Hiking Pat's Island Traihead to Hidden Pond in Ocala National Forest

Location and Hiking Trail Maps with Nature Viewing Information and Photos

Hiking from Pat’s Island Trailhead to Hidden Pond
Putnam County
Juniper Prairie Portion of Ocala National Forest
Entry Fee: None
Traffic: Light
USDA Florida National Forests Official Hiking Page

PDF Trail Map ^
Interactive Trail Map at AllTrails >

Important Pat’s Island Trailhead Update

November, 2024

Typical trail segment heading north.

As of the moment, Pat’s Island Trailhead to Hidden Lake is closed. A fire and two hurricanes ravaged the trail. Though closed, I attempted the hike and only got .6 miles in before it became impassable due to debris. You can, however, take another portion of the trail from the same starting point! Park in the same spot mapped below.

Instead of heading south toward Hidden Lake, go north. The trail is very similar to the closed one prior to the damage, and 1.8 miles to the Hopkins Prairie Campground makes a fine there-and-back. And since it’s part of the Florida Trails system, you can go as far as you like. Note: be cautious as seasonal hunting is permitted in this area.

Finding Pat’s Island Trailhead and Getting Started

The Google Map below will take you straight to parking for Pat’s Island Trailhead. But a few notes before starting. The earth road – Forest Road 51 off of FL 19 – may not have signage. Also, FR 51 may not ride as smooth as it appears. No, you don’t need a truck. I took my small car without problem. Some dips, however, have potholes that are hard to miss. Take it easy so you don’t bottom out. Since this stretch runs only about a mile and a half, you’ll get there soon enough.

Parking is plentiful enough since the trail doesn’t bring much traffic. Also, it has multiple entrances. Since this is a portion of the Florida Trail, you can choose to go either right or left. That is north or south respectively. To reach hidden pond, you will turn left on the trail. That is north. And you will almost immediately cross FR 51 and enter the Juniper Prairie Wilderness.

Hiking to Hidden Pond as a There-and-Back

While I have a fondness for loops, the great thing about Florida Trail segments is you can choose your distance. The hike to Hidden Pond runs about 4 miles each way, which makes a great hike!

Typical Trail view hiking from Pat’s Island Trailhead to Hidden Pond

While the trail is very with shrub and trees to either immediate side, it is very well-maintained. I never found myself walking through grass or pushing through overhanging branches. In fact, I didn’t even use spray to keep the ticks away in late March. The sandy earth is mostly very well packed with only moderately soft areas. So the hike is easy, though there is no canopy growth for shade.

The sites along the way are really fun! Stepping off-trail just a bit, you can enjoy the wide, grassy fields of Juniper Prairie Wilderness. And there are multiple sinkholes along the way providing very interesting ecosystems all on their own.

On my trip, I spotted scrub jays, a zebra swallowtail butterfly, a Carolina saddlebags dragonfly, and even a large coral snake. I have images of these below.

This is a really fun hike and highly recommended!

Trail Images Below