On Friday, March 29, we visited Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. While there, we enjoyed two hikes. It was an interesting park, that aside from the palm trees felt more like we were in Texas than Florida. The day we went was hot and dry, and with very little tree cover we had a few unhappy campers... and I mean Britt and Ruth not the little boys.
Scrub Jay Loop Trail
Since it was over a two hour drive from the house, our first stop upon reaching the park was to picnic... in the car. Be aware that this site has no facilities and no picnic tables, it is strictly a hiking trail. Our first trail for the day was the Scrub Jay Loop Trail at 2.5 miles. This area of Florida is unique as it was the first land to emerge about sea level, and remains to this day the highest elevation in the state. It essentially was first a sand bar in the ocean, which is why it still sports the landscape more typical of an island than an interior state. As we set out the little boys brought their sandwiches along with them, they are slow eaters.
We lucked out along the trail and spotted the elusive Scrub Jays. These birds are similar to a blue jay, but have more sandy colored markings on them, and are considered rare as they only live in a few areas in Florida. The path is a meandering one that would have probably been better traveled earlier in the morning, or closer to dusk. The little boys found the area full of interest, we spotted some turtle nest, and they were enthralled with the giant pinecones along the trail.
After loading back up in the car, we drove a little further down the road to the Old Cabin Trail which was a mile long loop. It is named for the McClean Family who once owned and lived on the land. Their cabin vacated early in the 20th century still stands today with it's appliances. The parking is at the cabin nestled among some exceptionally large oaks. It is a beautiful spot with a quaint one room cabin.
Old Cabin Trail
The Old Cabin Trail itself is a informational trail that loops in the open prairie area just past the cabin and trees. All along the path there are signs giving you information on the birds of the area, the plant life, and history of the area among other things. Even though the kids were pretty spent and we had to take turns carrying the twins it was a quick little hike to end the day.
This state forest was curious for it's great difference from other parks, which was why we traveled to hike there. Both of these trails are also included on the Florida Trailwalkers list. However, this isn't an area that we would particularly visit again. If you'd like to make a trip the address to the Scrub Jay Loop Trail is 4003 Hwy 630 E, Frostproof, FL 33843, while the Old Cabin Trail is located at the end of School Bus Rd, Frostproof, FL 33843. The Ranger Station is open from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday, though the park itself is open from 8 am to sunset. Entrance to the Park is $2 for a car load of up to 6 people over the age of six.
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