A unique public land encircling rural neighborhoods in North Florida, Etoniah Creek State Forest is home to a critically imperiled species of scrub mint, Etoniah rosemary.
Much of the land in the forest was purchased by the state with an intent to protect this rare plant.
Hiking at Etoniah Creek State ForestIn addition to a section of the Florida Trail that passes through the property, the forest hosts two short trails that are part of the Trailwalker Program.
The Lake Blossom trail showcases a variety of habitats and vegetation on a loop that is less than a mile round trip.
Lake BlossomResources
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Overview
Location: Florahome
Length: 0.7 miles
Trailhead: 29.750972, -81.835528
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 1.8 miles, make a right onto Blossom St where a large State Forest sign stands at the intersection. Continue for 0.7 mile, then turn right onto Garden Dr, and the parking area will be on the left in 0.2 mile.
Hike
At the trailhead, an audio tour box mounted to the fence presents interesting facts about Lake Blossom and patches of rare Etoniah rosemary at the push of a button.
A covered kiosk inside the wooden fence provides paper trail maps and information about the forest.
Trailhead kiosk and audio tour boxThe hike begins along a sandy pathway leading down a slope towards the water. Lyonia and shrubby oaks line the trail as it descends from scrub habitat to a flatwoods community.
As the trail levels out at the bottom, sand transitions to grass dotted with colorful wildflowers.
Vanillaleaf in bloomReaching the beginning of the loop portion at 0.1 mile, turn right to begin a counterclockwise circuit around the lake.
The trail travels along an unnatural berm created when the perimeter of the lake was dredged in the past.
Lake BlossomThis type of prairie pond would typically have a shallow grassy shoreline, but the deeper water allows water lilies to thrive near the edge.
Blue trail markers tacked to trees indicate the path as it circles around the lake, passing multiple viewpoints overlooking the water.
Blue trail markerAt 0.6 mile, turn right where the loop concludes and climb up the sandy ridge to the finish the hike at the trailhead.
About 500 feet north of the trailhead, Etoniah rosemary bushes cluster alongside the forest road, producing showy pinkish purple flowers in the warmer months.
When in bloom, they are easily spotted from a vehicle on the drive out or by taking a short walk from the parking area.
Etoniah rosemary blossomsTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Lake Blossom Trail at Etoniah Creek State Forest
Nearby Adventures
Etoniah Creek Georges Lake Trail The inviting and densely forested George's Lake Trail leads to scenic views from a lakefront pier at Etoniah Creek State Forest . 
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