Named after a creek that runs through it and an endangered species of scrub mint, Etoniah Creek State Forest hosts a pair of Trailwalker trails and a scenic section of the Florida Trail.
The George’s Lake Trail provides access to its namesake lake along a half mile route to a quiet spot alongside the water’s edge.
A nicely shaded trailResources
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Overview
Location: Florahome
Length: 0.9 miles
Trailhead: 29.780361, -81.857056
Address: 390 Holloway Road, Florahome
Fees: $2 per vehicle
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Florida State Forests
Phone: 386-329-2552
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From the intersection of SR 100 and SR 19 in Palatka, head west on SR 100 for 12 miles before turning right onto Holloway Rd. In 3.6 miles, make a left onto Tinsley Rd, and the parking area will be on the right in 0.6 mile.
Hike
Passing through a gap in the fence alongside the trailhead kiosk, look to the right for a small wooden sign indicating the direction of the trail.
Dried leaves crunch underfoot as a well-trodden pathway winds between oaks, hickory, and tall sweetgum trees.
Trailhead kioskAlthough it isn’t the easiest color to spot among the surrounding foliage, green blazes lead the way as the trail begins a slight descent towards the lake basin.
A variety of shrubs and saplings flank each side of the trail, competing with grapevines and Virgnia creeper for dappled sunlight under the thick overstory.
Green blazesAround the halfway point, clusters of ferns and grasses begin to encroach upon the pathway, leaving a narrow corridor that weaves across undulating terrain.
High pitched chirps of cardinals echo through the forest as they dart through the bushes, with stark red feathers that reveal their presence against a sea of green.
Pathway through the fernsAt 0.3 mile, the trail makes a right turn onto a grassy service road and continues along this wide pathway for about a tenth of a mile.
An expanse of water begins to come into view between the trees. At the end of the trail, a sturdy fishing pier extends past water lilies on the shoreline to a panoramic view of the lake.
From this point, retrace your route along the green blazes for a little over 0.4 mile to return to the trailhead.
Fishing pier at George’s LakeTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking George’s Lake Trail at Etoniah Creek State Forest
Nearby Adventures
Etoniah Creek Lake Blossom Trail Rare endangered Etoniah rosemary bushes grow atop sandy ridges that descend to this 0.7 mile loop around a deep prairie pond. 
Gold Head Branch State Park One of Florida's oldest state parks and notable for its Civilian Conservation Corps architecture, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park offers a lesson in Florida topography.
Palatka-Lake Butler Trail With a corridor spanning nearly 50 miles through North Florida, the Palatka-Lake Butler State Trail provides paved trail for riders and an unpaved corridor used by the Florida Trail
Florida Trail, Gold Head to Smith Lake Preserve Southbound from Little Lake Johnson at Gold Head Branch State Park across Smith Lake Preserve, this 3.3 mile linear hike traverses upland forests along a trio of scenic lakes. 
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