Woodchuck Trail

Woodchuck Trail is a half mile long trail connecting Float Camp Picnic area with the campground. It climbs a small hill in a well-shaded area under a mixture of sycamore, black walnut, shortleaf pine, and white and scarlet oak. Halfway along, a bench sits at the highest point of the trail. The trail exits on the area’s entrance road; on the right is Maldon Spring and on the left, the White Oak Trail.

This short nature trail and White Oak Trail are located in the Float Camp Recreation Area along one of America’s clearest and most beautiful rivers, (the Current River), provide excellent opportunities for enjoying the beauty of nature.  A rich variety of wildflowers are present: yellow and purple wood sorrel, false Solomon’s seal, and false dandelion; catbrier and dogwood and horsemint; blueberry and coralberry; wild ginger and wild plum – each in itself is a wonder. If you use a magnifier on the flower of a horsemint you will discover how intricate its texture is: tiny purple dots on a pale white petal. Trumpet vine and Virginia creeper climb on large trees. Fleabanes look like small versions ox-eyed daisy, while the midget purple flowers of a scurf pea are humble enough to escape the attention of a hurried visitor. It is unusual but possible to find a skullcap (what a startling name!) with sawtooth leaves and purple and white irregular flowers. Bring a camera, and be prepared to relax and observe the wonders around you.

The trail is open all year, but there is no garbage collection or toilet facilities available near the trailhead from October through April, and you may not be able to access the trailhead by vehicle during late winter through early spring. Avoid using the trails during excessively wet periods.