Chris Bonanno

FLORIDA TODAY

Can a place average 26,000 visitors a year and still be one of Brevard's best-kept secrets?

Apparently, it can. The Enchanted Forest in Titusville, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, is a sprawling 473-acre forest at 444 Columbia Blvd., just west of U.S. 1, that features something for all lovers of nature.

"We have like five different habitats here, so that's what's really cool about this property," said Xavier De Seguin Des Hons, forest land manager and North Region Land Manager with Brevard County Parks and Recreation.

"Much of this forest is pristine, and it's been here since forever. Some of the coquina formations that you see that have been placed here are samples of what lies out on the ridge here, and some of that ridge is maybe a 120,000 years old," said Titusville's Barbara Hoelscher, who volunteers at the park.

Adding to the park's positives beyond its natural beauty is the cost for patrons to visit.

"Everything we do is free pretty much. We suggest donations, but we try to keep our programs free," added De Seguin Des Hons.

Like most outside venues on the Space Coast, the park seems to be most popular during Florida's cooler, drier months.

100-mile run challenges all at Enchanted Forest

"It's beautiful here. It's relaxing. I love it. I come a lot," said Kathy Stiegler of Cocoa who was visiting with her husband, Bill.

"The summer is absolutely beautiful because the plants are so lush, but the truth is, it's very difficult to get out there when it's hot and humid, and sometimes when it's really humid, then the mosquitoes are hanging around too so this is really the season, the wintertime. Fall and winter and early spring," added Hoelscher.

The park has several miles of trails to explore, and those who call a week or so in advance can be taken through some of the park on a deluxe golf cart.

The forest was established in 1991 when 328 acres were purchased through Brevard County's Environmentally Endangered Lands Program. An additional 145 acres were purchased during the next decade.

Special events increase attendance, including last weekend's 100-mile run; a fall festival attended by 800 people; the recently instituted summertime Creepy Crawly Day, during which bugs are presented to eat; and Earth Day celebrations in April.

Roughly 100 volunteers serve in a variety of capacities, including guide, greeter or land management volunteer, but the park is always in need of more helpers.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can do so by attending an orientation course. Those Wednesday and Saturday courses will be offered at 3 p.m. Jan. 14, Feb. 7 and 18, and March 7 and 18.

Contact Bonanno at 321-242-3662, cbonanno@floridatoday.com or follow him @FTChrisBonanno.