Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

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6239 State Road 21 Keystone Heights, Florida

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
General Information
Q: Where is Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park located?
A: The park is located in Keystone Heights, Florida. Its precise address is 11800 Gold Head Branch Road, Keystone Heights, FL 32656.
Q: What are the park’s hours of operation?
A: The ranger station is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The park itself is generally open, but check the Florida State Parks website ([https://www.goldheadstatepark.org/](https://www.goldheadstatepark.org/)) for any closures due to weather or special events.
Q: How do I make a reservation?
A: Reservations are recommended, especially for cabin rentals and group pavilion bookings. You can make reservations through the Florida State Parks website ([https://www.floridastateparks.org/](https://www.floridastateparks.org/)) or by calling the ranger station at 352-316-4286. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.
Q: What is the park's website?
A: The official website for Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is [https://www.goldheadstatepark.org/](https://www.goldheadstatepark.org/).
Q: Is there a fee to enter the park?
A: There is a standard Florida State Parks entrance fee per vehicle. Check the Florida State Parks website for current rates.
Q: What is the park's history?
A: The park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and is historically significant as one of Florida's earliest state parks. It showcases the CCC’s original design and craftsmanship.
Activities & Amenities
Q: What activities are available at the park?
A: The park offers a variety of activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, picnic areas, camping, and organized youth and adult camping.
Q: Are there equestrian trails?
A: Yes, the park has designated equestrian trails, separate from the Florida National Scenic Trail.
Q: Can I bring my horse?
A: Yes, horseback riding is permitted on the park’s designated equestrian trails. Horses must be on a handheld leash (6ft or shorter).
Q: Are there picnic areas?
A: Yes, there is a large, shaded picnic area with multiple pavilions, tables, and charcoal grills.
Q: Are there camping facilities?
A: Yes, the park offers various camping options, including cabins and traditional campsites.
Q: What types of cabins are available?
A: There are three types of cabins: historic cabins (built in the 1930s), block cabins (from the 1950s), and modern ADA-accessible cabins (from the 2000s).
Q: What amenities are in the cabins?
A: The cabins offer varying amenities depending on the type. Historic cabins have a living room/bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and screened porch. Block cabins have separate bedrooms, a living room/dining room, bathroom, kitchen, and screened porch. Modern ADA-accessible cabins have a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, and a screened porch.
Q: Can I bring my own food and supplies?
A: Yes, you can bring your own food and supplies. The park offers firewood and ice for donation. The kitchen in the recreation hall is equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, stove, oven, and basic cooking utensils.
Q: Is there a swimming area?
A: Yes, there is a freshwater lake, Little Lake Johnson, with a sandy beach. However, swimming is allowed only in designated areas and there is no lifeguard service.
Q: Can I fish in the lake?
A: Yes, fishing is permitted at Little Lake Johnson.
Q: Are there playgrounds?
A: Yes, there is a playground located near one of the picnic pavilions (pavilion 16).
Q: Are there restrooms available?
A: Yes, restrooms are available at the recreation hall and at the campsites.
Q: Are there drinking water sources?
A: Yes, potable water is available at the park.
Rules & Regulations
Q: Are pets allowed in the park?
A: No pets are allowed on the beach or swimming area. Pets must be on a handheld leash (6ft or shorter) at all other times.
Q: Are campfires allowed?
A: Yes, but campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood is available for donation.
Q: Are there any specific rules I should be aware of?
A: Please adhere to all posted park rules and regulations. Leave No Trace principles are encouraged. The Florida State Parks website ([https://www.floridastateparks.org/](https://www.floridastateparks.org/)) provides a comprehensive list of regulations.
Q: Are there any restrictions on overnight camping?
A: A two-night minimum stay is required in cabins.
Q: Are there any restrictions on activities in the recreation hall?
A: Please adhere to all guidelines and regulations for the recreation hall.
Q: Are there any restrictions on drone usage?
A: Please check with the ranger station before operating any drone within the park boundaries.

About

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park – Keystone Heights, Florida Discover a unique Florida experience at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, located in Keystone Heights, Florida.

This historic park, developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities.

Spanning 2,000 acres, the park provides a diverse landscape encompassing rolling sandhills, a deep ravine with springs, marshes, lakes, and scrubland – a truly special destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Historical Roots and CCC Legacy The park’s origins are deeply intertwined with the CCC’s efforts during the Great Depression.

The CCC’s meticulous craftsmanship is still visible today, contributing to the park’s distinctive landscape and creating a valuable habitat for wildlife.

The park’s development reflects the CCC’s dedication to preserving Florida’s natural resources and creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Diverse Ecosystem and Wildlife Viewing Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park boasts a remarkable range of habitats, including hardwood forests, wetlands, and pine forests, attracting a diverse array of wildlife.

Visitors have the opportunity to observe gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, white-tailed deer, Sherman’s fox squirrels, and various reptiles, such as the gopher tortoise, fence lizard, racerunner, and green anole.

Birding opportunities are exceptional, with many species drawn to the area, including warblers, thrushes, and migratory species.

The park is also designated as a portion of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail, further enhancing its appeal to birding enthusiasts.

Key Features and Activities The park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages and interests.

The 6-mile paved park road is ideal for biking, while the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail provides a longer cycling experience.

Hikers can explore the park’s many trails, including the 1.1-mile, 1-mile, 0.1-mile, 5.4-mile and ravine overlook trails.

Fishing is permitted at Little Lake Johnson, and the park includes a sandy beach with a freshwater lake, ideal for swimming during warmer months.

The park’s equestrian trails offer a unique way to experience the landscape, and guided horseback rides are available.

Historical Cabins and Amenities Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is renowned for its historic cabins, built in the 1930s by the CCC.

Nine original cabins are still available for rent, offering a truly immersive experience.

These cabins feature living rooms/bedrooms, bathrooms with flush toilets and hot water showers, kitchens, and screened porches.

Five block cabins (1950s) also provide accommodations for up to six people.

Furthermore, the park boasts a large picnic area with multiple pavilions, including a covered pavilion for up to 100 people.

The recreation hall, equipped with a kitchen, serving area, and comfortable seating for up to 75 guests, offers a versatile space for events and gatherings.

Modern cabins, built in the 2000s, offer ADA accessibility and similar amenities.

Essential Facilities and Services The park provides essential facilities, including a water spigot, cold showers, restrooms (with sinks and flushing toilets), electricity, picnic tables, a ground fire ring, and a dump station.

The fully equipped kitchen in the recreation hall includes a refrigerator, ice machine, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, stove, and oven, along with basic cooking utensils.

Firewood and ice are available for donations to the park’s citizen support organizations.

Reservations and Important Information Reservations are highly recommended, particularly for the recreation hall and cabins.

You can make reservations through the Florida State Parks website or by calling the ranger station at 352-316-4286.

The ranger station is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

A two-night minimum stay is required in the cabins.

Pet policies require pets to be on a handheld leash (6ft or shorter).

Location and Contact Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park 1760 Gold Head Branch Rd Keystone Heights, FL 32656 Website: [https://www.goldheadstatepark.org/](https://www.goldheadstatepark.org/) Plan your visit to Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and experience the unique beauty and history of this remarkable Florida destination.

History

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park – Keystone Heights, FL **A Legacy of Conservation: The History of Gold Head Branch** The story of Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is inextricably linked to the spirit of innovation and conservation embodied by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression.

Established in the 1930s, the park’s genesis stems from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ambitious New Deal programs, designed to provide employment and stimulate the nation’s economy while simultaneously addressing the urgent need for national park development.

Approximately 200 CCC workers, under the direction of experienced forester and park architect, E.H. Jones, were tasked with transforming a challenging 6,239-acre tract of rolling sandhills and pine forests into a functioning state park.

This wasn't simply a matter of planting trees; it was a deliberate effort to stabilize the fragile sand dunes, restore degraded ecosystems, and create a valuable recreational area for Floridians.

The CCC’s impact is still vividly evident throughout the park today.

The workers meticulously constructed the park road, established the 5.44-mile Florida National Scenic Trail segment, and skillfully engineered the intricate network of canals and lakes – including the unique Gold Head Branch stream and its associated sinkhole lakes.

Their artistic vision is particularly apparent in the construction of the park’s historic cabins and the carefully designed picnic area, showcasing a blend of rustic functionality and aesthetic beauty.

The park’s creation represents a pivotal moment in Florida’s history, marking one of the state’s earliest state parks and setting a precedent for future conservation efforts.

The legacy of the CCC’s labor and dedication continues to shape the park’s character – a testament to the enduring power of collaboration, innovation, and a profound respect for the natural world.

The park's development aligned perfectly with the desire to create a sustainable recreation space and preserve Florida’s natural beauty for generations to come.

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