Through the Woods

If you follow the yellow diamonds that leave South Camp, you’ll end up walking 1.4 miles to reach the Econlockhatchee River bridge, and will have to turn around and come back unless you work out a car shuttle to hike to Barr Street (turn right on the orange blazes at the bridge) or Snow Hill Road (go across the bridge) trailheads, both of which allow longer day hikes using the Florida Trail.

Sticking with the Loop Trail, you cross a narrow but deep cut through the forest, one of the few remaining canals from the turpentine era. Turn left for a quick side trip along the canal to see old pines with tall, thin scars known as “catfaces.” The Loop Trail soon rejoins the shoreline trail in front of the entrance to the Chapel. Take a moment to walk the 0.2-mile trail down through the dense pine hammock to the Chapel, a site for reflection along a peninsula out into the pond.

Return to the Loop Trail and turn right to follow the trail between two flatwoods. After 1.4 miles, the Loop Trail ends at the restroom. Turn left, and watch for a trail leading off to the right to the Ed Yarborough Educational Center. It’s open on Saturday mornings. From the front of the center, follow the road to the left to return to the parking area, passing the North Camp along the way.