Look for gopher tortoises in the native plants garden. Bobcat and fox also live on the preserve, but you’d be extremely fortunate to see one.
9 Tibet-Butler Preserve: Nature and Perimeter Trails
Anyone visiting the nearby theme parks should spend several (fee-free!) hours walking this self-guided interpretive nature trail and visiting its educational environmental center with (fee-free!) exhibits. The Tibet-Butler Preserve is a rare chance to see real nature in the midst of the world’s theme park capital; did we mention it was fee-free? Virtually surrounded by huge theme parks and housing developments, the 440-acre Tibet-Butler Preserve is one of the few “real” things left on the west side of Orlando. The preserve is located on the northeast side of Lake Tibet-Butler, part of the Butler Chain of Lakes.
In addition to several miles of hiking trails, the park also contains the Vera Carter Environmental Center, which offers an excellent interpretation of the plants and animals found on the preserve. Of particular note is the frog exhibit that allows you to re-create the night sounds made by several different species including the remarkable “pig frog.” Yes, it does indeed sound like a pig, and you’re likely to hear its call at dusk near the marshes.
Nearest town: Windermere
Start: Behind the Vera Carter Environmental Center
Distance: Series of short trails that can be linked for a 4-mile walk
Approximate hiking time: A leisurely 2 hours
Trail surface: Mix of natural and paved trails
Seasons: Fall through spring
Other trail users: Walking paths only
Canine compatibility: Pets not permitted
Land status: County park
Fees and permits: None needed; free admission
Schedule: Open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
Maps: Available at the Environmental Center
Trail contacts: Tibet-Butler Preserve, 8777 County Road 535, Orlando, FL 32836; (407) 876-6696; www.orangecountyfl.net/dept/cesrvcs/parks/ParkDetails.asp?ParkID=39
Finding the trailhead: From Interstate 4, take exit 68 at Lake Buena Vista and go north past the shopping centers onto County Road 535 (also the Winter Garden–Vineland Road). The preserve is 5 miles ahead, on the right. GPS: N28 26.563' W081. 32.476'
The Hike
Obtain a trail guide from inside the environmental center. At the rear of the center, turn right to join the self-guided Pine Circle interpretive. The walk follows an old fire plow line used to fight a wildfire here in the late 1980s. The trail goes through pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, past longleaf pine and saw palmetto.
Near its end Pine Circle joins the Fallen Log Crossing Trail to penetrate deeper into the heart of the preserve. Fallen Log Crossing Trail ends when it junctions with Osprey Overlook and the Tarflower Loop Trails. Be sure to explore the Osprey Overlook, which leads to a marsh adjacent to Lake Tibet-Butler. This is a very scenic area with lots of lily pads and cypress trees decorated with long beards of flowing Spanish moss.
From Tarflower Loop you’ll retrace your steps a short distance to rejoin Fallen Log Crossing Trail before joining Palmetto Passage, which runs a significant stretch of the preserve’s perimeter. Take note of this new trail. Palmettos are notorious for the thick roots they grow near the surface, making them easy to stumble over if you’re not paying attention. Palmetto Passage may be wet after rains. Follow Palmetto Passage until you can turn right onto Pine Circle Trail, which takes you to the environmental center and the end of the hike.
The preserve also contains a number of bat boxes, some capable of housing up to 300 bats each. Bats, considered North America’s most endangered land mammal, are an important and efficient form of mosquito control. In fact, a single bat can eat up to a quarter pound of mosquitoes every day.
Look for gopher tortoises in the native plants garden. Bobcat and fox also live on the preserve, but you’d be extremely fortunate to see one.
Miles and Directions
0.0 Start behind Vera Carter Environmental Center. Turn right to reach Pine Circle Trail.
0.2 Reach Pine Circle Trail. Go right.
0.8 Junction with Fallen Log Crossing Trail. Go left to join Fallen Log Crossing. (You also have the option to turn right and return to the environmental center.)
1.2 Junction with Palmetto Passage Trail coming in from the right. Continue straight.
1.5 Fallen Log Crossing junctions with Osprey Overlook Trail as Fallen Log Crossing Trail ends. Take Osprey Overlook Trail and go straight to observation platform on Lake Tibet. Then retrace steps to junction with Fallen Log Crossing Trail. Go right and join the Tarflower Loop.
2.2 Tarflower Loop ends. Retrace steps and go straight to rejoin Fallen Log Crossing.
2.6 Turn left to take Palmetto Passage, a partial perimeter trail.
3.8 Turn right onto Pine Circle Trail.
4.0 Hike ends at environmental center.
More Information
Local Information
Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.Orlandoinfo.com.
Local Events/Attractions
Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and many other attractions are located nearby: www.orlandovacationtravelguide.com.
Lodging
Everything imaginable within a short distance. Check out the options at www.orlandoinfo.com.
Camping
Numerous commercial campgrounds in the area. Unfortunately, the state parks with camping are a good distance away: www.orlandoinfo.com.
Organizations
Orange County Parks: www.orangecountyfl.net.
The long boardwalk at the Tibet-Butler Preserve leads through a large stand of cypress trees.