Ravine Trail

We trek down 81 stairs of mossy concrete to the new Ravine Boardwalk at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. The boardwalk was restored by volunteers during the pandemic to protect the ravine from erosion. This State Natural Feature Site is a perfect roadside stop, as it is accessible from one of the first parking areas just inside the park’s main entrance.

As we descend down the stairs covered in fall leaves, acorns, and morning mist, slivers of the ravine shimmer through a jungle-like environment. The stream below trickles through clusters of fern around thick moss-covered logs. Up above, there are visible segments of the Florida National Scenic Trail, which traverses 5.44 miles within the park.

Fern Loop

At the bottom of Ravine Stairway, the landscape consists of loblolly pines, magnolia, hickory trees, saw palmetto, and a variety of colorful mushrooms.

We follow the boardwalk north to reach the ravine overlook where fern runs rampant, blue tipped dragonflies flutter around palms, and the crystal clear stream winds and widens, showing off its sandy bottom. Flowing water from nearby streams created and shaped the Gold Head Branch ravine.

Although still labeled as such, Fern Loop is no longer a loop. It is now an impressive overlook of the ravine where 40-70,000 gallons of water emerge every hour from a surficial aquifer. Only the legs of the old bridge remain.

The wide observation deck platform is securely railed for viewing the Gold Head Branch Seep and features two benches for seating. The ravine is about 65 feet deep, 1.5 miles long, and covered in bountiful fern. The spring head collects here and flows south into Little Lake Johnson, the centerpiece of the recreation area serving this 2,366-acre park.

The fern is bright green near the stream and transitions into a darker shade of green near the muddy edges. If you hang out long enough, you’ll hear tree limbs shifting, stream water trickling, and leaves gently falling on the wooden walkway.

Ridge Trail

After some serenity at the overlook, you can head south on the boardwalk to catch the white blazed Ridge Trail toward the old Mill Site (1.1 miles to historic site or 2 miles round trip).

White and red moss-spotted oaks mark the entry to this sandy path that travels along the Gold Head Branch Spring. Be on the lookout for white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bald eagles.

Things to Do

• 4 hiking trails – Ridge Trail (1.15 miles), Loblolly Loop Trail (0.93 miles), Fern Loop (0.2 miles), Florida Scenic Trail (5.44 miles)

• Swimming & Fishing

• Canoe/Kayak – canoe rentals available at Ranger Station

• 3 Campgrounds – 67 sites

• 16 cabins (no pets allowed)

Explore More:

Check out more adventures at this park: