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Camping and Hiking in Florida
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Blackwater River State Park
Blackwater River State Park is considered one of the purest
sandbottom rivers in the world, the Blackwater River is in its
natural state for almost its entire length. Beginning 45 miles
upstream in Alabama, it continues downstream for 13 miles before
emptying into Blackwater Bay. The river's sand bottom, dark
tannin waters and contrasting large, white sandbars have drawn
worldwide attention and provide the perfect setting for this
590- acre park. The river attracts paddlers from far and wide
and has been designated a Florida canoe trail. The last two
miles of the trail are located within the park. The terrain,
plant communities and wildlife are highlighted along the park's
three nature trails. Guided walks and campfire programs for park
guests are offered seasonally. Thirty campsites, with electric
and water hookups, are available For information call:
(850)983-5363
Bulow Plantation Ruins State Historic Site
The Bulow Woods Trail is a 6.8 mile hiking trail that runs from
the Fairchild Oak in Bulow Creek State Park to Bulow Plantation
Ruins State Historic Site. The northern section near Bulow Ruins
is recommended for half-day hikes. Starting from the parking
area on Plantation Road, the trail crosses open woods before
entering Bulow Hammock where the shaded path winds around
massive trunks under the cathedral-like canopy of Live Oaks.
White-tailed deer, barred owls, and raccoons are commonly seen,
and, occasionally, a diamondback rattlesnake. The hiking trail
is open for day use from 8:30 am to sunset. A primitive campsite
is available to backpackers. An overnight permit is required for
camping. The permit, trail maps and other information may be
obtained at the park office of Tomoka State Park, 4.5 miles
south of Bulow Creek State Park on Old Dixie Highway. For
information call: (904)517-2084
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Rock Springs Run State Reserve is approximately 14,000 acres of
a variety of plant communities typically found throughout
central Florida's landscape. The reserve is open to a variety of
recreation activities including hiking, primitive horseback
camping, nature study, picnicking, horseback riding, biking and
limited hunting. Vehicle access into the reserve is limited. For
information call: (407)884-2008
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
The Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail stretches 17 miles from
the City of Gainesville's Boulware Springs Park through the
Paines Prairie State Preserve and the Lockloosa Wildlife
Management Area. In the 1850's the railroad was constructed from
Fernandina to Cedar Key. It was of great importance in the
founding and history of Gainesville. The recreational trail is
designed for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Parking is
provided at the two trail heads, Boulware Springs Park in
Gainesville and in Hawthorne. For information call:
(352)955-2135
San Felasco Hammock State Preserve
This 6,500-acre preserve has one of the finest examples of the
climax mesic hammocks remaining in Florida. The limestone
outcrops and extreme changes in elevation provide conditions for
many species of hardwood trees. Other plant communities include
sandhill, hydric hammock and swamp. Sinkholes, creeks, rare
plants and vast amounts of wildlife are also found at San
Felasco. In addition to self-guided walks, park rangers offer
group hikes and horseback rides into the preserve's interior
upon request. For information call: (352) 955-2008
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