Enjoying a Day at Dunns Creek State Park

Putnam County is the “Trail Hub” of Northeast Florida, and offers a variety of hiking, biking, paddling, and horseback riding trails. There’s no lack of options when you visit, but there is one place that offers all of the above, as well as some other great amenities for those seeking the solace and peacefulness of undisturbed nature – Dunns Creek State Park in Pomona Park. 

The park is named after John Dunn, an attorney and coffee planter who farmed the land in the 1700s. However, people have been enjoying this area since long before that – with archaeological evidence dating back to the Native Americans.The land has also been used for missionary and military outposts, turpentining, logging, and cattle ranching. 

Today though, the park is a natural playground for outdoors enthusiasts. With its large footprint and variable topography, Dunns Creek State Park offers a great way to spend a day – and a variety of ways to do it. If you’re seeking a quiet park and some relaxing time in nature, this is your place. It spreads out over 6,300 acres and is home to 21 natural communities, including steephead ravines, slope forests, seepage streams, and more. It offers endless opportunities to enjoy this majestic oasis by land or water. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy a day at Dunns Creek State Park. 

Hike, Bike, or Ride Horses on the Trails

While many trails in Florida are flat, the paths at Dunns Creek State Park offer nature lovers a little terrain. You’re not going to have significant elevation changes, but you will experience a little more than most other trails in the state. There are some roots to navigate, too. The Piney Bluff Trails range in length from 1.4 miles to 6.1 miles and are marked Green, Red, Yellow, and Blue. The Blue Pond Trail is 2 miles in length. Most of these trails can accommodate hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. (Horses are not allowed on one section of the yellow trail.) There are more than 60 miles of service roads and trails within the park, so you have plenty to explore. 

Enjoy the Local Wildlife 

With the diverse natural communities, there’s no doubt that this is one of Florida’s best birding spots. St. Johns Regional Audubon has even designated it as one of their birding hotspots. According to eBird, 80 species have been recorded there. You could spot a pileated woodpecker, eastern bluebird, anhinga, summer tanager, wild turkey, northern bobwhite, sandhill crane, or maybe even a bald eagle. Florida scrub jays have also been spotted in the park. Don’t get too caught up looking up, though. You may also spot a variety of tracks on the ground, and you could see other wildlife such as bobcats, squirrels, deer, foxes, and gopher tortoises. If you want the best chance of seeing wildlife, visit in the morning or right before sunset. 

Drop a Line

Putnam County is the Bass Capital of the World, and this is one great spot where you can see why. The fishing pier extends into the waters that meander along a six-mile creek that runs from Crescent Lake to the St. Johns River, making it a great fishing spot. Don’t limit yourself to just bass fishing, though. From the pier you could also catch catfish, bream, mullet, and more. 

Paddle the Waters

The fishing pier also has a canoe and kayak launch, and even better, it’s ADA accessible. The design makes it so easy to get in and out of your boat, and this is one of the most scenic spots to paddle in Putnam County. John and William Bartram paddled Dunns Creek in the winter of 1765-1766. The creek is now part of the Bartram Waterway Trail in Putnam County. It’s also the fastest flowing tributary of the St. Johns River. There are no rentals available within the park, so you’ll need to bring your own kayak or canoe. (Powerboats are not able to launch from here.) 

Have a Picnic

After paddling and hiking, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Pack a lunch, as this area offers some scenic spots to hang out and grab a bite to eat. Picnic tables can be found near the trailheads and alongside the water’s edge near the fishing pier and kayak/canoe launch and near the Piney Bluff trailhead. There’s an additional picnic area with a covered area and grills at the Blue Pond Entrance. 

Stop and Smell the Flowers

Dunns Creek State Park is a spectacular place to see (and smell) some of Florida’s prettiest wildflowers. You can spot a variety of native blooms as you drive in on the main road, and even more if you decide to explore the trails. To see the flowers at their peak, try to visit in spring or early fall. 

Hop on the Tram  

If you want to explore all the park has to offer in a more leisurely way, plan your visit for a day when the park staff is conducting tram rides. The fully accessible tram allows you to have an extra bonus of hearing stories about Dunns Creek State Park. These are wonderful educational opportunities, but they don’t happen everyday. Call ahead to see if they will be offered on the day you’re visiting. 

Go Orienteering 

Orienteering is a fun activity where you use a compass and map to locate certain control points. Florida Orienteering conducts events at Dunns Creek State Park, but you don’t have to wait for one of those to join in on the fun. There are eight orienteering maps for Dunns Creek State Park that you can print and use whenever you go. These are semi-permanent ROYO (Run On Your Own) courses and there are no permanent markers in the woods.  You’ll just use the MapRun app on your phone to record your results. 

Join in One of the Fun Events 

Dunns Creek State Park is home to multiple events throughout the year. They’ve served as the northeast Florida location for MammothMarch – a popular 20-mile hiking adventure that often sells out. In the spring, you’ll want to grab a spot by the water to see the vintage boat parade, and in the fall, you can enjoy the Toys Tour power boat tour. 

Things to Know Before Visiting Dunns Creek State Park 

• The main entrance is located at 320 Sisco Road, Pomona Park, Florida 32181. There is another walk-in entrance off of Highway 17 that has a picnic area and a trail leading to Blue Pond, but that doesn’t allow access to the full park. To access the majority of the trails and the fishing dock, make sure you use the Sisco Road entrance. 
• The entrance fee is collected on the honor system – the front gate isn’t manned. You can pay with cash (but you’ll have to have the exact amount since there’s nobody there to give you change), but there’s also an option to scan a QR code and pay online. If you’re a Florida State Parks annual passholder, just grab one of the blue envelopes at the pay station and write your pass number on it. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle if you have two to eight people in the car. Single-occupant cars are $4, and those coming in on foot or via bike have a $2 fee. 
• The gate opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset each day. 
• There aren’t any concession stands or stores within the park, so make sure to bring all of the snacks and water you’ll need for the day, as well as things like bug spray and sunscreen.
• Always check the tides before you go paddling. 
• Clean up after yourself and throw all trash away or take it with you. 
• Pets are allowed on the marked trails, but must be on a 6-foot leash. 
• If you’re fishing, make sure you have the appropriate Florida freshwater fishing license. 
• Boondock camping can be arranged for special events on a case by case basis. You can book special events through Friends of Dunns Creek State Park. You can also follow them on Facebook to keep up with the latest happenings at the park. 
• Outside of special events, there aren’t any campsites available for you to book. However, there are plenty of places to stay in Putnam County, Florida. You’ll find multiple hotels, fish camps, campgrounds, and vacation rentals in the nearby communities.
• With the changing foliage, the park evolves with the seasons as well. That gives you even more reason to come back again and again. 
• If you’re in town for a few days, you may also want to check out another great state park in Putnam County – Ravine Gardens State Park. 
• Also be sure to download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android to learn more about all of the great places to hike in Putnam County.