Gar Pond: Bicycling Natural Areas in Columbia County Florida

Gar Pond, is yet another of the Florida public lands managed by one of several agencies that is open for us to explore.  It is a shallow lake surrounded by marsh land and home to many types of water birds. 


Eagle Nest in the pine

Spending a few minutes to observe the lake, trees, and flight paths can result in interesting finds. The obvious are the white birds which turn out to be ibis.  A blue heron is fishing on the edge of the pond.  There a vultures in the distance.  Suddenly the pond surface darkens with the shadow of a huge wing span.  Yes, it is a bald eagle. In a moment a second eagle appears and then they reveal the location of their nest with two hatchlings. How special!

Gar Pond from the trail

Gar pond is a natural lake

and the wilderness area is approximately 877 acres which supports hiking, bicycling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.  The property contains a man-made lake and several natural sinks which are visible from the trails. The land was purchased with funds from the Save Our Rivers program and the resulting project contains well over the six miles of advertised looping trails.



A natural sink which filled with water
can be viewed from the trail.

 The routes vary in difficulty as the wind through flat woods and scrub, up and down the sand hills, over roots and fallen saplings, and along the Suwanee River bluffs.  Much of the trail requires some deft bicycle skill; however, there are gentler routes in many places to avoid the harder sections.

Trail through the scrub and pine

Gar Pond is an excellent example of partnership between the Suwannee River Water Management District and Suwannee Bicycle Association. The area also hosts the Florida Trail which traverses the property and rises along the banks of the Suwannee River.

The Florida Trail, hiking, tends to
be a bit narrower than the bicycle trails

On this crisp December afternoon we decided to cycle this hidden but promising area.  We were not disappointed; we were treated to fun bicycling trails, ponds, woods, birds, and a beautiful view of the river. 

The lovely Florida scrub