Florida Trail: Turkey Run
An easy hike with little elevation gain, this short portion of the Florida Trail in the Osceola National Forest is perfect for a cool day. Be sure to wear bug spray because mosquitoes are common in swampland, but the extra dose of DEET is worth the potential species-sightings of the route. Pine hammocks are the homes to multitudes of woodpeckers and butterflies, and Florida black bears wander in and out of the forest. Those hikers interested in near-harmless spider species may be drawn to beautiful spiders common to the area like the Golden Silk Orb-weaver and the Yellow Garden spider and their magnificent webs.
From the Turkey Run trailhead on the left side of Colorado Rd. 250, follow the well-maintained path west for about 1.8 miles. Then, continue on the path — following the orange blazed trail — another 1.8 miles north by northwest until hitting Forestry Road 234. Don't be alarmed if along the trail, the scenery changes dramatically. Often, you'll be trotting along when suddenly you notice you're in a large, scrubby meadow created by past forest fires. Or other times, you might find yourself in the middle of a swamp that might seem to have come out of nowhere.
After crossing Forestry Road 234, you will continue along the path in the same direction for .8 miles along the east side of Still Rd. When Still Rd. bends to the east, you will naturally cross. This crossing point is the end of this section route of the Florida Trail. With 4.4 miles under your belt, you will head back in the same direction you came.
CAUTION: There is no potable water on this trail, so bring at least a gallon per person. Florida summer weather usually reaches about 90-degrees, and the trees that line the trail let in much sunlight.
PERMIT: Osceola National Forest has no formal backcountry permit or reservation system.
INFO: Osceola National Forest, (386) 752-0147; fs.fed.us/r8/florida/osceola/ or The Florida Trail Association, (352) 378-8823; floridatrail.org/contactus.html
-Mapped by jwalker85
Trail Facts
- Distance: 14.2
Waypoints
FLT01
Location: 30.280268, -82.479429
Head north on the Florida Trail from Turkey Run trailhead.
FLT02
Location: 30.283863, -82.497325
Follow the orange blazes.
FLT03
Location: 30.30441, -82.522967
The trail crosses Forestry Road 234.
FLT04
Location: 30.314506, -82.529726
Turn around for this section hike.
Path through Longleaf Pines
Location: 30.2839, -82.49651
There are lots 4x4 trails nearby which can get confusing. Stay on the path with the orange blazes.
Road Crossing
Location: 30.304428, -82.523203
The trail crosses Forestry Road 234.
