Outdoors & Nature Insider

Yours truly hiking at Gold Head Branch State Park Credit: Kevin Mims

Situated on high atop the ancient sandy dunes known as Florida's Central Ridge, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is one of those unique places that keeps me coming back on a regular basis.

This past Sunday I got the urge to hike. I hadn't been out to Gold Head State Park in a couple of years, so I completely ditched all my household chores (hey, the grass doesn't mow itself?) and took off to the park to get my hiking fix. It's located near Keystone Heights, about two hours from where I live, but to me the hike there is well worth the drive.

One of the first things you'll notice when entering the park are the massive limerock walls that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.The CCC, as it commonly referred to, was a Depression-era work program designed to bolster employment and carry out conservation tasks on public lands. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park was one of Florida's original state parks and was dedicated in 1939. The CCC built many stone structures at Gold Head State Park, many of which are still in use today, notably the huge stone and timber bath house at Little Lake Johnson.

Let's get back to the hike, shall we? A little over 3 miles of the linear Florida National Scenic Trail passes through Gold Head Branch State Park, and there are three other short trails to explore as well. I parked at the FT Trailhead at the entrance, strapped on my pack and began hiking down the Florida Trail through longleaf pines and turkey oaks.

Look around for gopher tortoises making their way through the wiregrass alongside the trail. In this section, you can get a real taste of a Florida upland sandhill habitat. Further down the trail, passing by a massive water-filled sinkhole called Deer Lake, take a left as the path begins to skirt Gold Head Branch. The trail slowly decreases in elevation and as it does, you'll notice a change in temperature - especially in the warmer months. The pines and turkey oaks are replaced by a hardwood forest consisting of oaks, ferns and palms. Hiking along, you can't quite see Gold Head Branch, but it can be heard burbling and washing over fallen logs.

I stopped at the Old Mill site for a short break and to get some pictures. Gold Head Branch is one of the most scenic streams in Florida, with crystal clear water flowing gently over a white sand bottom. A lot of folks were out on the trail, and I had a great conversation with a couple about my age that were just getting into hiking. They were enjoying themselves, and soon they dashed off down the trail with excitement. I always get a big smile when I see people start to discover the natural beauty of Florida!

A short walk later and I was at Little Lake Johnson where families were spending the day swimming, picnicking, and canoeing. Not one to sit in one place too long, I pondered whether I should hitch a ride back to the entrance from one of the families leaving the park, or if I should walk back down the trail. After a little thinking, I decided to run. I had plenty of life left in my legs and a light pack, so why not?

Want to check out Mike Roess Gold Head State Park for yourself? Believe me, you'll have an excellent time!  Visit the park's web site for trail maps, amenities and hours. 

Have a blast exploring the natural side of Florida!