Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring Lake Butler
Lake Butler built up around the railroad corridor that now serves as a recreation corridor, the Palatka Lake Butler Trail.
This is currently the northern terminus for the 47-mile trail, although future plans are to expand it up the railroad right-of-way to Lake City.
The compact historic downtown sits along Butler Lake, with a big lakefront park with picnic pavilions, a playground, a beach, and swimming platforms.
Lake Butler has long been one of the friendliest towns along the Florida Trail for long distance hikers making their way through North Florida, despite Union County having no lodgings.
Everything you need for resupply is here, and City Hall can help you figure out where to camp.
Trails and Parks near Lake Butler
Chastain-Seay Park Discover the beauty of the Santa Fe River and its floodplain habitats at Worthington Springs from the boardwalks of the Riverwalk Nature Trail at Chastain-Seay Park.
Florida Trail, New River to Hampton A surprisingly pleasant section of the Florida Trail that sees very few hikers, the most remote part of the Palatka-Lake Butler Trail stretches 9.3 miles between Hampton and the New River, southwest of Starke.
Florida Trail, Northeast Florida 123 miles. Showcasing the best public lands, the Florida Trail walks you into the past between Palatka and Osceola National Forest, through rural farms and timber lands.
Lake Butler Trail The northernmost paved segment of the Palatka-Lake Butler Trail, the Lake Butler Trail extends 4.5 miles from SR 237 to Union Depot
Osceola National Forest The smallest of Florida's national forests, the Osceola National Forest carries the weight of history hidden in its dense stands of longleaf pine.Related Articles
Lake Butler Trail (9/4/2015) The northernmost paved segment of the Palatka-Lake Butler Trail, the Lake Butler Trail extends 4.5 miles from SR 237 to Union Depot