you can park, and you will follow a single trail – which branches off along the way into several other splendid trails – until you reach a dock at the lake, labeled as Lake Alto Preserve. Nice scenery along the way, with trails clearly marked. The dock is very peaceful and beautiful, with a great view of the lake and lots of texture along the shoreline. I’m going to go ahead and say you can fish here also … I didn’t see any signs or authorities to state otherwise, so there you go.