Keno...no, Leno...no, Old Leno....no, O'Leno State Park

Yes...this area of land was once call all of these things. The first unique feature of the area is a mysterious place, where the Santa Fe River sinks underground and travels for 3 miles before it rises back up again an resumes flowing at the earth's surface. This was utilized as a natural land bridge by Native Americans as early as 7000 BC and then the Spanish as they surveyed the land.  Belamy Road, a road in the town of Leno, was.the first Federally funded road that served to connect St. Augustine to Pensacola. In the 1800's a town was established here along the Santa Fe. Originally, it was known as Keno...named for the gambling game. Town people felt naming the town after a game of chance was probably improper an implored the town leaders to change it. They did, choosing next to call it Leno.  As time and tide often do, the town was erased...washed away by modernization. Railways went around the town rendering it obsolete.  Afterwards it was referred to as "Old Leno" which became abbreviated to O'Leno. An interesting progression of the town's name. Today, O'Leno is a beautiful state park, along with its "sister park" River Rise State Park. Made up of over 6000 acres of land, it boasts being the second oldest state park, created by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and WPA (Works Progress Administration) in the 1930's. several of the original structures from the forestry camp are still in use today. It became an official state park in 1935.  Inside the park there are miles of lovely hiking paths. You can start in O'Leno and go all the way to River Rise seeing both the river sink and river rise in the same hike. (About an 8 mile hike round trip).  The river trail takes you to the river sink and back again in less time....you can then drive to River Rise to see the rise.  Overall there are 18 natural communities in which to see and experience a rich, diverse wildlife population. On my journeys I saw white tailed deer, gopher tortoises, a variety of turtles in the river, scrub lizards, brown anoles, butterflies and interesting insects, a multitude of richly colored and profoundly shaped fungi, squirrels, turkey, a bat house, and many different song birds. If you open your eyes and listen closely, nature will readily introduce itself to you here.  The sounds of the majestic river making its journey to the sink are relaxing and mesmerizing. In a variety of spots along the river trail there are benches and lookout platforms that beckon you to stop and reflect on nature's bounty, and appreciate all she has to offer. These moments are gifts best not refused. Take the time to savor the grandeur of it all.  When you've finished your hike on any of the various nature trails there, you will undoubtedly have a few questions about what you have seen. There is a nature center there stocked with many things to see and do, as well as a knowledgeable, affable man who would be delighted to spend the time talking to you about the park.  It's evident that he is passionate about nature and this park with its tapestry of life and its abundant history, and he would love to share that all with you. There is a CCC museum to visit as well. Both of these are open on Fridays-Sundays. The campsites are gorgeous.  Well shaded and tucked in enough that you have a fair amount of privacy. It is as if the whole forest is wrapping its arms around you in a gentle embrace, welcoming you to its home. The bathhouses are spectacular and were immaculately kept while we were there. Sparkling and gorgeously colored with tan and Forrest green tile work. We were treated to a spacious, nicely fenced in, well equipped pull through space, which is, from what we could tell, the only one. That was space 22.  River Rise is an equestrian park. There is a stable barn that accommodates up to 20 horses. First come, first serve. That park contains over 20 miles of trails to explore on horseback or on foot. You can tent/primitive camp overnight with your horse there, if you wish. There are restrooms available in addition to the stable for your horse. Now that we have found a Starbucks with wifi...we WILL be back and share with you the sights of O'Leno!  Hope your day is kissed by summer sun and laughter!