Whether you are a beginner or more experienced hiker, you’ll be faced with challenges and a variety of elevations on the Pioneer Trail located in Clay County’s Jennings State Forest in Middleburg.
Let’s take a further look at Pioneer Trail –
Where Can I Access Pioneer Trail?
Located in Western Clay County, Jennings State Forest has many entrance locations. However, to gain access to the popular Pioneer Trail, you can find the southern terminus access point at the Indian Ford Recreation Area and on the northern terminus located at Powell Ford. The Pioneer Trail follows the southern edge of North Fork Black Creek.
What to Expect on the Pioneer Trail
This 11.6 mile hiking trail can be divided into short hikes allowing nature lovers to experience elevation changes, sprawling bluffs above Black Creek, hollows and even waterfalls. The trail features bottomland hardwood forest to rolling hills and sandhill terrain with elevation changes from 10 feet up to 100+ feet. Bluffs along the trails were created by centuries of erosion from Black Creek along with waterfalls found along the hike.
As you make your way along the Black Creek portion of the trail, be on the lookout for water moccasins, a variety of fish, alligators, river otters, deer, turkey and even bobcats. Resting benches and directional signs are located throughout the trail. Keep in mind this trail is a terminus trail (there is no loop), so plan accordingly for a turnaround spot or arrange transportation back to your vehicle.
Is the Pioneer Trail Dog-Friendly?
As with all trails in the Jennings State Forest, pets are allowed and must be on a leash less than ten feet in length. So, bring along your furry friend for a day of exploring the trails.
What is the History of the Pioneer Trail?
One of the cross trails that spurs from the Pioneer Trail is the Dunn’s Farm Trail, one of the forest’s earliest trails within Jennings State Forest. Named after William W. Dunn, one of the area’s pioneer settlers. Part of both trails cross Mr. Dunn’s Land Grant issue on June 13, 1884. The Dunn’s Farm camp zone is located on the Eastern side of the trail loop.
The Dunn Family Cemetery is located nearby with volunteers working with the Clay County Archives Department to uncover the cemetery’s history and location. Together they used a 1950s survey to locate the cemetery and restoring it to its current state honoring the relatives and ancestors that were pioneers in settling this land. The Dunns were known to be “Pioneers of Clay County” and were known for making turpentine from local tree sap.
Volunteer Involvement in the Pioneer Trail
Along with Jennings State Forest supervisors and volunteers, the trail was created connecting campsites and landings throughout the 25,000 acre forest. More than 12,000 volunteer hours were logged in helping to create and maintain this trail, taking close to five years to complete the project.
This trail would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of the volunteers that build and maintain the area.
Ready to Hike the Pioneer Trail?
At nearly 24,000 acres, Jennings State Forest is home to 15 different biological communities including sandhill, slope forest, flatwoods, seepage slope, dome swamp, blackwater stream and seepage stream.
The forest is open daily during daylight hours for visitors interested in hiking, bicycling, canoeing and horseback riding throughout the land. Overnight camping and primitive campsites are available at the Hammock Campground with ten camp sites available. A covered pavilion, fire pit with seating, grills and picnic tables are also available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Ellis Ford Recreation Area offers water access for paddlers. Overnight facilities are available at Chapman’s Camp Zone and Dunn’s Camp Zone, both near the Pioneer Trail.
For those interested in hiking the Pioneer Trail or camp overnight under the stars, be sure to purchase a day pass and/or make a camping reservation.
