May trip - Gator Hook to Roberts Lakes Strand

[Keith W]

I have a mind to try and reach Robert's Lakes Strand from the Gator Hook Trail on the Monroe Station leg of the Loop. I know the Fl. Scenic Trail runs through the Strand on the eastern end but I have yet to hear of anybody coming in from the west. The first couple of miles of the old Gator Hook logging tram that runs southeast off the Loop has been cleared, but it's all wild after that. The line of the tram is still evident after the cleared path runs out, and I was able to follow it for about another half-mile but it gets pretty boggy in places. Anybody else have any info on this route?

[Dallas]

some funny parts of the article but, overall he kind of sounds like a wanker 

D.M. said:

 Although he missed the best part, I actually like the article, Its pretty good and its funny. Make sure you read it, if you have time. 

He says lol:  "Is this trail a sick joke played on hikers by the National Park Service?"  .... "By the time I got back I had twisted my ankle four times, fallen into the Gauntlet of Mud™ twice, and tripped well over 100 times on the Cypress knees—you can’t go twenty feet without tripping."   (And he caught poison ivy).

[Swamp Witch]

Yes.  The best part of the trail is the Center of the W.  So much fun to explore in there.  Or just sit on the bench by the gator hole and let time go by.

 

Thanks for sharing the article, Dale!  I enjoyed reading it.  Very interesting to hear a different perspective of the trail especially from someone who did not like it. 

[Megan Digeon]

I went out there with a few people on May 1st and we hiked from Gator Hook to Oasis.  Below you can see my "planned" route in pink that I drew out along the old tramway on Google Earth.  In yellow is our actual course.  Towards the end you can see we cut over north to meetup with the old Florida Trail.  We found that on the section after the center of the W, it was near impossible to stay on the "old tram" since it seems like there are trees growing on it.  Also, the flagging out there is great until after the W when it goes into the sawgrass/cypress area.  I tried to add some more orange tape but eventually stopped since it was slowing us down.  It was a very tough hike due to the mud/water/heat.  

[shawn beightol]

cool hike/hard core! and great GPS track!

Megan Digeon said:

I went out there with a few people on May 1st and we hiked from Gator Hook to Oasis.  Below you can see my "planned" route in pink that I drew out along the old tramway on Google Earth.  In yellow is our actual course.  Towards the end you can see we cut over north to meetup with the old Florida Trail.  We found that on the section after the center of the W, it was near impossible to stay on the "old tram" since it seems like there are trees growing on it.  Also, the flagging out there is great until after the W when it goes into the sawgrass/cypress area.  I tried to add some more orange tape but eventually stopped since it was slowing us down.  It was a very tough hike due to the mud/water/heat.  

[Swamp Hunter]

Thanks for posting Megon.  Your route map shows how much work is yet to be done. Hopefully the NPS will approve the proposed extension, so the old tram can be saved and used, as a hiking trail, connecting with the existing Florida Trail..

Im posting the Trail Map from the Gator Hook Trailhead kiosk for comparison.  The old tram can be viewed as a large "W" with legs marked #1-4.  I have said this before, that according to the kiosk, the Gator Hook Trail has apparently been approved (legs #1 & #2) to the 2.4 mile mark.  At this time, it has been blazed yellow only about 2 miles, to the benches (first red vertical line)  The 2.4 mile mark (second red line with arrow) is just past the center of the "W" at the cypress knee bench.  So, unless Im missing something, the FTA could finish those yellow blazes (between the red lines) and I would be glad to help.. Only then will legs 1-2 be considered complete as shown on the kiosk.   

It appears you were able to follow the short southeast leg #3.  But it appears the long northeast leg #4 has much work to do. (if approved).  Leg #4 may be the hardest to work on, simply because its the furthest and as you say, Cocoplums are growing on the tram bed.  Cocoplums seem to grow well in the Loop and Stairsteps Units.. But its mostly open country and some railroad ties can still be found. If we can straighten out this last leg (4), the historic tram will be saved for future hikers to enjoy.   

[Swamp Hunter]

A lot to read here so if anybody doesnt know what i mean, here is a map showing the old tram, thats basically in the shape of a large "W".  The orange square is considered the "center of the W" and its about 2.4 miles in, as marked on the kiosk. The center was the most challenging area and is not yet blazed.  A beautiful, slightly elevated, historic "corduroy road" area of the tram was found, in the center, where orchids and tall Bald Cypress can be viewed.. Here you will find a live cypress knee bench to sit and rest with gator holes on each side that also support fish.  Its very peaceful in the center. And if you turn back at the green painted benches, like most hikers, you will have missed the best part..

[Dallas]

Dale, what is the name of the station I circled? I can't read the name.

Thanks for posting the old map.

[Swamp Hunter]

Paolita Station   https://www.flickr.com/photos/mainmanwalkin/6293765108

[Dallas]

Thanks, Dale. I've actually never heard of that one. 

D.M. said:

Paolita Station   https://www.flickr.com/photos/mainmanwalkin/6293765108

[yakmaster]

We've lost a whole history. This site is helping to bring it back, keep it alive & share it.

[Swamp Hunter]

As shown on the map, a buggy trail used to run from Sawmill Road at Paces (FT on the Loop Road) all the way to Paolita Station. Anyone think a hike from Paces Florida Trailhead to Paolita is feasible?  Is it even possible to hike in one day?    Is the old buggy trail still visible on Google Earth?   What about Gator Hook Tram to Paolita straight across the Loop Unit?? 

 

 

[shawn beightol]

You know I'm game for rediscovering history or bushwhacking new history ; )

D.M. said:

As shown on the map, a buggy trail used to run from Sawmill Road at Paces (FT on the Loop Road) all the way to Paolita Station. Anyone think a hike from Paces Florida Trailhead to Paolita is feasible?  Is it even possible to hike in one day?    Is the old buggy trail still visible on Google Earth?   What about Gator Hook Tram to Paolita straight across the Loop Unit??