Step into the fascinating world of Buckman Lock – St. Johns Loop North & South, a timeless masterpiece crafted during the mid- to late 1960s as a pivotal element of the now-retired Cross Florida Barge Canal endeavor. Unfolding against the backdrop of the St. Johns River, where the waters dance gracefully 4 feet above the sea’s embrace, this lock stands as a beacon of ingenuity and connectivity.

Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Rodman Reservoir, cradled between 18.0′ msl – 20.0’ msl, offering a haven for both watercraft and aquatic life to coexist harmoniously. Witness the lock chamber’s majesty, stretching 600 feet in length and 84 feet in width, welcoming vessels with a minimum draft of 12 feet. Here, the concrete sill on the upstream side beckons with a whisper of tranquility at 6.0′ msl.

Venture further, and you’ll discover the lock’s hidden secret – a fish ladder teeming with life, guiding manatees, eels, and fish on their migratory odyssey between the river’s embrace and the reservoir’s sanctuary. The St. Johns Loop North Trailhead beckons, a gateway to non-motorized trails meandering through pine flatwoods, where nature’s whispers echo through the gently sloping terrain and rich, well-drained soils.

Explore, engage, and embrace the enchantment of Buckman Lock – St. Johns Loop North & South, where every step unveils a new chapter in the eternal saga of nature’s harmonious dance.