Dwarf Cypress in Tate's Hell State Forest | My Exquisite Florida

On my recent trip to visit pitcher plants in the Apalachicola State Forest, I took a side trip into Tate’s Hell State Forest to visit Cash Creek and the Kendrick Boardwalk.

The Kendrick Boardwalk overlooks a bowl-shaped depression where, for some unknown reason, the cypress trees do not exceed 20′ in height. These bald cypress trees are genetically the same as other 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. 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, because 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 (it was dry when I was there but the road can flood – if you go, do not exceed your vehicle’s capacity for adventure!).

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!