I hiked Goldhead Branch State Parks Ridge Trail today. It's my first trail experiance since I took up hiking as a recreational activity. Certainly was a lot more pleasant than my Army days.

I got to the park at about 12:20 PM. The weather was refreshingly cool for the area since it can be brutal in the summer months. I didn't check the temperature but I estimate it was about 73-75 degrees! The sky was a bit cloudy which helped keep the sun at bay and there was a nice breeze most of the trip. Prime conditions for a first hike!

I hit the trail at 12:45 PM. I carried my backpack as I'm trying to get used to lugging it on longer trips. No pack would be neccesary unless you were staying overnight at the primitive campsites. All you would need would be water and maybe a camera. If you view the pictures from the hike you'll see my backpack which I picked up at Wal-mart. I payed $40 bucks for it! I've since found several deals on Ebay but this pack will be good for day hikes or over nighters I think.

The Ridge Trail starts at the ravine along with the short Fern Loop. The FT trailhead is at the entrance of the park and joins the Ridge trail about halfway through if I remember correctly. I have a picture uploaded of the trail intersection. The Ridge Trail ends at the Mill site, and the FT continues through on Loblolly Trail. I explored a bit of the Loblolly but I didn't follow it out. My next trip I hope to hike the entire FT section in the park.

The Ridge trail is 1.1 miles, 2.2 if you make it a loop. I live in the area about 8-9 miles from the park and I was quite surprised to find this oasis in the sand scrub and pine/palmetto forests. There are neat signs along the trail that provide cool information about the surrounding vegetation. I know most of the plants and trees but most of them I couldn't name or describe so the info was interesting.

I passed one group of what I think were college students maybe, who were back and forth on the trail during my hike. They were friendly so I wasn't upset about the traffic. I also encountered 4-5 other people who all were very nice and who seemed to be really enjoying the trail as I was.

It is fascinating to walk the trail and onbserve how on the upper side of the trail it is all sandy and scrublike. On the ravine side it's almost rainforest. Quite a difference in my opinion. This is why I say it's like a well hidden oasis. Just a bit past the FT intersection you begin to hear the bubbling of the stream at the botton of the ravine. There's a great side trail that runs right into the activity of the stream and I found it a nice place to rest for a few minutes and drink some water. Pictures are included from this spot.

At the end of the Ridge Trail you meet the stream again at what is the Mill site. There are benches here and a nice bridge so you can view the site of the mill. I rested here for while then headed back up the trail. All in all I was very impressed with Goldhead. As I've said, it is my first hike, so I don't have and basis of comparison. I loved the hike though. I will certainly go back. Actually this visit was kind of a scout mission to explore the area. I am planning on taking my son (4 yrs old) for an overnighter so I was looking for a child friendly trail and camp environment. Hopefully he and I will be able to take advantage of the fishing and at a later time the swimming too.

I would recommend this trail to everyone. It makes for a great afternoon outing. If anyone wants to plan a hike I'd love to join you. Feel free to contact me!

I think I'm hooked on hiking!!

Link to the pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/gmcclain20/GoldheadBranchStatePark

Nice report and photos. Glad you had an enjoyable hike! It's a good starter. If you liked the "rainforest" effect in the ravine, you will love Rice Creek. It's a longer hike (linear + loop) but absolutely beautiful in there. Goldhead is perfect for kids: short distance to camp plus other things to do besides hike.

Your trip report inspired Susan (my 12 year old) and I to visit Goldhead Branch this weekend. It is a beautiful park. We parked at the 'ravine overlook' and walked the trail across the street to the T and turned left which took us to the campgounds. I think that little stretch is called 'Old Tram Road'... not sure. We saw 4 deer and no people. We then headed to the mill. I liked the Loblolly trail the best. The Ravine trail was super too.

Great pictures and thanks for your trip report.

I'm glad I could be an inspiration to Susan, and I'm happy that you guys had a good time! It's great when we can get our children to appreciate the outdoors. Plus it's such a wholesome and pure contrast to the alternative activities we might share in with kids, friends, or family. I have been inspired by the reports, forum posts, pictures, and articles here at Floridahikes.com, and I'm comforted in knowing I have contributed something to such a wonderful community.

Check back to this forum. I'm planning on doing the Rice Creek hike possibly this week, on Sandra's recommendation. I was going back to Goldhead but my curiosity has been sparked to explore that area first. I want to see the 8th oldest Cypress tree. Was that 8th oldest in Florida or of all Cypress trees? I don't remember!

Actually, it's the 8th LARGEST cypress in Florida (in terms of height and width). Hope you didn't get rained out!

oh, must have been confused! I didn't get to go to Rice Creek CA this week. I caught a nasty cold and was pretty much floored all week. I'm going back either Goldhead or Rodman Resevoir tommorow to take my son camping. I'll try to post something of our trip when we return.