Along the East Coast of Florida, tucked away in Flagler Beach, there is a historic trail that will take you through some of the state’s most important historical moments. But what’s more, is that this trail will also showcase historic ruins of a former plantation and sugar mill. Bulow Creek State Park takes guests back in time, through the sordid and mysterious history of the Bulow family. Not a short trek by any means, come see what the Bulow Woods Trail in Florida offers.

Anyone who is looking to enjoy a day in the great outdoors with a little history thrown in the mix should visit Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, part of the Bulow Creek State Park system.
Clyde B / Google Reviews
The Bulow Woods Trail is a 6.8-mile trek through nature that will highlight some impressive sights throughout Bulow Creek State Park. It connects the southern edge of the Bulow Plantation Ruins with the Fairchild Oak parking area.
Clyde B / Google Reviews
While there may be simpler trails within the park to see the ruins and the old sugar mill, we recommend this hike because it’s all-encompassing and will give hikers a chance to see it all.
louri Dovnarovich / Google Reviews
Meander your way through the old-growth forest, passing beside the calm salt marshes of the Tomoka Basin.
Rick Cosmas / AllTrails
You’ll eventually come across the oldest tree in the park, the Fairchild Oak, which is around 600 years old and is the starting point for the southern part of the trail.
Jim Brekke / Flickr

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Eventually, as you continue on, you’ll come across the charred remains of the famed Bulow Plantation.
Andrea Hoelscher / AllTrails
This gargantuan site allows guests to wander through, seeing what’s left. Hikers can also continue to the separate walking trail which takes them directly to another set of ruins at the historic sugar mill.
Melissa Trahan / Google Reviews
Bulow Sugar Mill was once the largest sugar mill in the state, operated by the Bulow family until 1820 when it was burned to the ground during the Second Seminole War.
Andrea Sparks / Google Reviews
Guests are still able to see how and where certain sugar mill production points were, despite the ruins being all that’s left of this slice of history.
Franklyn Pearson / AllTrails
Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables before you wind your way back to where you began the hike.
mystuart / Flickr


Take a virtual tour of Bulow Woods Trail in this video from TheSilver Eagle:
To find out where Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is in Florida, follow the Google Map.
Google Maps

Bulow Creek State Park is a fascinating place to explore both for its unique history and its beautiful scenery. Have you ever hiked the Bulow Woods Trail in Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section!

Florida has plenty of wonderful places to hike. In fact, we have put together the ultimate guide to Florida hiking trails – find a new hike, or three or four, that you haven’t discovered yet. One of the best ways to keep up to date on any trail you explore is with AllTrails+.

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More to Explore

More hiking in Florida

Chris Muras | September 10, 2023

What are some interesting hiking trails in Florida?

Florida isn't all sandy beaches, there are plenty of fun and fascinating places to hike. Here are some interesting hiking trails in Florida for you to explore:

  • Dunlawton Sugar Mill Garden, Port Orange, FL: If you enjoy unexpected surprises on your hikes like interesting rock formations or waterfalls, this trail will give you an even more fascinating surprise - an abandoned theme park! The old 1929 sugar mill ruins on this trail were used for a small amusement park in 1948. Now, you can round a bend in the trail to come face-to-face with a giant Triceratops and other prehistoric creatures.
  • Key West Garden Club, West Martello Tower, Key West, FL: Another unique hike to ruins in Florida will lead you to an old Civil War-era fortification surrounded by twisting vines and massive banyan trees. It seems like you have stepped into a fictitious world where hobbits might pop out of the ground and a dragon could suddenly fly overhead.
  • Florida National Scenic Trail, Palatka, FL: This unexpected gem is one of the most dangerous thru-hikes you haven't heard about. We all know about the PCT or the Appalachian Trail, but this 1,500-mile hike flies under the radar. Much of the trail goes through swampy areas that are prone to flooding. The trail isn't always very well marked so it is easy to lose your way and end up wandering in the Florida sawgrass. And then there are the alligators, panthers, snakes, and black bears ... but if you are up for a challenge and really love getting immersed in nature, this is a unique trail that will definitely give you plenty to talk about when (if) you return.

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Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, 3501 Old Kings Rd S, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, USA