Footsteps in the Forest: A Journey Through Bogey Creek Preserve

We began our Saturday without any plans, unaware of the adventure that awaited us. My husband and I headed to the Bogey Creek Preserve, which is the fourth hike in my series within the 7 Creeks Recreational Area, and it exceeded our expectations! The vast 7 Creeks area covers more than 5,600 acres of trails, wildlife, historical sites, and peaceful locations.

Bogey Creek Preserve features a 1.2-mile Bugtussle Loop trail, which we chose to hike because of its scenic views and diverse habitats. When we arrived at the dirt parking lot, we immediately felt relaxed in the quiet setting—no crowds, only the sounds of birds and scurrying squirrels. The trailhead is just a short walk from the parking area, marked by a small sign that adds a touch of secrecy to the trail. 

The trailhead marks the start of your adventure.

This 86-acre gem was once home to four generations of the Spenser family. Author and environmentalist Sue Spencer lived on the land for decades, affectionately referring to the property as “Bugtussle.” Her legacy of protecting the land, now managed by the North Florida Land Trust, added a layer of meaning to our hike. The Spencer family's blueberry bushes, planted years ago, still flourish, so be sure to look for them if you go.

One of the most impressive features of the Bogey Creek Preserve is the variety of ecosystems within a small area, including cypress swamps, mesic flatwoods, maritime hammocks, and salt marshes. Each habitat has unique plants and animals, creating a vibrant mosaic of natural diversity.

The trail first led to a cypress swamp where we could smell a fresh, woody scent. The cypress trees in the swamp filter pollution and excess nutrients from runoff. This improved water quality then flows into Clapboard Creek and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean. Cypress roots produce upward-pointing woody projections called knees, so watch out for tripping hazards. Wildlife, such as the threatened wood stork, depends on these wetlands for food, shelter, and breeding, often nesting in cypress trees.

cypress swamps

We were amazed at how quickly the landscape shifted from cypress swamps to mesic flatwoods. We walked along the trail lined with longleaf and slash pines and felt the ground become soft from moisture and fallen pine needles. The longleaf pine, once covering over 92 million acres in the southeastern U.S. and known for its fire resistance, now has less than 5% remaining because of logging and the spread of slash pines. We also observed the abundance of saw palmetto along the trail. It is native to flatwoods, evokes old Florida and provides habitat and food for over 100 species. 

mesic flatwoods

As we passed the pine trees, we entered a maritime hammock with tall live oaks draped in Spanish moss. These trees support a diverse array of wildlife, including nesting birds, squirrels, and wild turkeys. Since the hammock seemed like a lush and lively refuge, we stayed for a while to enjoy the scenery.

maritime hammock

Clapboard Creek's kayak landing

Halfway through our walk, we paused briefly at Clapboard Creek’s kayak landing. From there, we enjoyed a breathtaking view of the salt marsh in the bright morning sunlight. We sat for a while at the picnic table, watching fiddler crabs scurry across the sand. Informational signs at this stop explain the vital role the marsh plays in supporting migrating birds, clearly illustrating how everything in nature is interconnected.

From the creek, we headed back to the trail loop that guided us through clusters of palmettos and tall pines, avoiding some spider webs along the way. The return trail loop is pretty easy to walk, with a gentle incline.

The hour-long hike at Bogey Creek was the perfect getaway, allowing us to soak up nature, learn about the local environment, and relax. As we left the trail, we were already thinking about our next trip back. If you're looking for something similar, check out Bogey Creek Preserve—it's full of hidden gems waiting to be found. For more details, you can visit https://www.timucuanparks.org/7-creeks-jax/.

Overview

*Bring bug and tick repellent for you and your dog

*Make sure to pack out what you bring in

*Trail: Moderately easy

*Length: 1.2 miles

*Fees: Free

*Open: sunrise to sunset

*Pets: Welcome if leashed

*Restroom: Portable toilet at the trailhead

*Water: No water for bottle refills

*Location: 5500 Cedar Point Rd, Jacksonville - 42min (28.1) miles via FL-200/The Buccaneer Trail.

This blog was first published in the News-Leader on July 30, 2025