Among the many rustic neighborhoods of Interlachen, Carl Duval Moore State Forest protects somewhat over 330 acres divided into two separate models, Up and Down Lake, and the South Tract.
Though this is without doubt one of the state’s smaller state forests, every parcel provides a scenic nature path with facilities.
South Tract hosts an easier path than Up and Down Lake, using a forest street to showcase wholesome sandhill habitats on an out-and-back linear path to Hardesty Lake.
Diamond markers blaze the pathAssets
Overview
Location: InterlachenLength: 1.5 milesTrailhead: 29.612056, -81.848861Address: Clouds Ave, InterlachenFees: $2 per personRestrooms: NoneLand supervisor: Florida Forest ServicePhone: 386-329-2552
Open dawn to sundown. Leashed canines welcome.
Instructions
Hike
From an in depth map kiosk alongside a shaded, leaf-strewn pathway, observe diamond-shaped path markers as they lead into a mixture of pine, oak, and maple.
The path takes a fast flip to the left in 100 toes, getting into a forest of planted pines.
Trailhead kioskThe trail turns south in a tenth of a mile, becoming a member of a forest street because it navigates oddly straight rows of slash pine.
Regardless of the agricultural nature of this part, native beautyberry, pawpaw, and goldenrod flourish in ample daylight alongside the path.
Planted pinesAt 0.2 miles, the panorama begins to tackle a extra pure look whereas getting into a sandhill group that has undergone restoration efforts.
Sand reside oaks ship gnarled branches over a grassy hall bordered by dogfennel, noticed palmettos, and asters sporting small yellow flowers.
Sandhill habitatCrossing over Alligator Creek, the sandhill ecosystem turns into extra nicely outlined as turkey oaks turn into a distinguished function.
They rise from yellow-tinted soil lined with clusters of wiregrass and gopher apple.
The inexperienced diamond path markers veer off the street at 0.7 mile, following a slender pathway by way of a stand of sand pines.
Sand pinesIn one other tenth of a mile, the path opens to a lakeside clearing with an inviting picnic desk.
Close by, a brief dock stretches out previous thick lakeside vegetation, providing views of the water and a pair of benches to relaxation at this peaceable spot.
From this level, retrace your steps northward for 0.8 mile again to the trailhead.
Lakeside dockPath Map
Discover Extra!
Be taught extra about Carl Duval Moore State Forest
Carl Duval Moore State Forest At Carl Duval Moore State Forest, hike to Up & Down Lake, which sporadically vanishes, on a stupendous loop by way of sandhills and oak hammocks west of Palatka.Video
Climbing Carl Duval Moore South Tract
Close by Adventures
Path Map (PDF) Official Web site
