One of Florida's first state parks, the park was developed on a 600-acre site by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The extraordinary craftsmanship of the CCC is still evident today.

Gold Head is located on rolling sandhills on the North Central Ridge of Florida with one of the few remaining examples of an old growth stand of longleaf pines. A steep head ravine with seepage springs forms Gold Head Branch and bisects the park. Marshes, lakes and scrub provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing along the park's nature trails and a 5.44-mile stretch of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Visitors also can swim or fish in Little Lake Johnson or spend a lazy afternoon canoeing. A large picnic area with tables and grills, pavilions and a playground is available for visitors to enjoy. Nestled under the trees are three campgrounds; water and electricity are provided. Primitive campsites for small or large groups are available as are fully equipped lakefront vacation cabins, some of which were built by the CCC.

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Though still in development, this paved, multi-use recreational trail is situated in one of the most picturesque areas of the state.

This state trail is warmly welcomed by this northeast Florida region for the enhanced quality of life and economic benefits it offers many small towns and communities.

The trail corridor stretches nearly 47 miles from west of U.S. 17 in Palatka to State Road 238 in Lake Butler, as it runs along the former Norfolk-Southern Railroad right-of-way through Putnam, Clay, Bradford and Union counties. Purchased with Preservation 2000 funds through the Florida Greenways and Trails Acquisition Program, the Rails to Trails Conservancy played a key role in preserving the corridor for conversion to a rail-trail. It was designated as part of the Florida Greenways and Trails System in 2007 and is being constructed by the Florida Department of Transportation in segments as funding becomes available.

State Parks Tagged With: Keystone Heights