Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The trail we describe here begins at a large trailhead on US 98. It is a grass
parking area with ample room for twenty-plus cars. For the most part the trail is a
wide dirt footpath and is dry except after it rains, when it can be very muddy and
boggy. If you plan on hiking the trail in the summer months, be sure to bring
along a good dose of insect repellent. You are walking through marshes and bogs,
after all. Some of the trail does have short “gangplanks” for you to navigate over
when the trail is muddy. These are three 2-by-6 inch, 16-foot boards nailed togeth-
er and placed in strategic locations for stepping on. The trail is marked with white
wooden diamond-shaped markers with the letters WB on them in black.
About 400 feet from the trailhead, the path comes to a Y at a beautiful large live
oak tree climbed by a resurrection fern. There is also a very nice wildflower patch
with yellow colicroot, milkwort, and threadleaf sundew next to the tree and be-
hind a fence. The blooms are exceptional in the spring. Take the right fork first
and head south to Weeks Bay. There is a 200-foot boardwalk there with excellent
views of the bay and marsh. At the end of the boardwalk, it looks like the trail
continues but it doesn't. It quickly dead-ends and you could find yourself standing
in the marsh itself. Instead, turn around at the end of the boardwalk and head back
to the Y.
Once at the Y, take the right fork and head east to the Weeks Bay Interpretive
Center. Here you'll find displays that describe the estuary and its plants and anim-
als. At the back of the building there is a mini-zoo the kids will love (and you,
too) with fish, blue crabs, and an alligator.
The Interpretive Center is the turnaround for this trip, where you will begin
your walk back to the trailhead. Option: You can extend the trip an additional 0.3
mile along a nice boardwalk that takes you to another view of the bay and a dense
wetland. The boardwalk begins on the left (east) side of the building. It was closed
when I revisited the estuary, but from previous visits I can tell you it's worth the
trip.
While you're in the neighborhood, be sure to head down to the Weeks Bay
Pitcher Plant Bog. To get there from the estuary trailhead, take US 98 East over
the Weeks Bay Bridge 1 mile, turn left onto CR 17, and follow the signs. The curi-
ous pitcher plant is a wily carnivore that feasts on insects. The Wintermeyer
Nature Trail guides visitors easily through the bog, which, contrary to what you
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