Etoniah Creek State Forest — Attraction in Palatka

This is as good as any Florida Trail gets. Not very long, but the trail is easy to walk, on the level, passing hardwood and softwood forest, bushes on both sides. Look out for side trips 200 ft off the trail you can step across a little stream with primitive bridge across it, all sheltered by the forest. Further down the trail it opens into a clearing with a house, a lodge for sleeping, camping in, with boards for bunks and screens for windows, door. There is a fire pit and picnic table. Further down the trail is a very strong bridge across the Etoniah Creek, which I saw was flowing well with tannic water over reeds and around curves and...

Was a very enjoyable experience. The trails are maintained decently, and the 7.5 mile trail is a good small hike. Taking you through everything from sandhill, to forested, to at places steep banked stream. I also took the spurtrail to George's Lake, other then probably being the only one out here in the past few days (still pulling webs off me, you are welcome whomever hits this trail in the next day.) Wasn't fast enough with my phone, but saw white tail, butterflies galore, on the way in three wolves (maybe coyote, but pretty sure they were red wolves) crossed the road ahead of my vehicle, so potential to see wildlife I...

Keep in mind, a state forest is not a state park: it is managed for different purposes. That said, this is an enjoyable destination if you are looking to bike or walk in a quiet place on sand and dirt trails. We went here looking for a rare plant, the Etonah Rosemary, which we probably didn't see (signage maybe? Just one sample?) Perhaps the most interesting although not beautiful characteristic of this forest is their extensive, experimental use of fire as a mechanism for conservation. I guess this is essential for the survival of this species. There is a small picnic area and clean restrooms, always...