Hiram Faver Nature Trail at Faver-Dykes State Park

pellicer creek faver dykes florida state park

Park Overview

Just off Highway US-1 in St. Augustine, Florida, awaits Faver-Dykes State Park bordering Pellicer Creek. Longleaf pinewoods and thick clusters of oak lure you down a 2.5-mile dirt road toward the state park entrance. Scorched underbrush lines the roadside from prescribed burns, which you can learn more about at the park Visitor Center.

Composed of over 6,000 acres, this park is known for its natural preservation and features four hiking trails: Picnic Area Nature Trail (0.5-mile); Campground Nature Trail (0.5-mile); Pine Loop Trail (0.8 miles); and Hiram Faver Nature Trail (2.6 miles). There is also a newly constructed boardwalk that leads to a kayak/canoe launch.

pine loop trail at faver dykes state park — Pine Loop Trail

Park History

The history of the land dates back to 1817, when the Timucua Indians once inhabited. It was part of the Buena Suerte Plantation, owned by General Joseph Hernandez of Spain until the Second Seminole War.

The Hiram Faver Nature Trail was named after the son of the Faver family who eventually owned the land. A true lover of wildlife, Hiram Faver served as the Clerk of Court in St. John’s County from 1936 through 1961. He donated the land to the Florida State Board of Parks and Historic Memorials in 1950.

This 2.6-mile nature trail commemorates Hiram Faver’s legacy and his ambition to promote the “outdoor classroom.” It meanders through three plant communities – mesic (moist) flatwoods, maritime hammock, and tidal marsh.

hiram faver nature trail at faver dykes state park — Hiram Faver Nature Trail

Our Adventure

The muddy path envelopes us into a vast forest of longleaf pines and an understory of bright green sabal palm with interpretative signage along the route. A trail of protruding roots leads us further into the marsh toward Pellicer Creek, a tranquil estuarian tidal marsh named after Spanish settler Francisco Pellicer, who built his home along the creek in 1790. Today, the creek is designated as a State Canoe Trail and an Aquatic Preserve and is great for paddling and fishing activities.

Bountiful hammocks provide shade overhead, keeping our hike at cooler temperatures. A most welcome breeze billows down wide paths through dense turkey oaks, red cedar, magnolia, and cabbage palm. We pass by numerous benches covered in native blueberries, and we come upon a small lookout spot just about a mile into our hike. Traversing saw palmetto and mud mounds, we get a quick glimpse of the creek shrouded by marsh. The banks of Pellicer Creek twist and turn, following us along on our journey, where we can view other explorers navigating the fresh meets saltwater creek by canoe and kayak.

marsh at faver dykes state park — Marshland at Faver-Dykes State Park

Our trek takes us to the main overlook of Pellicer Flats leading east to the Matanzas River. This spot marks the halfway point of the trail and the site of the Carter Plantation at Hemming Point. We hike down to the water’s edge, where the land is blanketed in fallen branches and sun-bleached driftwood along the shore. The sun beats down between pine and oak trees, casting more wear on the already bleached branches, shards of coquina shells, and hills of saturated salt marsh. Lining the creek’s edge, wild orange mushrooms flourish. Lime green cordgrass juts up against black needlerush and thick rows of mangroves.

pellicer creek at faver dykes state park — Pellicer Creek at Faver-Dykes State Park

Blue waves roll in, flowing fast and certain, with small islands and sailboats separating our view from the other coastline and Highway 95 on the horizon. White ibis and herons feed on the tidal marsh. Fiddler crabs scurry at our feet around coquina. We climb up on spider-legged roots and branches to capture spectacular views of the shimmering creek.

Back on the cliff overlook, a single park bench opens to a vast view of Pellicer Creek. Catch a glimpse of over 100 bird species. Inhale the aromas of wet marsh land and burnt forest pine, and relish in the celestial creek just outside America’s oldest city.