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Bulow Woods Hiking Trail
About
The Bulow Woods Hiking Trail is a wonderful nature hike showcasing some of Florida's finest examples of laurel oak, ancient live oak, pignut hickories, southern magnolias, sweet gum, sabal palm and saw palmetto. About midway, visitors often take the short spur trail to Boardman Pond Observation Tower. If you park in the southern lot, approximately 5 miles north of Ormond Beach, be sure to observe the stately 800 year old Fairchild Live Oak before heading north. Surrounding the 24-foot trunk oak is a second-growth forest that was once the site of a citrus plantation. Heading north, the trail is shared with bicyclists on what was once Pumphouse Road. Once the trail reaches Walter Boardman Lane at about 3 miles, the trail becomes strictly a footpath. Bicyclists must retrace their route back to the southern entrance. About a quarter mile up the trail, a spur path is offered to Boardman Pond Observation Platform. You may have noticed the cars squeezed into the pull-off along Walter Boardman Lane. The platform is their destination. North of the pond is Cisco Ditch. From this point north, this is the least trampled part of the path. Interruptions come only from chirping birds or scurrying squirrels. This stretch of trail offers the best opportunities for viewing the park's resident white-tailed deer, barred owls, feral hogs, bobcats or raccoons. The trail is 6.8 miles in length and depending on your stamina, it might be advisable to have a car parked at both the south and north entrance. It is also in this northern area of the park where a 5-mile loop trail may be created. Stop by the Tomoka State Park office for a detailed map of Bulow Creek State Park. Primitive camping is located along the shores of Bulow Creek. Permits are available at Tomoka State Park.
