Update on Fisheating Creek
Fisheating Creek at dawn (Bob Coveney)
Rob and I were in search of the new interpretive trail at Fisheating Creek last Monday when time overtook us the first try, and dusk overtook us the second try. However, I managed to get some clarifications from folks who’ve been there and seen it.
The interpretive trail starts from at the new FWC office along SR 78 in Lakeport, in that section where the Florida Trail has to follow the road for three miles. Turn off on Banana Grove Road into the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area and follow the road to the office. The trail is at Fort Center, a significant archeological site. According to Liz Sparks, Recreation Planner for FWC:
The new trailhead has covered picnic pavilions, vault toilets, and an observation deck overlooking the creek. The best way to enjoy the trail is to bring off-road bikes and use them for the mile-long access road which meets the 1.2 mile loop trail at the edge of the hardwood hammock and loops through the woods in deep shade. We have new interpretive kiosk/rest benches along the way that inform visitors about the fascinating history of the creek. There are interpretive spots near the charnal pond and a mound, the birding is excellent over the marsh and along the open areas either side of the access road. I’ve frequently seen crested caracaras on the fence posts.
It is also possible, according to the folks at Fisheating Creek Campground, to hike 20 miles along Fisheating Creek on what they described as “high water” and “low water” routes between the campground and this new trailhead. I’d love to know more about that if you do!
The mile long (seems like 5) access trail to the beautiful hammock is a very painful on hard limestone tread. Absolutely no shade, a periodic interpretive display that could/should be up in the hammock underneath the trees. Why the designer, if any, chose to have a hiking trail on the existing straight jeep trail is absolutely beyond comprehension. People just don’t walk in a straight line for a mile in the Florida sun!
Recommend realigning the hiking trail in a meandering route to take advantage of the creek meanders and the few trees that are present. I would volunteer to help you. FWC seems to have all of the equipment know to humans in the horribly un-scenic ribbon-wired compound so put it to use and change that trail alignment please, and also align it where we don’t have to look at the compound. The rest is great.
Thanks for the heads-up. I’m planning to visit this trail this week if weather cooperates. Will talk to the FWC folks about your concerns and document them myself if I can.
I’ve been into the Ft Center Mounds five times in the past year by canoe, bicycle and foot, and it is indeed a very special place. Each time I’ve seen more game (deer, turkey, hogs, marsh rabbitts, split-tailed kites, etc) then at any other place in South Florida. We will have a discussion with the chief FWC ranger from the FEC WMA at the FTA Fall Conference (on Oct 30 - Nov 1, 2009) at the Main FEC Campground in Palmdale about helping the FWC develope a dedicated hiking trail from the Campground along the south side of the Creek to Fort Center. A service road alredy connects this route, and I’ve followed it about four miles east of US 27 and about two miles west of the Mound complex. I will lead a 7-mile R/T hike on Saturday AM on 10/31/09 from US 27 to a beautyful oak hammock on Rock Lake and return to the trail head, that is just across the street from Tom Gaskins’ old Cypress Knee Musuem. I hope you can join us at our “Return to the Creek”.
I will put that in my calendar. Thanks for the early heads-up, David!
What can I say? I paddled Fisheating Cr soon after it reopened - saw one canoe and lots of wildlife. Had the campground to myself and was entertained by the campgound host who was actively involved in the long battle to repopen the cr. On a return trip 2 yrs later, I steped in human feces at the Burnt Bridge put-in, saw garbage on the creek and lots of boats, and much less wildlife. The State sought new campground management, expanded for RVs (some of which were in the tent camping area-progress-an amazing thing.
I do free-lance photography and writing and considered doing an article on the creek after that first mystical trip (arriving in camp afer dark)-and decided not to! Need I say more.
Made it to Fort Ancient 2-3 yrs ago when the state was considering this new “Interpretive Trail”-dodge Likes Brother’s cattle while on my bike. State Fish and Wild boys were patroling that day-did’nt invite me to their lunch-cookout under a live oak overing looking the incredibe landscape of Fort Ancient. To their credit, they did check an airboat speeding by.
As a former interperetive naturalist (IN) and “explorer” of the natural world going on 60 yrs now, I’m not optimistic about the future of the stewarship of this incredible natural world that we all share and impact.
I’ve learned that some places and things are better left unknown.
Hi Sandra,
I recently was introduced to “The Memorial Tree” on Fisheating Creek, accessible from a trail point in the town of Palmdale. Have you seen it? Breathtaking! I was kicking myself for not having a camera. The evening hike was on the spur of the moment, and cut short by mosquitoes. I’ll be better prepared next time.
In the late 70’s, I used to camp in the West Wilderness Area, and did so, many, many times. It was a fabulous camping area! I have since then relocated to North Florida. My Husband and I would like to do some camping this year, and would like to know if it is still possible to camp in the same area as I used to? I know a lot of years have passed, and things do change. We prefer to camp in solitary areas, the more primitive, the better! If you could shed some light on this with a reply, It will be deeply appreciated.
Regards,
Catherine Sloan-Rhys