Overview

The west end of the trail traverses an interesting low savanna profuse with ground orchids and spring wildflowers. Midway along the trail are the remnants of the settlement of Vilas, a reminder of the turpentine industry. There is good fishing on the Ochlockonee River and in Camel Lake, along with plenty of additional opportunities to fish in the creeks and water holes along the way.

To the west of Porter Lake Campground, the dominant vegetation is longleaf and slash pines with an under story of palmetto and wiregrass. A few turkey oaks occur in areas where there is better drainage. Vegetation along the drainages includes titi, tulip poplar, and other hardwoods. The trail crosses Coxes Branch on a suspension bridge. Summer wildflowers such as meadow beauty can be seen in this area. Wading can be expected if recent rainfall has been heavy.

Hikers in the northwestern corner of the Apalachicola National Forest near Camel Lake can explore a diverse area of unique plant communities. Between Memery Island and County Road 12, the trail passes through an area of pitcher plant savannas and hardwoods along drainages. East of Forest Road 108, the trail descends into pine flatwoods with a short section across a pitcher plant savanna and through a cypress swamp. A 9.4 mile loop is possible by parking at Camel Lake and hiking to Memery Island, Sheep Island, and Bonnet Pond before returning to Camel Lake. Numerous shorter day hikes are possible by checking the map for access points where the trail crosses sand roads.

Map

The eastern end is on FH 13 (CR 368) at the Ochlockonee River near Porter Lake campground. The western end is on CR 12, ten miles south of Bristol.

 Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey. 

Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc.

Trailheads

At the east terminus, park in the Porter Lake campground. At the west terminus, park in the Camel Lake campground. In between, park at Vilas.

Features

Boardwalks

Botanical

Bridges

Campsites

Gateway Communities

Geologic

Shelters

History

Conditions

 Nearly all the hiking on this trail is over flat pine and palmetto fields with titi swamps. This segment may be knee-deep in water following heavy rains. {

tab=Precautions} 

Wear safety orange during hunting seasons. 

Restrictions

During general gun hunting season camping is allowed ONLY at designated campgrounds - Porter Lake and Camel Lake (28.5 miles apart). For information, write to: Forest Service, Wakulla Ranger District, Rt. 6, Box 7860, Crawfordville, FL 32372. 

Resources

The Florida Trail: The Official Hiking Guide

Florida Trail Companion Guide for Long Distance Hikers

Map 9/10 Appalachicola West & East

Apalachicola National Forest

Liberty County

Florida Hikes! Trail of Lakes Loop