The Mill Creek Preserve is a 1230 acre conservation area in Alachua County, Florida with over 5 miles of hiking trails. We hiked the yellow to orange trail which was 3.3 miles. This was a mostly covered trail with lots of markers to identify the trees. There was a short time where we walked in the direct sunlight so be sure to take a hat. We missed the turn from the yellow trail to the orange and had to backtrack so make sure to watch for the orange blazes.
Maps and trail descriptions are posted at the trailhead.
The yellow trail was an easy walk with lots of tree coverage most of the way.
There were several resting benches along the way.
This covered bench was on the part of the trail that was sunny.
We heard bird songs all along the trail!
We walked slightly off the trail to see if this was a karst window but it seemed a bit mucky for that.
I love all the markers identifying trees! This is one you didn’t want to have to find when you were in trouble with mama.
Switchcane
What a joy to come across this amazing bridge in the middle of the forest!
This preserve includes the southernmost forest of American Beech Trees.
There were lots of ferns along the forest floor and living in trees.
This is the view from a reflecting bench along the way.
Another metal bridge across the creek.
The moss created a beautiful walkway on the orange trail.
http://alachuacounty.us/Depts/pcl/LandConservation/Documents/Land/Portfolio/MCbrochure8.pdf