Location: Rothenbach Park
Trailhead (Google Plus Code): 7JW3+97 Fruitville, Florida
Hike Length: 3.7 miles
Time Estimate: 1.5 hours
Habitats: Hardwood Hammock
Notes: All pavement — good for biking. Loops around a covered landfill and has a beautiful hardwood hammock at the east side, as well as a smaller area on the southwest.
- Ferns – There is an opportunity to see many fern species here: resurrection fern, golden polypody, sword fern and more.
- Hardwood Hammock Ecosystem – This is a uniquely Florida ecosystem characterized in this area by live oaks and cabbage palms.
- Red-Shouldered Hawks – Florida’s most common hawk, red-shouldered hawk calls are common here and throughout the area.
- Live Oaks – This is a great place to see live oaks, both endemic and iconic to the Old South.
- Gopher Tortoise – Look out for gopher tortoise burrows and the endangered gopher tortoise.
- Cabbage Palm Hammock – Wander around the debris strewn Cabbage palm forest. This is an interesting ecosystem that can tolerate flooding — notice the water line on the palm tree trunks.
- Paved Trail – If you don’t like to get off the asphalt, this is a good hike (or bike) for you.
- Pileated Woodpeckers – The largest of local woodpeckers, there are pileated woodpeckers nesting here.
