Blackwater’s Best Kept Secret: Two Lakes, One Trail

Florida’s state forests are not known for their amenities, often offering an unstructured recreational experience when compared to state or county parks. However, Florida’s largest state forest, Blackwater River, has plenty to offer at its two most popular destinations. Bear Lake and Krul recreation areas offer different recreational experiences and are connected by a 1.3-mile trail. For those who don’t mind the modest hike, it can seem like a single north Florida getaway.

A couple of bear statues near Bear Lake

Bear Lake Recreation Area

The 107-acre Bear Lake is the center of this recreation area, fishing is the primary activity as swimming is prohibited, which isn’t a problem since nearby Krull Lake allows it. A camping area, restrooms, showers, and a boat ramp are available here. Many of the sites have a clear view of the lake as they sit on an elevated area. At the time I was here swallow-tailed kites were gracefully swooping near the lake. Camping reservations must be made via the Reserve America(opens in new tab) website. Bear Lake has a day use area that has a fee but does not require a reservation. It’s a great place to camp or picnic after a hike. Don’t miss the bear statues near the lake.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake Loop Trail

I particularly enjoyed the Bear Loop Lake Trail. It is a loop trail that mostly hugs Bear Lake, offering amazing views, and while I hiked it, a continuous breeze. The trailhead is conveniently located near the parking area and the trail continues on into the Sweetwater Trail to Krul Lake. Seeing the entire lake from various points of the shoreline was interesting. There are a few places with picnic tables or benches to stop and relax. The trail traverses both wetlands and uplands around the lake. Carnivorous plants can occasionally be seen. They are fascinating plants that get nutrients from insects they trap and consume. I observed both pitcher plants and sundews. There is also a six-mile mountain bike trail that also goes around the lake but on a different path than the hiking trail.

A spot to rest along the Bear Lake Loop Trail

Sweetwater Trail

For those of you who are in the Florida Trailwalker Program(opens in new tab), this trail as well as the Bear Lake Loop, are designated Trailwalker Trails. You can log them with the Florida Forest Service to get freebies. One thing I noticed about this area of Florida is that it has gentle rolling hills that add an aspect to the landscape that I rarely see in other areas of Florida. The forest seems to climb in the distance when seen from across the lake. Part of the Sweetwater trail is on a slight incline that made it seem that I wasn’t in Florida anymore. A significant part of the trail is a nicely maintained boardwalk that is rather spacious. The highlight of it was the suspension bridge that crosses Sweetwater Creek. Near Krul Lake there is a reconstructed grist mill that is on the site where one once existed. It utilized the power of water to often grind corn.

Sweetwater Creek suspension bridge

Grist mill near Krul Lake

Krul Recreation Area

The unusual named recreation area got its name from Philip Krul who was a supervisor of Blackwater River State Forest and worked there for 27 years. Its hallmark is the spring-fed Krul Lake, which is a prime swimming destination. At six and a half acres, it is a fraction of Bear Lake’s size but has all the fun.

Krul Recreation Area offers camping, picnicking, restrooms, and a swimming dock. Reservations are required to park or camp at Krul and need to be made ahead of time as there is little to no cell service in the area to allow them to be made on site. It’s important to remember that Bear Lake does not require reservations for day use; however, Krul does. For the truly determined who do not have a reservation, parking at Bear Lake and hiking the Sweetwater Trail to Krul is a way to still get in a swim.

A long dock runs the length of the main swimming area and was the main attraction as swimmers were leaping off of it into the clear waters of the lake. For those who are interested in camping, a few of the campsites offered a full view of the lake as well.

View of the main swimming area from across Krul Lake

A dock opposite of the main swimming area at Krul Lake

My recommendations for a good time at Bear Lake and Krul Recreation area are:

• Bring everything you need. Options for shopping are limited in the area.
• Always have the three non-negotiables while hiking: water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Sunburn, dehydration, and aggressive biting insects will ruin the best of hikes.
• Make a reservation if you intend to visit Krul Recreation area. It’s inexpensive and the day pass can be reserved here(opens in new tab), otherwise Blackwater River State Park is a fantastic swimming destination that isn’t too far away.
• Bring binoculars, there is a lot of opportunity to view wildlife.

Ryan Worthington, known as The Florida Excursionist, is a Live Wildly Adventurist. He grew up in Florida State Parks and has spent his life exploring — and championing — the state’s wild places. A Florida Master Naturalist, he documents conservation areas across the state through guided hikes, social media, and his podcast The Florida Madcaps.