Deep within the Arbuckle Tract of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, a small day use area highlights the rustic McLean Cabin.
The cabin was mainly used for cattle farming operations, which took place in the area for at least a century before the state bought the land.
The Cabin Trailhead is the starting point of the Nature Loop Trail. Formerly the Old Cabin Trail, it immerses visitors in an array of natural habitats.
The trailhead also provides access to a blue-blazed portion of the Lake Arbuckle Trail, which connects to the larger yellow loop with several backpacking campsites along its route.
Near the north entrance of the forest, a drive-up campground offers additional options for an overnight stay.
Cabin TrailheadResources
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Overview
Location: Frostproof
Length: 1.1 mile
Trailhead: 27.679778, -81.416444
Address: Rucks Dairy Rd, Frostproof
Fees: $2 per vehicle
Restrooms: Vault toilet at Reedy Creek Campground
Land manager: Florida Forestry Service
Phone: 863-589-0545
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Seasonal hunting occurs throughout this forest. Check ahead before you make plans for outdoor recreation.
Directions
From SR 17 south of Frostproof, head east on TS Wilson Rd for 2 miles until it becomes S Lake Reedy Blvd, then continue for 1.8 miles before turning right onto Lake Arbuckle Rd. In 1.5 miles, make a right onto Rucks Dairy Rd, continuing for 0.8 miles before turning left onto unpaved School Bus Rd. In 2.7 miles turn right at the McLean Cabin Day Use Area.
Hike
Starting at the trailhead kiosk, head towards the cabin where a sign provides information about the structure and past residents.
Past the cabin, another covered kiosk marks the beginning of the Nature Loop Trail.
McLean CabinHead westward, following red and blue blazed posts to a fork in the trail and turn right.
A well-worn path winds around an edge of the oak hammock into sun-drenched scrubby flatwoods.
Red and blue blazed postCoastal plain staggerbush, hog plum, and lupine border the trail as it descends slightly along an ancient ridge, coming to a sharp left turn at 0.2 mile.
Emerging from the shrubby corridor, a grassy path drops down to panoramic vistas of a seasonal pond lined with sporadic pines.
Lupine in bloomAn information kiosk stands near the shoreline of this wetland, describing the nature of cutthroat seeps, an imperiled habitat.
It’s named for a species of grass that flourishes in these specific conditions. Continue westward, tracing the perimeter of the marsh.
Cutthroat seepAt a quarter mile, a short side spur leads to an inviting bench under the shade of a lone live oak surrounded by a grassy expanse dotted with pines and palmettos.
In a hundred feet, turn left at a trail junction where the blue trail branches off and red blazes continue along the loop.
Shaded benchThe trail turns to the south, crossing a ditch on a small wooden bridge before passing a set of kiosks with information about pine flatwoods and flatwoods marshes.
A small spur next to the second display offers spectacular views of the depression marsh.
Depression marshReaching 0.6 mile, follow a sandy access road as the surrounding habitat gradually transitions from flatwoods to scrub.
Sand pine, gopher apple, and shrubby oaks line the stark white pathway for a short distance.
Cross a low spot and close the loop around the one-mile mark. Turn right, following red and blue blazes back to the trailhead.
Scrub habitatTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Atop the ancient sands of the Lake Wales Ridge, this massive state forest offers provides hikers and equestrians an expansive network of trails. Video
Hiking Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Nature Loop
Nearby Adventures
Lake Godwin Loop Explore tall creek bluffs, cypress lined lakeshores, and scrubby pine forests along a 12.6 mile loop with several backpacking campsites along the way.
Lake Wales Ridge Scrub Jay Loop An easy loop trail traverses scattered prairie ponds within a dry ecosystem suitable for one of the state’s most endangered birds, the Florida scrub-jay. 
Lake Wales Ridge Big Bay Trail Traversing sandhill, pine flatwoods, and bayhead habitats, the Big Bay Trail offers a one mile loop with an optional 1.7-mile spur trail featuring two primitive campsites. 
Tiger Creek Preserve North Take a step back in time while navigating the rolling terrain of impeccably preserved ancient islands along the Creek Bluff and Highlands Loops on the Lake Wales Ridge. 
- McCarty Ranch Preserve - April 13, 2026
- Bullfrog Creek WEA - April 7, 2026
- Ney Landrum State Park - April 3, 2026