Hiking the Florida Trail, Bronson State Forest

In an extensive natural corridor that the Florida Trail follows in its arc around the east side of the Orlando metro area, Bronson State Forest is a surprisingly wild destination.

Along the 12.2 mile route panning from the edge of Orlando Wetlands Park to Chuluota Wilderness, the trail hits a broad array of habitats along the St. Johns River basin.

These include floodplain-rim stands of ancient live oaks and towering cabbage palms, floodplain forests and bayhead swamps, pine savannas, sandhills, and scrub.

Oak and palm hammock

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

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Overview

Location: Christmas & Chuluota
Length: 12.2 miles linear
Central trailhead: 28.5919, -81.0423
Fees: $2 per person day use fee at Phillips Rd trailhead
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Florida Forestry Service
Phone: 407-971-3500

Leashed dogs welcome. Insect repellent a must. Primitive campsites must be reserved in advance.

Seasonal hunting occurs in some portions of the forest. Check ahead before you make plans for outdoor recreation.

The forest is laced with a network of rough forest roads. Active cattle leases mean the potential of encounters with cows and bulls along the trails.

Always check on water levels in the St. Johns River in advance of hiking this section. Flood conditions make the northeast corner of this route dangerous to traverse. An alternate route through Orlando Wetlands Park bypasses this corner.

Directions

From Interstate 95 in Titusville, drive west on SR 50 for 10.3 miles through the town of Christmas to Fort Christmas Road. Turn right. Continue 2.3 miles, passing Fort Christmas. After the curve in the road, continue continue a half mile and turn right on Philips Rd. Follow it 1.5 miles, taking the jeep track at the sign for Bronson State Forest to the Joshua Creek trailhead. This is the only official trailhead providing direct access into Bronson State Forest.

Directions to the Wheeler Road and Chuluota Wilderness trailheads flanking this section are provided under those individual hike segments, below.

Hike

Of this 12.2 mile route connecting three trailheads, only seven miles are within the boundaries of Charles H. Bronson State Forest.

Those seven miles lie in the middle, so the start and end points are in adjoining public lands. For the full traverse, begin at Wheeler Rd and end at Chuluota Wilderness.

Florida Trail, Wheeler Road to Joshua Creek

Along this 8.6-mile route spanning the eastern side of Bronson State Forest, experience the majesty of ancient oak and palm hammocks near the St. Johns River.

Palms in uplands along the Florida Trail

Florida Trail, Chuluota Wilderness to Joshua Creek

3.9 miles. Enjoy the natural beauty of habitat diversity along a scenic segment of the Florida Trail connecting Chuluota Wilderness and Bronson State Forest

Using the primary trailhead for the forest at Joshua Creek, you can also make round-trip hikes to scenic destinations or tackle a 9.5-mile loop using the River Trail.

In addition to the River Trail Loop, the Northeast Loop shows off the wildest corner of the forest, with access to the Florida Trail via Orlando Wetlands Park.

Trail through a hardwood hammock near South Slough

NORTHBOUND: Curryville Road roadwalk to Mills Creek Woodlands
SOUTHBOUND: Seminole Ranch

Trail Map

Florida Trail Bronson State Forest Map — Florida Trail in orange, connectors in blue

Explore More!

Learn more about Bronson State Forest

Bronson State Forest

Despite more than 40 miles of hiking and multi-use trails, Charles H. Bronson State Forest is a lightly-visited destination hidden behind more popular public lands.