Middle Loop

Middle Loop strings together several trail segments in Jesse Jones County Park, located along the floodplains of Spring Creek. Starting at the West trailhead parking, it follows the Palmetto Trail to the junction of the Cypress Trail, and quickly veers off on the White Oak Trail toward Spring Creek. The trail is shaded in a mature forest of loblolly pine, oak, cedar elm, and sycamore with a scattering of magnolia. Near Spring Creek the pavement has been washed away by floods, and is sandy instead, with many openings caused by downed trees. There are several trail spurs that allow direct access to Spring Creek, and junctions are well signed. The White Oak Trail next junctions with the Magnolia Trail, and passes by a cypress pond before ending at the Canoe Launch Trail. Go right on the Canoe Launch Trail, and make a left on the unpaved River Birch Trail as it traverses another Cypress pond. This trail spur loops back to the Canoe Launch Trail near Turtle Pond, follow the trail along the south shore of the pond past viewing boardwalks and a wildlife blind. The cypress ponds along this loop are some of the most interesting and beautiful parts of this hike. The trail will bring you back to the park road, where you will have to walk along the road for the last segment to complete the loop and return to your vehicle.