There are three trailheads crossing the Theodore Roosevelt Area adjoining Fort Caroline:
- Paved lot at Fort Caroline National Memorial (12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville FL). Restrooms. Picnic area.
- Paved lot opposite the entrance to Fort Caroline. No facilities.
- Unpaved lot at Willie Browne Trailhead (13303 Mount Pleasant Road). Restrooms.
Today I walked from the Willie Browne Trailhead to Fort Caroline and back, a hike of roughly 7 miles. (For trail map, click here.)
I started at the Willie Browne Trailhead. Before long, I crossed Hammock Creek.
Along the way, I came across a small cemetery, the resting place of Willie Browne. Browne was an admirer of Theodore Roosevelt and bequeathed his land as a conservation area.
A few foundation stones are all that remain of Browne’s humble cabin.
Further along the trail, I climbed a one-story observation tower overlooking an expansive marsh.
Although tree roots cross all trails, they are especially prevalent north of the tower. Here the elevation increases, allowing glimpses of the water and marshland below.
and heavy with tree roots.
To view the slide show, click on any image.
The tower loop links to Spanish Pond Trail, which can be buggy. Today, few insects were present. But on other days, I’ve walked through swarms of mosquitoes.
Fort Caroline National Memorial has restrooms and ample picnic tables, so this was a good place to stop for lunch. Afterwards, I visited the small fort and the adjoining nature trail.
To view large images, click either picture.
The trail is moderately to heavily traveled, so wildlife sightings will be limited. Today I saw this Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis). Although I have seen hundreds, perhaps thousands, of these animals, I’d never seen one a raised crest. Perhaps a rival was in the area.
TenPaths.blog 