Don’t you love it when you go to a wildlife management area and see wildlife?
Not trying to be ironic, but I’ve been to nature areas and seen nothing. On a recent visit to Belmore State Forest-Ates Creek Tract I saw several deer, including a fawn that was so small it looked like a fox, along with a bobcat.
That was the second time in a month I’ve seen one of these cats in the Clay County woods, and although not rare, they are shy. I also heard a common yellowthroat, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and dark-eyed Junco. If you’re a bird watcher download the Merlin app, which will allow you to identify species by audio.
Two of the deer I saw near the main road, which was hard-packed limestone and wide enough for two vehicles. Another good feature of the road was it went north-to-south. In the morning, especially on a bicycle, heading east can be risky because you’re looking directly into the sun.
Encompassing more than 8,700 square acres, the forest is about 15 minutes west of Green Cove Springs and is also home to wild turkeys, hawks and songbirds. Several threatened animals and ones of special concern, including the gopher tortoise, Sherman’s fox squirrel, Florida black bear, American alligator, and eastern indigo snake, also inhabit Belmore.
The topography includes sandhills, mesic flatwoods, baygalls, wet flatwoods and floodplain forests, and in it is mostly shaded. You can enter the Ates Creek Tract from Bellamy Road on the south or County Road 315 on the north, where I did.
The entrance I chose was a soft clay road, which I cycled down a couple of miles before and after my visit. In fact, on my way back to my car I passed by a pastureland filled with cows and they started following me along the fence.
So, I guess you could say I cycled at Belmore until the cows came home.
When you go:
- If you cycle, make sure your bike tires are at least 28mm wide. Gravel riders usually prefer widths around 40mm or more for grip and stability on uneven surfaces.
- If you have a Brazon (bike bottle holder) make sure it fits snugly because it might bounce out. I suggest using a metallic bottle because then you’ll hear it if it does.
- Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
- For more information go to: https://myfwc.com/recreation/cooperative/belmore/
Written by Randy Reagor
Randy Reagor is a Jacksonville native who spends as much time as possible outdoors exploring parks and trails, often with his goldendoodle Sophie. He has been involved in the tourism industry for 30+ years. Reagor has a journalism degree from the University of Florida and his writings have appeared in various media outlets.
