This hike has been on my list for a while. I had planned on doing it two years ago, but after Hurricane Irma barreled through, many of the state parks were closed due to damage. But the day we went had perfectly lovely weather!
There are two points of entrance to the state park. You can park over by the famous 600-year-old Fairchild Oak or by the Sugar Mill Ruins at the other end. We parked over by the oak. There are restrooms, a pavilion, and a grill.
The Fairchild Oak is massive! And it is also considered to be one of the oldest oak trees in the South.
Two hiking paths stem from this end of the park. If you take the one to the right, you will walk a short loop back to behind the Fairchild Oak. If you take the path to the left, you will begin the 6.8-mile trail that leads you through Bulow Creek State Park towards the sugar mill ruins.
I did not expect the trail to be as muddy since it was no longer rainy/hurricane season when we went. There are lots of rivers and bodies of water throughout the park. I suggest wearing shoes and socks you don't mind getting dirty, and also bringing a change of shoes for when you finished.
There are lots of mosquitos. So pack lots of bug spray! You will need to reapply throughout the hike. Pack snacks, water, and I also brought a small towel and a jacket.
After hiking through some of the quiet forest, you will come to a small river. Don't even try not to get wet, as you make your way out to the secluded bridge, it's not possible.
But it is so worth it once you get out to there. We took a moment and enjoyed the serenity.
Moving on further down the trail, you will come out of the forest briefly to cross over a two-lane road. Over to the right, you can see the road bridging over Bulow Creek. We saw fishermen and crab trappers grabbing some catch of the day.
Crossing over the road, you are back in the forest, following along the creek. There is a small side trail that will come upon to your left. It will take you toward an outlook on the marsh, where you can watch egrets glide over the wetlands.
Many miles later, you will come to a larger stream. Veering left and following it away from Bulow Creek/Halifax River. We went in search of finding a point to cross over.
Beginning to feel a bit lost and concerned, we eventually spotted a sign letting us know it was a little over 2 miles to the sugar mill ruins. It was reassuring to see colored markings in green then yellow on the trees guiding us. This part of the trail was very muddy! Again, be prepared to get dirty. We used fallen branches as walking sticks to help us navigate through the mud.
Finally we had made it! It had taken us around 4 hours, but we did it! Shoes caked in mud, tired, and getting hungry. The question became how to get back. Luckily a nice group of guys, who had done the hike before, took pity on us and drove us back to our car. We were so grateful! We rode in the back, chilling with their dog, hanging our mud-covered shoes out the back, such a Florida backwoods moment.
We still wanted to see the Sugar Mill Ruins, so we drove back over to the entrance. When you first pull up, you will see a parking lot for the trail. Passing the gate, you will see the parking lot for a large pavilion, used for parties and events, as well as the kayak rental place. Further down the driveway is the sugar mill ruins. These ruins are the largest in the state! It is impressive how much is still left intact.
It was an intense hike, but we had fun! A great way to spend a day. Revel in the seclusion of nature, learn some history, and maybe make some kind friends!
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