Old Fort King Trail South
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I have hiked this area before but don’t confuse this trip with the other Fort King Trip. This is the actual Old Fort King trail. My previous trip started at the same trail head however goes more south and is a bit longer. The Fort King Trail is 6.7 miles long with the last or first 2.2 miles as a paved portion that runs alongside Hwy 301 which is great if you don’t like to get into the woods. Not me in this case. I first hiked south on the trail not tracking it then when I reached the paved portion, doubled pack and tracked back to my truck. The woods portion is aprox 4.5 each way so it is a nice walk.
How to get here;
You start off on Hillsborough River State Park property although not in the pay for portion but slightly South of that area on Hwy 301. There is a pull off on the Left and signage for the Old Fort King Trail on 301 to direct you.
As I said before, it’s a nice hike but 9 miles should not be taken lightly. Pack water and snacks as you will get a little hungry on the trip. The area close to Model Dairy is a wetland prairie and is full of life! Many different types of plants and animals out here. I have seen boar and deer and many different types of birds. You will eventually leave this area and find yourself on Dead River Rd. The trail follows this road for about a quarter mile then you are back in the woods. This portion is extremely wet. Be prepared to dodge some serious puddles. Also this is a horse trail too so be on the lookout to dodge other things as well. This will go on for a while but eventually it dries out. Koda went with me today and couldn’t resist the puddles. Nothing like a solid white dog covered in mud!
Have fun!
