Gold Head Branch is a pretty little state park northeast of Gainesville. While I had visited a few times before, Ellison had never been so we decided to give it a try this past Saturday. If you haven't heard of it, you're not alone.
Even though Gold Head Branch is one of the oldest state parks (created by the CCC in the 1930s), it's in the tiny town of Keystone Heights and you don't just "happen to be out that way" very often. Or ever. But, that being said, the park is certainly worth a visit. There are deep ravines, bubbling springs and it is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. You can get all the details at the Florida State Parks website.
Here are a few of the highlights from our visit.
Even though Gold Head Branch is one of the oldest state parks (created by the CCC in the 1930s), it's in the tiny town of Keystone Heights and you don't just "happen to be out that way" very often. Or ever. But, that being said, the park is certainly worth a visit. There are deep ravines, bubbling springs and it is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. You can get all the details at the Florida State Parks website.
Here are a few of the highlights from our visit.
So Ellison was initially reluctant to go hiking at all this weekend. The heat. Bad allergies. The thought of an entire afternoon of Minecraft. But I can be pretty persuasive when I'm being a role model for all parents to follow and she finally relented after realizing the joys and wonders of a walk in the woods.
Or I promised that she could have extra Minecraft time when we got home. And ice cream. Whatever it was, it worked.
Once on the trail, leadership duties fell to an enthusiastic Ellison and she never once led us astray. This could be because the trails are exceptionally well-marked here (like every few feet), but my money is on her navigational skills, which already surpass mine. There aren't any particularly long trails at Gold Head Branch (the longest is only a few miles), but they wind through a variety of terrain starting with hardwood hammocks, then past ravines and up to sandhills. It's the quintessential northern Florida landscape.
And - most importantly - there are skinks, millipedes, and lizards. Ellison was delighted.
Or I promised that she could have extra Minecraft time when we got home. And ice cream. Whatever it was, it worked.
Once on the trail, leadership duties fell to an enthusiastic Ellison and she never once led us astray. This could be because the trails are exceptionally well-marked here (like every few feet), but my money is on her navigational skills, which already surpass mine. There aren't any particularly long trails at Gold Head Branch (the longest is only a few miles), but they wind through a variety of terrain starting with hardwood hammocks, then past ravines and up to sandhills. It's the quintessential northern Florida landscape.
And - most importantly - there are skinks, millipedes, and lizards. Ellison was delighted.
The park itself is quite extensive and offers both primitive and cabin camping. The cabins have large porches that overlook clear, glassy lakes and are very well-maintained. It seems like a perfect place to spend a weekend relaxing with friends and family.
Just maybe not one in August.
Just maybe not one in August.
Luckily, it was overcast and not nearly as hot as we expected. Everyone ended up having a really good time (even Ellison's otter Ophelia) and our decision to brave the heat, and our lethargy, to get outside brought some much needed relaxation and family fun after a hectic first week of school. And that's what it's all about, right?
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