Location: East of Yeehaw Junction [27.613700, -80.757083] 3 miles – LINEAR & LOOP – moderate to difficult
Drive either 10 miles east on SR 60 from the Yeehaw Junction exit of the Florida Turnpike, or 15 miles west on SR 60 from I-95 exit 147, Vero Beach. The entrance to Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area lies to the south; look for the small sign. Follow the road along the levees for 0.8 miles to reach the parking area at Lake Cara. An attendant may be present. Open the gate in front of you (and close it behind you) to drive another 1.3 miles on a narrow limestone road to reach the Horseshoe Lake parking area. If the Lake Cara gate is locked, walk south down the road from the Lake Cara parking lot, extending the total length of your hike to 5.6 miles.
Note: Rains may cause parts of the trail on Hog Island to flood, making parts of your walk more of a wade, thus the "difficult" rating - along with the scrambles you'll do around Horseshoe Lake. The campsite tends to stay dry. This is an active hunting area; check the information at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission for Fort Drum Marsh WMA before making plans to hike or camp.
