Adventure Awaits at Florida State Forests
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Across more than 1 million acres of wilderness, visitors to Florida State Forests paddle inland lakes, wander tree-lined trails and locate endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers in towering longleaf pines.
“You are able to relax and find comfort in our State Forests,” says Lorna Radcliff, state recreation coordinator for the Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Spending time in the forest is healing. It helps keep you healthy and active.”
Fun for All Ages
Throughout Florida, 38 State Forests and one ranch welcome up to 20 million visitors annually to connect with the wooded land that covers nearly half of Florida’s landscape.
The natural features of each State Forest dictate the available recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, horse riding, biking, kayaking, bird watching, hunting and fishing. For example, Withlacoochee State Forest, north of Tampa, uniquely draws ATVs and dirt bikes for 2,600 acres of off-road facilities. Equestrians commonly use 100 miles of linked trails for endurance rides west of Ocala at Goethe State Forest. At Blackwater River State Forest near Pensacola, families take tubes for a relaxing float down the river.
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Florida’s State Forests designate 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, offer more than 800 campsites and include 3,000 miles of roadways to drive through, providing opportunities for everyone to experience nature on Florida’s public lands.
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail outlines a driving tour of 510 wildlife viewing sites across the state. Agencies from local to federal levels collaborate to create the trail, which includes stops at about half of Florida’s State Forests.
Meticulous Management
The ability to offer outdoor recreational activities takes sound forest management, a point of pride for the Florida Forest Service.
“A healthy forest is one that is managed,” says Brian Camposano, assistant bureau chief of the Forest Management Bureau at the Florida Forest Service.
On Florida’s State Forests, staff aim to control invasive species, pests and diseases. In addition, they work to maintain appropriate tree species, biological diversity and timber stands from various age classes.
Prescribed fire also aids in diversity and is the most valuable tool for managing Florida’s fire-dependent and fire-prone ecosystems.
“Florida leads the nation in the use of prescribed fire,” Camposano says, labeling the year-round management practice a hallmark of the agency.
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By clearing out overgrowth, prescribed fire protects wildlife and native habitats while also reducing the risk for catastrophic wildfires and the subsequent devastation to communities.
The Florida Forest Service also works with the private forest industry to make its forests sustainable, a goal achieved through timber harvesting, timber stand improvements and reforestation projects.
“The private forest industry helps us conduct the work as we transition each forest closer to its natural state,” Camposano says. “There is a lot of work to be done, and it is important we remain good stewards of the land to ensure these ecosystems are here for future generations.”
Will Travel for Trails
Radcliff says the Florida National Scenic Trail draws hikers from around the nation for a 1,500-mile trail that extends from the Panhandle to the Big Cypress National Preserve in southern Florida. Multiple agencies host the trail to offer a continuous hike that crosses through eight State Forests.
No matter the activity, State Forests provide outdoor classrooms for any age to explore and learn. Kiosks, displays and websites offer information about what visitors may encounter on Florida’s State Forests.
Visit FDACS.gov/StateForests to learn more and plan your next adventure.
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More Information
Florida’s State Forest systems are some of the finest and most diverse in the U.S., offering various natural, recreational and cultural opportunities. The fees charged help with maintenance and upkeep for these beautiful areas.
Children 6 years and younger – free
Individual fee for day-use areas – $2
Annual day-use entrance pass (six people maximum) – $45
Primitive camping (per site, maximum five people) – $10
Group camping area (per day, up to 10 people and four vehicles) – $20
Campground – no electricity (five people maximum and two vehicles) – $15
Campground – electricity (five people maximum and two vehicles) – $25
Visit FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com to learn more about State Forest reservations and fees.
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services