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View of Natural Setting at Mike Roess Gold Head State Park

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

A golden sea of grasses and pines combine with a shady oasis, carved out by the cold spring water of the gold head branch

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$5 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

6239 State Road 21
Keystone Heights FL 32656

Get directions

Contact Info

352-316-4286

Park Menu

  • Hours & Fees
  • Experiences & Amenities
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  • Geology
Make a Reservation Download Park Map

Welcome to Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

One of Florida's first state parks, the Civilian Conservation Corps developed the 600-acre site during the 1930s. The extraordinary artistry of the CCC is still evident today.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

Gold Head is located on rolling sandhills on the north central ridge of Florida with one of the few remaining examples of an old-growth stand of longleaf pines. A steep head ravine with seepage springs forms Gold Head Branch and bisects the park. Marshes, lakes and scrub provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing along the park's nature trails and a 5.44-mile stretch of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Visitors also can swim or fish in Little Lake Johnson or spend a lazy afternoon canoeing. A large picnic area with tables and grills, pavilions and a playground is available for visitors to enjoy. Nestled under the trees are three campgrounds with water and electricity provided. Primitive campsites for small or large groups are available as are fully equipped lakefront vacation cabins, some of which were built by the CCC.

Plan Your Visit

Ravine with clear water
Learn

Manager's Message

Gold Head Branch State Park is one of Florida's oldest state parks, developed and constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Annual Pass displayed over water and sky.
Learn

Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year.
a covered picnic pavilion sits atop a bank next to a lake
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Host an Event at Cabins/Pavilions

If you have ever visited Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, you have seen the allure of this beautiful place. It encourages you to linger and experience more of the park and possibly even bring others with you on your next visit.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Camping
Camping
Camping Primitive
Camping Primitive
Camping, Primitive Group
Camping, Primitive Group
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Reunions and Gatherings
Reunions and Gatherings
Star Gazing
Star Gazing
Swimming
Swimming
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Cabins
Cabins
Campgrounds
Campgrounds
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Laundry
Laundry
Meetings and Retreats
Meetings and Retreats
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Photo Gallery

Ravine with clear water
Fox squirrel climbing down pine tree
pine trees stand amidst golden grasses under a blue sky
a green frog sits on branches on the banks of a river
a figure made out of spanish moss extends it's arms, with red eyes
the sun rises against a misty sky, with pine trees in the foreground
a canoe sits on the banks of a blue lake under a blue sky
a doe stands in the middle of the multi-colored woods
a blue lake surrounded by green trees mirrors the cloudy sky above it.
Learn

Sinkhole Lakes

Yet another stellar feature of Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is its multiple natural lakes, some of which are formed by sinkholes and maintained by rainfall and groundwater levels.
a wooden boardwalk descends into a green leafy ravine
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Ravine System

Hidden away within the rolling, piney sandhills is an extensive ravine system created by the Gold Head Branch stream.

People Make the Parks

Boardwalk at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park.

Staff Spotlight: 2020 Division Team Award

The Division 2 Construction Team has received the 2020 Division Team Award.
Volunteer Frankie Blodgett.

Volunteer Spotlight

Frankie has been a dedicated volunteer at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park for many years, whether it’s cutting down trees, painting or picking up litter.
Friends of Gold Head

Friends of Gold Head

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

Green Lodging
National Register of Historic Places

Park Map

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Florida State Parks

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Have Questions?

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(850) 245-2157

Or send an email to:

FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov

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