Pomona Park, FL 32181
Hours of Operation
Blue Pond Picnic and Hiking area is open from 8:00am to sunset all year round.
Driving Directions
Blue Pond Picnic and Hiking Area is located in US 17 South, approximately 15 miles south of Palatka, 4 miles south of Satsuma and 5 mile north of Pomona Park.
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Description
Dunns Creek State Park is located in Putnam County, Florida, and lies east of the towns of Satsuma and Pomona Park. Approximately 6,222 acres with over 20 identified natural communities. The land is bounded on the north and east by Dunns Creek which connects Cresent Lake with the St Johns River. Blue Pond Picnic and hiking area is open to the public. There is a picnic pavilion with grills, picnic tables, and a self contained toilet. The trail system is approximately 1.4 mile which takes the visitor to a pristine clear blue pond.
Park Fees
At present time there is no park fee to enter the picnic area.
Activities
BICYCLING
Enjoy a day's ride thru four miles of distinct natural communities; including sandhills, mesic flatwoods, baygall and seepage slope. There are 4 marked trails within Dunns Creek State Park. All trails start on the Yellow Trail. The trailhead is located at the Blue Pond picnic area. Park trails vary in length.
Because these are multi-use trails, be prepared to meet the occasional hiker, horseback rider, or park vehicle. Please stay on designated trails, ride responsibly, and respect the park and wildlife.
The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your ride accordingly.
Please note that portions of the trail may be strenuous. Due to dry conditions, sandy roads and trails can sometimes be difficult to traverse.
Persons under the age of 16 are required by State Law to wear a helmet while bicycling. The trails are located in a wilderness area. Please take water, a compass and a map when taking the trails. Follow trail markers.
GEO-SEEKING
Are you ready for an outdoor treasure hunting game? Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. Dunns Creek has some geocaches located within the park and trails.
HIKING/NATURE TRAIL
Take as short or as long a hike as you wish, enjoying the wilderness and wildlife on about 4 miles of hiking trails. There are 4 marked trails within Dunns Creek State Park. All trails start on the Yellow Trail. The trailhead is located at the Blue Pond picnic area. These trails vary in length from a short 10-minute walk to a full 2-hour hike that we recommend for the experienced hiker.
The multi use trails wind four miles through four distinct natural communities; including sandhills, mesic flatwoods, baygall and seepage slope. While walking any of these trails you will have the opportunity to see such wildlife as Sand Hill Crane, southeastern kestrel, hawks, fox, deer and various water and wading birds. Please respect the park and wildlife.
Please stay on designated trails and hike responsibly. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your hike accordingly.
The trails are located in a wilderness area. Please take water, a compass and a map when taking the trails. Follow trail markers.
HORSE/EQUESTRIAN TRAIL
Bring your own horse and enjoy a day’s ride thru four miles of distinct natural communities; including sandhills, mesic flatwoods, baygall and seepage slope.
There are four (4) marked trails within Dunns Creek State Park. All trails start on the Yellow Trail. Because these trails are multi-use, be prepared to meet the occasional hiker, bicyclist or park vehicle. Horses and riders are required to stay on the designated trails. Horse riders are required to have proof of negative Coggins.
Please ride responsibly and respect the park and wildlife. The park closes at sundown and you must exit the park at that time, so please plan your ride accordingly.
The trails are located in a wilderness area. Please take water, a compass and a map when taking the trails. Follow trail markers.PETS
Pets are allowed in Dunns Creek State Park and on the multi-use trail system. They must be kept on a six-foot, hand held leash and well behaved at all times. Pets may not be left unattended at any time. Please pick up after your pet.
PICNIC PAVILION
One covered pavilion is located at Blue Pond entrance off of Hwy. 17.
PICNICKING
A small picnic area with a waterless composting toilet is located at the Blue Pond parking and picnic area. A picnic shelter, picnic tables, grill, and informational kiosk are also located in this area. The trailhead has a stabilized parking area to accommodate about 10 vehicles. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except during park-sanctioned events, within designated areas only.
RESTROOM FACILITIES
A Clivus Multrums (large Port-o-lets), is provided at the Blue Pond Picnic area. This restroom is ADA accessible.
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Visitors may see many types of wildlife throughout the park and a good place for viewing is right along Main Park Drive or Blue Pond. Early morning and right before sunset are typically the best times for viewing. Birds of all kinds, Sherman-Fox squirrels, opossum, skunks, fox, otters, fish, alligators, black bears, bobcats, and turtles are seen throughout the park .
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