Having visited most of the state parks in the area, we decided to visit Colt Creek, located about 40 miles from our RV park. The 5,000+ acres that formed the park was purchased from the Overstreet family in 2006 and is the 160thFlorida State park.
The property had been purchased by the Overstreets in 1940. It was used for beef cattle production, growing and harvesting pine trees, and hunting by the family. Lime rock mining operations in the 1990s resulted in several large pits (up to 50’ deep) that reached the aquifer layer. Today, they are natural-looking lakes that provide habitats for birds, aquatic plans, and animals.
With over 15 miles of multi-use (equestrian, hiking, bicycling) trails at the Colt Creek, we were looking forward to some hiking with our sweet doggie, Sadie.
A park ranger provided us recommendations for a hiking route. We selected a loop route on the Flatwoods Trail and two cross trails for a 3.5 mile route. Parking near the primitive camping area in the northern part of the park, we found the trailhead headed out to the pine flatlands.
Doggie on the run…Sadie had a blast here.
We did not see any wildlife (although we heard many birds) during our hike. Some areas of the trail had sabal palm trees and small hardwoods.
Spring flowers were beginning to bloom (and I always love taking photos of them).
After our hike, we drove to a parking area at the southern part of Mac Lake. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent. Fishing from the shore, fishing pier (75’), or small boats (non-motorized) is a popular activity at the three lakes.
A large (screened) pavilion, gazebo, and picnic shelter (several) are located next to the lake.
The short Mac Lake Nature Trail goes through part of the flood plain forest, much different from the pine flatlands we had seen earlier.
Seventy-nine species of butterflies have been observed at Colt Creek, and we saw several. But, this is the only one I was able to shoot (they kept flitting around!) while we were hiking.
Before leaving the park, we drove to Little Lake and Middle Lake (much smaller than Mac Lake). So picturesque! Near Little Lake is a butterfly garden where we spotted several more butterflies.
What a lovely day at this quiet park. We all enjoyed it very much. Admission to the park is $4/vehicle. For additional information about Colt Creek State Park, go to www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/colt-creek-state-park.
We were, however, disappointed that we did not see any gopher tortoises during our recent visits to several Florida State Parks (where they have been seen). Lo and behold, about a mile from our RV park, we spotted this handsome fellow in a field.
As I approached him, he took off at a very fast pace! Who says a tortoise is slow? This guy scooted into nearby burrow.
We were, however, disappointed that we did not see any gopher tortoises during our recent visits to several Florida State Parks (where they have been seen). Lo and behold, about a mile from our RV park, we spotted this handsome fellow in a field.
As I approached him, he took off at a very fast pace! Who says a tortoise is slow? This guy scooted into nearby burrow.
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