On my recent trip to visit pitcher plants in the Apalachicola State Forest, I took a side trip into Tate’s Hell State Forest. Here, we visited Cash Creek and the Kendrick Boardwalk. Each of these sites is easily accessible by vehicle. The drive to Kendrick Boardwalk was long and dusty, and I would not have attempted it if the road was wet. Getting stuck in this place would not be a good idea, and AAA may not have been up to rescuing us!
Stunted Cypress
The Kendrick Boardwalk overlooks a bowl-shaped depression where the cypress trees do not exceed 20′ in height. These cypress trees are genetically the same as bald cypress trees that often grow up to 100′, but in this area of Tate’s Hell, they are stunted. No one seems to know why. I suspect it must have to do with available nutrients, but have no science to back that up.
In doing some very quick research for this post, I’ve been trying to find out if there is a specific variety of dwarf cypress. The dwarf cypress trees at Lake Norris in Eustis, Florida, look nothing like the trees in Tate’s Hell. Of course, the Eustis trees are growing in a lake, and the Tate’s Hell trees are in what is a bog at best. These stunted trees may be a separate variety of cypress, or they may be bald cypress. It’s up for discussion.
Finding Kendrick Boardwalk
To reach this boardwalk, turn north into Tate’s Hell from SR 65 in Eastpoint. Signs will direct you to the High Bluff Tract. Watch for the Cash Creek Recreation area on the right — pass it but be on the lookout for North Road. Turn right on North Road and follow it to Dry Bridge Road. Turn right and proceed until you see the signs for the Kendrick Boardwalk. The view is definitely worth the side trip when you’re on your way to Sumatra to see pitcher plants!
