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Creek Sink Trail at San Felasco Hammock

At San Felasco Hammock

At San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, two hiking trail systems offer two different perspectives on karst landscapes and dense deciduous forests.

May 16, 2013    Sandra Friend

181 shares

After an absence of more than ten years, it was good to take on the trails at San Felasco Hammock Preserve again. One of the downsides of trying to cover all of the trails of Florida is that there are always new trails to be seen, so the trails I’ve been to before often get neglected in favor of the new stuff.

Creek Sink Trail at San Felasco Hammock
Creek Sink Trail at San Felasco Hammock

In this case, however, San Felasco Hammock was a must. I remembered its botanical and geologic wonders, and wanted it to be a part of our new book. John had never hiked there, so I wanted to introduce him to it, too.

Above Creek Sink
Above Creek Sink

I remembered the hills, and the sinkholes. But the Creek Sink Trail was new ground to me – and indeed, looking back on my notes for the 50 Hikes series, didn’t exist back then. With the AT as our most recent comparison for steep slopes, this trail fit right up there, complete with waterbars to fight erosion after a rain. Some of the largest trees along the trails of the state park are on this short loop.

Eastern hophornbeam at Creek Sink
Eastern hophornbeam at Creek Sink

Hiking the perimeter of the main trail system – the Spring Grove Trail and Old Spanish Way to the north of Millhopper Road – brought a new perspective to the hike. Much of it is on broad forest roads, which in these expansive forests, isn’t a big deal. But the most enjoyable part of the walk is still where the trail narrows and squirms between karst features, with sinkholes around every corner.

On a hill on the Spring Grove Trail
On a hill on the Spring Grove Trail

We’ll be sharing details about these extremely popular trails soon. Meanwhile, we hope you take the opportunity to enjoy these trails in Gainesville. Just be prepared for ticks – and mosquitoes, around those sinkholes – this time of year!

Sink on the Old Spanish Way
Sink on the Old Spanish Way

Hiking trail maps from the Friends of San Felasco Hammock Preserve
San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park

Category: Articles, HikingTag: Florida State Parks, Gainesville, San Felasco Hammock State Park

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