The 1650-acre Black Bear Wilderness Area (BBWA)  was purchased to preserve its diverse array of habitats, which include Mixed Hardwood Swamp, Floodplain Swamp, Floodplain Marsh and Hydric Hammock. The trail system takes visitors through the Hydric Hammock and onto a historic levee to its end at the St. Johns River. This is approximately a two-mile roundtrip trail. The trail system will be open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year for hiking, mountain biking and local (no trailer parking) equestrian use when seasonal conditions permit.

The Black Bear Wilderness Area lies in the Northwest area of Seminole County, on the south side of the St. Johns River. From I-4, take SR 46W to Orange Boulevard.Turn right on Orange Boulevard heading North. Turn left at New York Avenue and follow until it ends at the parking area.

As with other County Wilderness Areas this site serves as an outdoor classroom for students of all levels. Topics such as hydrology, wetland ecology and water quality, are but a few of the many fields of applied science that can be interpreted through signage and special presentations to visiting students. These students will have the opportunity to participate in the hands on management of this wilderness area and learn about its habitats.