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Reported: April 2023

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park...

Eco-biking and Hiking in a Scenic State Park

Located along SR 21 north of Keystone Heights, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is one of Florida's oldest State Parks. The land was donated by Martin J. ("Mike") Roess and the park built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's - many original New Deal era structures remain. The park is situated on 2300+ acres with rolling sandhills and long leaf pine along Florida's north central ridge. Biking is permitted on the 3-mile paved park road, trails are hiking only. An unexpected highlight was the scenic ravine, carved out by spring-fed Gold Head Branch and running 1.5 miles through the park. State park fee applies. Gold Head Branch State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Map link and photos below.)

Gold Head Branch State Park, eco-biking and hiking

Map link... Gold Head Branch State Park

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Location: Clay County (See map)
End Points: 6239 SR 21, Keystone Heights FL
Mileage: 3 miles of park roads, hiking trails including 5 miles of Florida Trail
Surface: Asphalt, stone, grass

Support and Advocacy:
Gold Head Associates

Bike Shops/Rentals: N/A

Page Summary:

Eco-biking and Hiking at Gold Head Branch State Park
Biking the Park Road
Hiking Trails
More Information and Resources

Eco-biking and Hiking at Gold Head Branch State Park... Comments and Photos

Gold Head Branch State Park has parking, restrooms, picnicking with pavilions and grills, a playground, and several lakes. Activities include biking, hiking, equestrian riding; swimming, paddling (rentals available), fishing, birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The park is popular for camping - 73 fully-equipped campsites with water and electricity accommodating RVs, camping trailers and tents, plus group and primitive tent camping. A plus are the 16 vacation cabins, ranging from original 1930's stone and log cabins to new, fully-equipped lakeside cabins. Wildlife include deer, gopher tortoises, Sherman's fox squirrel, snakes, fox, eagles, hawks, turkeys and many other songbirds and waterbirds.

Biking the Park Road - 3 miles

The paved park road runs 3 miles from the park entrance to the E-bird hotspot (186 species observed). Shared by bicycles, hikers and motor vehicles, the road links to all park facilities. Mostly used by campers, this an easy, scenic ride with mixed sun and shade depending on time of day. More biking is on spurs leading to campgrounds and picnicking. A large parking area is located at the main picnic area at Pebble Lake - a scenic spot. For a longer ride, a paved trail starting at the park entrance runs 6 miles south along SR 21 to the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail at Keystone Heights.

Note: While vehicles on the park road are generally slow-moving, do stay watchful as there can be RVs and trailers being towed here.

From Entry to E-bird Spot

Share the road

At ravine overlook

Deer

E-bird hotspot

SR 21 trail at park entry

Camping and Cabins

To campground

View from campsite

To cabins

Little Lake Johnson from cabins

Picnicking

To picnic area

Playground

To lakeside pavilion

Restrooms are under the pavilion

Pebble Lake - a sinkhole

Parking

Hiking Trails

Hiking, ranging from easy to experienced, is on 3 park trails and 5 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The Ravine Stairway is off the main road, with a small paved parking area. There are 81 steps down - and then back up. Good advice we received on the way up was to remember to breath and go slow. Winding down into the ravine displays the changing terrain, from sunny sandhill to shady ravine habitat.

Ridge Trail (moderate) - 2.2 miles round-trip starting from the ravine stairway on the upper ridge and winding through the ravine to an old mill site. Includes a section of boardwalk from the stairway. Connects with the Florida Trail for a longer hike.
Fern Loop (easy) - 0.2 mile out and back starting from the ravine stairway. Runs on a boardwalk to a view of the Gold Head Branch headsprings. Short but scenic. Continue on the Ridge Trail for a longer hike.
Loblolly Loop (moderate) - one mile loop, beginning and ending at the old mill site. Winds along the creek through coastal forest with some of the largest loblolly pines in the park. Good for birdwatching.
Florida National Scenic Trail (recommended for experienced hikers) - 5.5 miles including the Ridge Trail and half of the Loblolly Loop.