PARK OVERVIEW

In the midst of uncertainty and trials, there is always a trail. A force of nature. The option to wander out into the unknown and embrace the mystery. You’ll find it’s easy to get lost and then found again at Bulow Creek State Park, established in 1981. Located between Ormond Beach and Flagler Beach, this Florida State Park spans nearly 5,000 acres where Native American settlements thrived nearly 5,000 years ago. It’s a history-packed choice for a half-day hike or a full-day hike, depending on what you’re in the mood for. The south end of the Bulow Woods Trail traverses Seminole Indian history, and the north end begins at Bulow Plantation Ruins, where you can walk around coquina chimneys on the only remaining rock of the old sugar mill. This plantation was destroyed in the Second Seminole War fires of 1836.

Bulow Woods Trail

We take our first steps of 2021 on the Bulow Woods Trail, which travels 6.8 miles one-way from the infamous Fairchild Oak tree to Bulow Plantation Ruins. Starting at the Fairchild Oak parking area, we veer left at the trailhead and descend into the dense combination of pinewood forest, live oak hammocks, and hardwood swamp. Storm damage is evident on both sides of the wide footpath with down oaks and pines splattered in green moss and white mushrooms. I bend down to feel the sharp shreds of bark between my fingers as fall colored leaves float around my backpack, nudging me into the wilderness.

In the early 1800s, this trail served as a road connecting Ormond Plantation to Bulow Plantation. Today, we follow yellow blazes through a segment of oak trees and pine uplands. A canopy of green creates a shaded path through the largest standing southern live oak forest on Florida’s east coast. The massive, 200-year old oak trunks draped in Spanish moss and covered in resurrection fern are a sight to behold.

After about a mile, we head east along the trail. Our feet sink into traps of thick black mud, and we are circled by murky waters on both sides of the trail. Fallen logs are half submerged in the swamp with gentle gatherings of bright green fern and white mushrooms protruding from their edges. Among the cabbage palm swamp blanketed in moss and leaves, snakes and alligators have been spotted by recent hikers. I keep Cami close to me on the narrow beds of palm fronds, and we pick up the pace.

Cedar Creek

We come to a marsh bridge overlooking Cedar Creek where the wet breath of the water lingers on the surrounding landscape. From this wooden patch of tranquility, the salt marsh scent and panoramic views extend for miles. The green cordgrass blows in the wind, blue herons perch on nearby stumps, and fish flop out to greet us.

The Red Trail

After a quick detour to check out a local crabbing hole along Bulow Creek, we hop onto the Red Trail, a 1.4-mile loop through pine flatwoods. This spur trail is desolate and wild with overgrown oaks and tangling vines. There is no one in sight. Only the rustle of the wind and the scampering of squirrels at our feet. We follow the winding path with the red blazes as our guide, and we are finally lost in the woods. The best way to start a new year.

More Things to Do

• Bulow Woods Trail (hiking / biking) – 6.8 miles (one-way)

• Skip Wahlin Nature Trail – 0.5-mile loop

• Red Trail (Spur Trail) - 1.4-mile loop

• Neon Green Blaze (Spur Trail) - 0.5 miles

South end parking: Fairchild Oak (main entrance)

North end parking: Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Old Kings Road

Alternate entrance: Walter Boardman Lane (park here & opt to hike north or south)

• Fairchild Oak – be sure to check out this sensational sprawling life form whose roots are as deep as its limbs are high. This 70-foot tall live oak has been preserved for over 500 years. You can’t miss it!

• Designated Florida Canoe Trail - access via Walter Boardman Lane & nearby Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park.

• Official Geocaching!

• Dummett Plantation Mill Ruins - a short drive takes you to all that remains of the 1825 sugar & rum factory.

Explore More:

Check out more First Day Hikes in Florida:

Learn the history of Bulow Plantation: