For a few years, one of the crucial scenic sections of the Florida Path had been closed after a collection of tidal surges broken vital infrastructure.
When the boardwalks washed away, utilizing the path to cross these salt marshes was very hazardous, so an extended street stroll was established to circumnavigate.
Spring CreekPlans to repair this phase have been developed over time, together with using grant funds stemming from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
In June of 2026, the path reopened with a spectacular new bridge crossing over the tidal creek and its picturesque marshes.
Interpretive signal subsequent to the bridge (Jeff Glenn)Climbing in from a close-by path crossing at Spring Creek Hwy is the simplest method to attain the creek, with a 3 mile spherical journey to the bridge and again.
If shuttling is an choice, extra beautiful surroundings awaits alongside a 5.5 mile linear trek northbound to the Purify Bay Trailhead.
Scouting Spring Creek earlier than the brand new bridge was constructed (Sandra Good friend)Overview
Location: MedartLength: 5.5 milesTrailhead: 30.098750, -84.327028Address: Spring Creek Hwy, CrawfordvilleFees: FreeRestrooms: NoneLand supervisor: St. Marks Nationwide Wildlife RefugePhone: 850-925-6121
Open dawn to sundown. Leashed canine welcome, though it’s harmful as a result of presence of alligators.
Prepare tenting by allow at Marsh Level with St. Marks NWR upfront in case you are backpacking your entire refuge.
Instructions
Hike
Beginning on the signposted Spring Creek Hwy street crossing, orange blazes lead westward into the pine forest, passing a fairly pond to the south.
Because the path dips deeper into the floodplain, cabbage palms and magnolia seem alongside big loblolly pines.
Flatwoods pondThe path returns to excessive floor after crossing a small creek, the place it turns to observe a winding forest street.
A blended cover of pine and oak casts dappled shade onto a large pathway bordered with noticed palmetto, blueberry bushes, and yaupon holly.
Forest streetThe forest opens up whereas rounding a bend at 1.4 miles and the bridge comes into view. Stroll out onto the strong picket walkway.
Ospreys chirp within the distance, and fiddler crabs skitter throughout darkish, thick mud lining the waterway.
Spring Creek BridgeFrom this level, proceed throughout the bridge for a linear hike, or flip round to retrace your footsteps for 1.4 miles again to Spring Creek Hwy for a 3.3 mile spherical journey.
A concrete picnic desk emblazoned with the Florida Path brand sits on the reverse finish of the bridge, the place orange blazes proceed northbound alongside a forest street.
Bench on the west facet of the bridge (Jeff Glenn)The path turns off the street at 2.3 miles, earlier than delving right into a shrubby pine flatwoods setting with a scattering of palms and enormous stay oaks.
In one other mile, go the Marsh Level campsite, a chosen tenting space in a clearing with benches and a picnic desk.
Marsh Level CampsitePrevious the campsite, the path leads out to Marsh Level, the place needlerush crammed salt marshes stretch out so far as the attention can see.
The pathway then bends to the north, following alongside a scenic winding tidal creek. Returning to the flatwoods, observe the path west.
Marsh LevelCross a collection of seasonal streams earlier than opening to a savanna coated with gallberry, lyonia, and quite a lot of colourful wildflowers.
Nearing 5.5 miles, flip left onto a blue blazed facet path, persevering with for an additional tenth of a mile to complete on the Purify Bay trailhead.
Pine flatwoodsFLORIDA TRAIL NORTHBOUND: Purify BayFLORIDA TRAIL SOUTHBOUND: Porter Tract
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Climbing the Florida Path at Spring Creek
Slideshow
See our photographs from this part
Close by Adventures
Path Map (PDF) Interactive App Hunt Dates (PDF) Official Web site
