Pioneer Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is strictly a hiking trail. Dogs are permitted on a leash. Trail use requires a $2.00 day use fee paid on-line at floridastateforests.reserve…. Adequate parking is available at this site as well as swimming, picnicking and fishing.

The first section of the Pioneer Trail (Indian Ford to Knights Landing) takes hikers through several different ecosystems from bottom land forest to sand hill. Beginning hikers will appreciate the trail's moderate elevation change while still providing an exceptional experience. Portions of this trail run along the north fork of Black Creek and allow hikers to fish from the creek's edge as well as see beautiful views.

Hikeing the second section of the Pioneer Trail (Knights Landing to Ellis Ford) will take visitors on a somewhat more challenging trek than the first half. Continuous elevation change is common along this portion of trail, but with the challenging terrain comes beautiful overlook vistas of Black Creek flowing beneath you. As with the first half, this section of trail offers hikers leveled foot beds and handmade foot crossings, as well as benches scattered throughout the trail for rest.

The third section of the Pioneer Trail (Ellis Ford to the 4-way intersection with Dunn's Farm Trail) is the longest and most demanding with fairly regular changes in elevation, twists, turns, and switchbacks. Developing this section even included building a bridge—a must see. The section is further punctuated with sideways growing trees to hike under, a stand of cypress trees, a local historic cemetery, a stream with small waterfalls adding sound to your hike, and some high scenic elevation overlooking the North Fork Black Creek.

The fourth section of the trail (4-way intersection with Dunn's Farm Trail to Powell Ford Road) opened in January 2021 and provides the most difficult hiking with 2.8 miles of challenging elevation changes. Overlooks on this section provide outstanding views of the waterway. Stairways and some upper or lower path options keep you high or right down by the water making the hike even more interesting. Walkways over water areas add to the character of this section of the trail.

Hikers will find one camp zone on each segment. These camp zones have ample area for a tent and are equipped with a picnic table and fire ring/grill combo. The Pioneer Trail is part of the Florida Trailwalker Hiking Program and Jennings State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Many different animals call this area home. Some of the wildlife encountered along the trail will be deer, turkey, many different species of birds, and the occasional fox. The trail boasts many different flowering plants as well in season.