Defending over 5,300 acres of land throughout the St Johns River watershed, Deep Creek Protect is split into two distinct tracts alongside its namesake waterway.
Although a big portion of the Yarborough Tract was as soon as agricultural land, the North Tract encompasses a wild swath of wetlands.
A small nook of the North Tract parcel consists of upland communities, the place a well-marked path showcases boggy baygalls and verdant pine prairies.
Among the many oaksSources
Overview
Location: ElktonLength: 2.8 milesTrailhead: 29.782583, -81.491917Address: 3725 CR 13 S, ElktonFees: FreeRestrooms: NoneLand supervisor: St Johns River Water Administration DistrictPhone: 386-329‑4500
Open 24 hours, leashed canine welcome.
Instructions
Hike
Beginning on the trailhead parking space, stroll down the forest highway for a tenth of a mile to an data kiosk with path maps.
Crimson diamonds mark the route as a large pathway curves westward to cross over a baygall habitat.
Trailhead gateCulverts enable water to go below the highway the place a dense cover of bay and sweetgum stands above darkish soil lined in a large number of ferns.
On the opposite aspect, a slight rise in elevation brings a transition to oaks and sporadic pines.
Wetland crossingThe path bends southward, bordered by a dense assortment of noticed palmetto, gallberry, and wax myrtle.
Spindly ladies-tresses orchids bloom on the edges of the grassy entry highway, alongside orange milkworts and pink mimosa blossoms.
Orchids in bloomReaching the loop portion of the path at 0.9 mile, proceed straight, following pink blazed pines deeper into the forest.
In one other quarter mile, take a pointy proper flip to go away the highway, venturing into an more and more moist surroundings on a narrower pathway.
Blazed pine treeBay timber rise overhead because the hall dips right into a swampy stretch prone to maintain water after heavy rain.
Because the path heads northward, it traces alongside primordial wetlands earlier than rising right into a mesic flatwoods habitat.
Flooded pathA sea of native shrubs thrives on this sun-drenched savanna maintained with periodic fireplace, evidenced by charred pines with wholesome, leaf lined crowns.
At 1.9 miles, the loop portion ends on the strategy path, leaving a nice 0.9 mile stroll again to the trailhead.
Pine flatwoodsPath Map
Discover Extra!
Video
Mountain climbing Deep Creek Conservation Space North
Close by Adventures
Path Map (PDF) Official Web site
