Hiking to Deer Lake at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch

national scenic trail mike roess gold head branch florida state park

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

On our First Day Hike of 2019, we launch at the old Mill Site, finding our way to where the Florida National Scenic Trail traverses for a total of 5.44 miles within Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. The Florida Trail connects to Deer Lake, Loblolly Loop Trail, Little Lake Johnson, and Pebble Lake. At the dirt crossroads, we opt for a shorter hike northbound up to Deer Lake.

national scenic trail mike roess gold head branch — Florida National Scenic Trail

Florida National Scenic Trail

We are not sure how far this journey leads along the Florida Trail, but we surrender to the pinewoods, and let our souls roam free in route through the forest. 360 degrees of longleaf pinewoods draws us in, and I exhale. The ground is covered in pine needles, autumn leaves, and down timber, and the narrow path is naturally carved for its travelers. Small green shrub and heaps of prickly cacti stick out from the earth amongst acres of pines that reach to the sky. The slippery sandy trail calls us further into the distance. Touches of green remain on the autumn splashed trees, and the sun beats down on us in the increasingly warmer morning.

Deer Lake

After some time, the bright blue sky opens in a clearing, signifying the impending Deer Lake, also known as the “Devil’s Washbasin.” Sand dunes and multiple dirt mounds guide us down a much narrower path.

Deer Lake, the park’s second sinkhole lake, appears as a quaint vision of bright blue waters reflected in the blue sky with a sand pine forest surrounding the perimeter. There is seemingly no way to access the lake, as we are only able to get about 10 feet from the water’s edge by walking down a short sand dune to the shore. We get cozy next to a tree full of red berries. The lake remains still, and looking beyond, one tree, taller than all the rest pokes out proudly in the horizon. Other oaks and pines block parts of our view, but we enjoy what’s offered of this simple solitude along the Florida National Scenic Trail on the first morning of a new year.