A Quiet Forest With Big Adventures: Exploring Etoniah Creek State Forest’s Trails, Camping, and Endangered Species

In Putnam County, you’ll find no shortage of trails, including some like the Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail that stretch through multiple counties. The 1,500-mile Florida National Scenic Trail weaves through Putnam County as well. One common feature these esteemed trails share is that they cross through Etoniah Creek State Forest. 

The forest’s natural lands encompass over 8,900 acres and have become the perfect place for a multitude of outdoor adventures. In addition to the recreational trails that are popular with cyclists, hikers, and equestrians, Etoniah Creek State Forest is a great spot for fishing, hunting, camping, and observing wildlife. It’s a unique place that’s also home to multiple endangered plants and animals.

Abundant Wildlife and One of Florida’s Rarest Plants:

With so many critters that call Etoniah Creek State Forest home, you may even start to spot wildlife before you set forth on the trails. It’s not uncommon to see turkeys, deer, beavers, and fox squirrels. The natural habitat also creates an ideal home for multiple threatened and endangered species such as the eastern indigo snake and gopher tortoise. Florida scrub jays can also be found here, as well as an array of other birds. Etoniah Creek State Forest is a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, and according to eBird, over 125 species have been identified there. 

While you’re there, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for a rare plant that’s only found in Putnam County – etonia rosemary. This endangered plant grows close to the ground and has a fragrant aroma. If you happen to visit in late summer or early fall, you’ll also get the added bonus of seeing this rare plant in bloom. The exact location of the largest patch of etonia rosemary is shown on the map of Etoniah Creek State Forest so that all explorers have an opportunity to see it. However, just remember that this is an endangered plant, so be cautious to preserve it.

Areas to Explore  

The Holloway Day-Use Area:

The Holloway Day-Use Area is a spacious area with ample parking. The trailhead leads to a 9.2-mile path that twists and turns through the forest. This multi-use trail is where you’ll come if you’re bringing your horse along for a walk through the forest. There are hitches and access to water, making it very equestrian-friendly. 

This spacious area also has full bathrooms, a pavilion, a few grills, and a faucet where you can refill your water bottle. If you have a special occasion, you can also contact the Etoniah Creek State Forest office to reserve the picnic area at the Holloway Day-Use Area for birthday parties, family reunions, etc.

George’s Lake:

At the George’s Lake trailhead, you can access a 0.8-mile trail that weaves beneath a mostly shaded canopy. The trail ends at the lake and you’ll find a nice fishing dock that extends into the water. It’s not a long haul if you want to bring your fishing rod and tackle box. Anglers can catch a variety of species there such as largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. This is also a serene place to have a picnic, and you’ll find a table there near the fishing pier.

Longleaf Pine and Lake Blossom Trails:

The Longleaf Pine Trail follows the path of a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail (also commonly referred to as the Florida Trail.) A select few embark on more than 1,000 miles of the long-distance trail that stretches throughout the state, but you don’t have to do that. The Longleaf Pine Trail is a fun and scenic way to hike a section of the Florida trail without committing to months of nonstop hiking. This is also where you can see the forest’s special botanical claim to fame. If you start at the Longleaf Pine Trailhead, hike for about two miles until you get to a picnic area. That’s where you’ll find a significant patch of etonia rosemary. 

If you’re seeking an even shorter trek, you can check out the Lake Blossom Trail. It’s a little more than a half-mile and is a loop that will take you to a scenic pond.

The Primitive Shelter Along the Florida Trail:

For those that are making the long-term commitment to hike the entirety of the Florida Trail, there is a place to stop for a night and get some rest within Etoniah Creek State Forest. The primitive shelter is intended for dedicated hikers making the backwoods journey across Florida. It is designed to serve as a one-night spot for thru-hikers to rest, and no reservations are needed. The shelter is not managed by Etoniah Creek State Forest, and any questions regarding the shelter (or anything related to the Florida Trail) should be directed to the Florida Trail Association.

Camping at Etoniah Creek State Forest:

Even if you’re not making the endurance hike across Florida, you can still camp within Etoniah Creek State Forest. Hidden within the forest are six primitive campsites that are positioned in an area known as Green Camp. The primitive sites each have ample space to spread out and all include a grill, picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring. There’s a non-potable water source onsite as well. 

You’ll venture deep into the forest to reach the camping area, but the roadway is very drivable and you won’t need a four-wheel drive vehicle. Some even bring their campers to Green Camp, though there’s no water, electric, or wastewater hookups. 

With its remote location, it can get quite dark at night and some campers choose to bring solar lights to charge throughout the day. Others get excited about the darkness and find this to be the perfect spot for stargazing. 

There’s also another noteworthy spot you can visit while you’re camping. On the way to the camp, you’ll cross a bridge and see a picnic table that serves as a great setting for your lunch. You’ll hear the peaceful, flowing sounds of Etoniah Creek, and it’s a really serene spot. If you time your trip appropriately when there’s been a little rain, you may even get to see a secret waterfall cascading alongside the creek. 

To stay overnight at Green Camp, just make sure you reserve a camping spot online ahead of time.

Know Before You Go:

Maybe you’re coming to search for Florida scrub jays or etonia rosemary. Or maybe you’re coming to go horseback riding, hike, or camp. No matter your reason, Etoniah Creek State Forest is a great experience for those seeking an outdoor adventure in Putnam County. Here are a few of our tips for enjoying Etoniah Creek State Forest to the fullest. 

• Portions of this forest are located within the Etoniah Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA). You must have a permit to hunt, and you’ll want to make sure you’re aware of designated hunting seasons and areas where you’re allowed to hunt.
• The trails are very well-marked, but it’s still a good idea to print the trail map for Etoniah Creek State Forest before you go. You can also download the Avenza Maps app. Some trailhead kiosks will have a QR code that you can scan if you want to follow along on the trails with your mobile device. 
• The Florida Trail is blazed in orange. Since a portion of the Florida Trail traverses the forest, you may see those orange blazes. Just make sure you don’t keep following them until the end unless that’s your goal. 
• Motorized recreational vehicles are not allowed on the hiking and equestrian trails. (If you’re looking for a place to ride ATVs or UTVs though, Hog Waller in Palatka is the perfect place for you.) 
• The cost to visit is $2 per person for all people over 6 years old. There's no staff at the trailheads, so payment is on an honor system. You’ll see QR codes at the kiosks where you can pay, but you can also reserve your day pass online before you go. 
• If you’re planning to visit multiple state forests throughout the year, you may find it more cost-effective to purchase an annual Florida State Forest pass for $45. That allows daily entry for up to six guests, and you can visit all of the state forests in Florida all year long. 
• The George’s Lake Trail and Lake Blossom Trail at Etoniah Creek State Forest count toward the Florida State Forest Trailwalker program. If you hike 10 trails in at least five state forests, you can achieve this esteemed honor and be awarded prizes to celebrate your accomplishment. 
• If you’re exploring the trails on horseback, you can participate in the Florida State Forest Trailtrotter program. You’ll need to ride at least eight trails at four state forests, and the Holloway Loop Trail at Etoniah Creek State Forest can be counted as one. 
• Make sure you have proof of a negative Coggins test if you bring your horse to Etoniah Creek State Forest. 
• Prescribed burns may occur at any time within the forest. You can follow along on social media to keep up with the latest information. 
• For even more ideas of things to do in Florahome and the surrounding communities, download the Visit Putnam FL app for Apple or Android. 

For More Information:
Etoniah Creek State Forest
390 Holloway Road Florahome, Florida 32140
(386) 329-2552