Recreation
UCF encourages visitors to hike and bike the four trails, play the disc-golf course, picnic in the Oak Hammock or relax in the Nature Pavilion, all located on campus. The UCF Natural Lands are open from sunrise to sunset every day. Please enjoy these beautiful areas and we take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints.
Trails
The four trails located in the Natural Areas total three miles and take our visitors through four unique Florida habitats. The Cypress Trail (0.71 miles) encircles a magnificent cypress dome, while adjacent to that the Transition Trail (0.32 miles) winds through the beautiful Oak Hammock, a great place to meet with friends or quietly study. The Fire Loop (0.81 miles) and the Wildflower Loop (1.17 miles) guide our visitors through two different types of flatwoods, pine and scrubby, where both plants and animals can be observed regularly in their natural environments.
Disc Golf
The UCF disc golf course offers a fun and educational experience for serious and recreational players. Each tee has a learning station, including a map of the course and facts about the local environment. The black-and-gold disc-golf mats are made from recycled tires, a subtle example of UCF’s commitment to sustainability. Please protect the natural areas by throwing away trash in the bins provided throughout the course and respecting wildlife.
Oak Hammock
UCF’s tranquil Oak Hammock located in the Natural Area is a great place to meet with friends to study or just quietly relax and read a book. The enormous oak trees in this habitat provide a unique microclimate with shade and a pleasant, cool environment to picnic or just enjoy being outside. Yoga classes are offered in the Oak Hammock periodically during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Please visit
Recreation and Wellness' website for information on nature yoga classes offered in the Oak Hammock.
The Nature Pavilion
The nature pavilion (called "natural resources pavilion” on the UCF map) accents the south entrance to the 40 acre Natural Areas, and provides information about recreational opportunities in the green space on campus. The pavilion is also open to UCF employees, students and the public sunrise to sunset. The building was made from recycled materials and its surface edges are pervious concrete, which means storm-water drains through it, instead of resting on top of it. The pavilion is available to rent throughout the football season for Gold Zone donors. To request this space, please
e-mail us.