Serenity at Sheeler Lake at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch

sheeler lake mike roess gold head branch florida state park

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Waking up in Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park brings much excitement and anticipation. After a night of beyond belief stargazing, we are a bit weary as we prepare our coffee and embark for more adventure. The priority of preservation within this park provides visitors with drop in and drop out points along the trails in juxtaposition with the Gold Head Branch springs. The only spot that seemingly leads to nowhere is the scene of Sheeler Lake, which is estimated to be 24,000 years old.

Sheeler Lake

About a mile south of the Ranger Station, this stop does not have a parking area, but visitors can park at the Ravine Stairway and take a quick stroll to access this sinkhole lake. We encroach upon this area of restoration and rejuvenation at the start of a new day. A brief shuffle down a sandy maze to the lakeside, and we are given the chance to revel in the rising sun. Referred to as the most “fragile” lake in the park, due to years of activity, Sheeler Lake no longer permits swimming, fishing, or boating. The earth surrounding the lake has petite budding bushes and sparse shrub due to previous years of foot traffic and erosion along the shoreline.

We perch along the edge on a single bench and then cruise along the shoreline to encapsulate the stillness. The calm peace of the cascading current and the distant trees swaying in the morning breeze brings me to center. Deer, raccoon, and other wildlife tracks are visible on the north side of the lake, and for fear of disturbing the land or its creatures, we hesitate to venture much further.