Exploring Hontoon Island

A huge oak on the island

There are so many adventures to be had in Florida and one needs only look to the nearest park. Years ago I hiked the 3 mile 'nature trail' at Hontoon Island State Park with my father. It was the fall, just after a north-easter and the ground was littered with air plants. As we hiked to the Indian midden at the end of the park we encountered various birds and mammals but the best was a perfect pigmy rattler curled on a maple leaf. With such fond memories a return visit was mandatory.

Nature Trail to the Indian Midden

Hontoon Island is just west of DeLand but in the St. Johns River so access is by a state park ferry or boat. We wanted to canoe the 3.5 miles from Blue Springs State Park to the island but at 30 mph the wind was too high for a safe or enjoyable paddle. Thus we opted to ride the ferry and bring our bicycles along for the adventure.

Tall pines along the roads

Taking the bicycles was a brilliant idea as the park contains many miles of service roads in addition to the 3 mile 'nature trail' which is limited to foot traffic. As with much of the state, there are dry areas and wet areas due to muck, a low water table, recent rains, and tidal action. Tidal action on the St. Johns River? Yes, the river mouth opens to the Atlantic Ocean which effects the northern end; however, the river is so broad that the moon phase and tributaries have subtler effects.

Swampy area near the midden

The island was probably first inhabited by Timucuan Indians as evidenced by the huge shell mound at the south-western corner of the island. The mound is primarily snail shells harvested over 2000 years ago and probably from the Hontoon Dead River. 

Snail Shells that comprise the midden

You know the mound is old when you stand beneath the huge oak tree which crowns the midden. Access to the mound is only by the nature trail; however, you can explore the island on bicycle, park your steed, and hike the trail from one of several connecting roads.

Bill by the huge oak

Later the island served as a home for local pioneers and entrepreneurs who used the island for fishing, trapping, cattle ranching, and personal food production. In later years it served as a boat yard and center for commercial fishing.

View of the St. Johns River
Cypress knees on the bank

Now, if you are relatively quiet you should encounter deer, armadillo, squirrel, wading birds, woodpeckers, and song birds. I'm certain there are more animals and birds but these were the ones that made an appearance on this trip.

Armadillo foraging through the brush

Step off the mainland and take a ferry ride to Hontoon Island where you can fish, hike, bicycle, and even stay overnight in a cabin, tent, or dock your boat.

Huge Oak on the midden