0:00 Intro
3:45 Sandhill loop 1-18
7:03 Turkey Oak section 19-37
11:55 Lakeview 38-74

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park was our 2nd trip- still practicing for our RV Living Full Time. We prefer state park campgrounds because of their natural beauty and spacious sites. There's some great hikes- look at the very end of the video for pictures of the ravines and trails.
Very dog friendly- our favorite places to go.

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campsite Tour
Keystone heights, Florida
Mid October 2019

Video: The first few minutes is going into the park and the ravine and trails. The middle part is the detailed look at each campsite.

The last part is some pictures from our stay, including ravines and trails

Description:
"The park contains 2300 acres of rolling sandhills and long leaf pines, with several lakes and a ravine with seepage springs cutting through the park for approximately 1.5 miles. The park is home to bald eagles, Sherman's fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, red cockaded woodpeckers, various snakes, hawks, fox, and numerous songbirds. The time for wildflower viewing is during October."

History:
"One of Florida's first state parks, the park was developed on a 600-acre site by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s." There are still some of the original cabins for rent.

Hiking: See last pictures of the video 17:51
"Hidden away within the rolling, piney sandhills lies an extensive ravine system created by the Gold Head Branch stream. Clear, cold stream water flows from a headspring near the 72-stair descent and meanders through the seepage slope ecosystem, eventually reaching Big Lake Johnson. "
"Several hiking trails pass through and above the ravine system, providing an intimate view of this unique Florida feature. The 1.1 mile Ridge Trail traverses the upper ridge of the ravine, passing at times only feet from the slope, making one feel as if they are on a mountain trail. The ravine stairway is found not far from Sheelar Lake, with parking provided for those wishing to begin their hike in the lowest part of the park. The 0.8 mile Fern Loop also begins here, at the set of stairs descending down into a gully unlike anything else found in the state."
Don't be swayed by the number of steps. It is an easy decent even for occasional hikers. We videoed the steps, as well as the stream and part of the hike. Unfortunately, the boardwalk cuts short. You will see in the video that the wood bridge is off limits. However, if you go off the boardwalk, secretly, you can go straight to the stream. Also, there is another parking spot on the other side of the trail that leads you to the steel bridge which you can also follow to find the stream.

Overall Perspective:
There are cabins and canoes that we didn't rent so I cant give you a complete review. However, I was disappointed that the ravine trail was partially closed. Also, there aren't that many old growth trees for shade.
The amphitheater is in disrepair- a throwback from the 50s? It is overlooking one of the lakes. Again, I have seen older photos that show a beach at the lake and people swimming in it- I would not suggest. Nature has changed the landscape of the lake quite a bit. And there is a sign "alligators."
However, though part of it was closed, we did enjoy the steps down to the ravine and the hike, as well as the sound of the stream.
Our campsite itself was in the "Lake view" loop and was nice. There was a field in the back with yellow wildflowers and a place for the dogs to "go." I wish we had a rig small enough to camp at one of the true lake view spots - see video.
However, our 30 amp blew. Luckily, a camp host was a few spaces away and replaced the fuse.
The staff was friendly and helpful. The washer and dryer was convenient- close to our spot.
And I loved the "Skunk Ape."
Would I go again? In a pinch, it works, but it is not a place I could see spending a great deal of time. We chose it because we thought it was close enough to go get our son from UF for a day- an hour there and back with some sketchy back roads.

Links:
Florida State Park Official Website:
https://floridastateparks.reserveamer...

Reserve America:
https://floridastateparks.reserveamer...

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