Sandhill Trail

Young longleaf pine along the Sandhill Trail

[29.201433, -82.049567]
The Sandhill Nature Trail (which can also be reached from the Sinkhole Trail) is a 1.7-mile loop through a longleaf and wiregrass sandhill habitat. Starting just beyond the entrance station, it leads you into an upland area of turkey oaks and young longleaf pines. You’ll see plenty of woodpeckers. Keep alert for trail signs indicating the route, as many unmarked side trails intersect the loop.

After you complete the hike, drive along the park road up to the main parking area, flanked by the Cracker village, the Silver River Museum and environmental education center, and two arched trailheads—Sinkhole Trail and River Trails. Open only on weekends, the museum (with an additional nominal charge) presents in-depth information on geology, paleontology, and the natural and human history of this region.