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Coming Out With A Bang

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By MIKE DeWITT, Tribune correspondent

Published: January 6, 2008

LAKELAND - On Jan. 20, the newest park in the Florida State Park system will be 1 year old. Among area anglers, hikers and horseback riders, the first anniversary of Colt Creek State Park is definitely a cause for celebration.

After all, what self-respecting outdoors enthusiast doesn't get jazzed about three healthy freshwater fishing lakes, miles of wilderness trail and 5,000 acres to wander to your heart's content?

A Bargain At Any Price

Only $2 dropped into the iron ranger at the park's entrance kiosk is all you need to experience $53 million worth of woods, water and wonder. That's what the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Polk County Natural Resources Division paid to secure the park's land from the Overstreet family in 2006.

The reasons for acquiring the land are manifold, the greatest of these being the protection of the Withlacoochee River watershed. The park shares a common border with Green Swamp, 60,000 acres of public land within which lie the headwaters of five of the state's rivers.

The Withlacoochee River flows along the southern boundary of Green Swamp East before crossing beneath S.R. 471 into Green Swamp West. Adding Colt Creek State Park's expansive acreage to the river's south provides a valuable wilderness buffer to this dark and mysterious river, and goes far to ensure the river's long-term health.

The park also will provide visitors access to some of the most beautiful lands in Florida, conflicting with the winter and spring hunts for which the Green Swamp watershed is nationally famous.

Miles Of Trails

Thanks to a generous and dedicated volunteer labor force of hikers and hoofers, Colt Creek State Park offers hikers and equestrians more than 10 miles of trails. These are arranged in loops, a design that accommodates meandering day hikers and hard-core hoofers with equal measure.

The trails are blazed over lands mostly high and dry, alternately sinking into the shade of the deep woods while skirting the grass-covered pasture land that hints at the park's former life as a cattle ranch. It is the cattle ranch past that brings a touch of history to Colt Creek State Park's horseback riding guests.

The park does not have stables or rental horses, so those wanting to experience the park from atop a horse must bring one with them. There are no watering stations along the trails, so hikers and riders should bring an adequate store of water, along with sunscreen and insect repellant. There are also no restrooms along the trail.

The main trail connects blue-blazed spur trails, two of which offer shortcuts and a third that offers an exploratory side trip of the northeast corner of the property. So new and rarely used is the park's trail system that one quickly climbs into the skin of Florida's early explorers who also found themselves immersed in the rich organic forests of Central Florida.

According to park manager Scott Spaulding, the local chapter of the Florida Trail Association is currently looking at the logistics of connecting the Colt Creek trail to the Florida National Scenic Trail.

At present, off-road cycling is not permitted on the trails, Spaulding said. However, he is looking forward to connecting with local cycling clubs interested in discussing the routing and maintenance of future cycling trails in the park.

For those who neither hike nor ride, the park offers a guided eco-tour on the first Saturday of each month. Visitors board a 30-person tram for a two-hour education on the natural and cultural history of the park's lands. Even better, the tour is free.

Plans For The Future
Colt Creek is operating with what is known in state park parlance as a "starter kit" - the most basic of facilities necessary to accommodate guests. The park recently received approval by the state's Acquisition and Restoration Council for a host of improvements that will widen the park's appeal.

Camping plans include a full-hookup recreational vehicle site as well as tent camping facilities. Also, primitive campsites will be added to the trail system to accommodate overnight backpacking excursions.

Those who choose to enjoy the scenery in more luxurious accommodations can look forward to the construction of eight cabins - complete with indoor porcelain. Florida's state parks have a reputation for offering clean, well-equipped cabin accommodations for a reasonable price. The Colt Creek cabins are bound to be a popular feature.

There are three lakes on the property, all of which offer productive fishing. They are unnamed, but Spaulding plans to correct that via a lake-naming contest, possibly including local schools.

There are also plans to upgrade access to the largest of the lakes with the installation of a wheelchair-accessible trail circling the lake's perimeter. Added to this will be an observation/fishing platform that probably will include a fish attractor or two to keep them biting.

Equestrians can look forward to a full-service equestrian camp complete with all the amenities required to keep the ponies happy and hydrated.

Spaulding estimates that Colt Creek State Park greets approximately 1,000 visitors each month, exceeding expectations. Even in its infancy, this park has much to offer.

The park improvements, although approved, have yet to be funded by the Legislature. Interestingly, much of what makes a state park great is not that which trickles down from Tallahassee; instead it is the sweat that trickles down the brows of park volunteers.
Colt Creek State Park invites everyone desiring to add their inspiration and perspiration to the improvement of the park to call (863) 815-6758 or e-mail Spaulding at scott.spaulding@dep.state.fl.us. There is a volunteer work day held each month; the next one is Jan. 26.

AT A GLANCE

COLT CREEK STATE PARK

WHERE: 16000 S.R. 471, Lakeland; located 3.5 miles north of the intersection of U.S. 98 and S.R. 471

FEE: $2

FISHING: All three lakes are open to fishing. Trolling motors and hand launching of small, non-gas-powered boats are allowed.

HIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDING: Approximately 10 miles of marked trail; no facilities.

AMENITIES: Restrooms; one covered pavilion; picnic tables near lake.

Correspondent Mike DeWitt can be reached at mikedewitt@tampabay.rr.com.

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