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Northern
Florida is bounded by; the Atlantic Ocean on the east, the
Suwannee River on the west, the Georgia state line on the north,
and the massive Ocala National Forest on the south.
This part of the state is replete with interesting natural
areas, many of which are unknown to the typical Florida visitor.
There are three major interstates the go through Northern
Florida they are; east to west by I-10, and north to south by I-75
and I-95.
For
a more scenic drive you one should follow these roads:
-
U.S.
98 (up or down the west coast)
-
Route
A1A (up or down the east coast)
-
U.S.
1 (up or down the east coast)
-
U.S.
441 (from Georgia state line through Gainesville)
-
U.S.
90 (from the Suwannee River east to the Atlantic coast)
-
U.S.
301 (from Jacksonville to Tamp)
Northern
Florida’s central ridge is composed of sandy uplands pockmarked
with moist pine Flatwoods, forested wetlands, and moist hardwood
hammocks. Down the western edge, the Suwannee River courses in a wide
arc from its headwaters in the Okefenokee Swamp to the vast
expanses of Needlerush salt marsh where it empties into the Gulf
of Mexico. On the eastern edge, the narrow, sandy Atlantic Costal Ridge
that once bordered the oceans pounding surf parallels the more
recent coastline. Just
west of the ridge, the St. Johns River follows the valley of an
ancient saltwater bay from its mouth northeast of Jacksonville.
The St. Johns River once served the naturalist William
Bartram as a passage into Florida’s interior and prompted some
of his most vivid and sensational tales of the American
wilderness. The sites
described below allow modern-day visitors to glimpse images of
Bartram’s Florida.
Ocala
National Forest
The
Ocala National Forest is the largest publicly accessible
landholding in northern Florida and the state’s second largest
national forest. Established
in 1908, it is both the oldest national forest east of the
Mississippi River and the southernmost in the mainland United
States. With
approximately 2 million visitors annually, it is also one of the
nations most frequently visited.
It encompasses 384,000 acres and contains an array of
habitats, including flatwoods, sandy uplands, swamps, spring-run
woodlands, and numerous lakes. A main attraction for the
naturalists is the Big Scrub region on the eastern side of the
forest-a dry, sandy upland known for natural stands of Sand Pine
and scrubby woods. In
prehistoric times, when sea levels were much higher than they are
today, the ancient dune field that constitutes much of the
scrublands was all that separated the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf
of Mexico.
Ocala
National Recreation Trail
A
local portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail, this
trail offers approximately 65 miles of hiking, backpacking, and
backcountry camping. Perhaps
the most scenic stretches are the grassy wetlands through the
Juniper Prairie Wilderness Area and along Hopkins Prairie.
Salt
Springs
This
large inland salt spring, located along Route 19, is perfect for
fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
The 4-mile Salt Springs Run is canoeable to Lake George,
the state’s second largest lake.
The salty content of the spring’s waters comes from
remnant subsurface salt beds laid down by ancient sea.
Things
To Do
Nineteen
campgrounds dot the forest. The
campground within Juniper Springs Recreations Area is one of the
most developed and most popular.
It offers swimming, a concession area, and tent and trailer
sites. Bird life includes, Bachman’s Sparrows, Brown-headed
Nuthatches, Bald Eagles, Wild Turkeys, and Red-cockaded
Woodpeckers. The Florida Scrub Jay is a specialty here.
Black Bears and White tailed Deer are also
plentiful. Alligators
are present in some streams and wetlands.
Ocala is also an outstanding butterfly area.
Scrub plants, including Chapman and Myrtle Oaks, Sand
Pine, Scrub Morning-glory, and Garberia, are of special
interest in this forest. Another
botanical draw here is the Yellow Anise, a Florida endemic
naturally found only in wet hammocks and along spring runs in
Marion, lake, and Volusia Counties, now widely used as an
ornamental shrub because of its easy cultivation and the
distinctive aroma of its leaves. Ocala’s 100-mile horse trail,
divided into two 40-mile loops and one 20-mile loop, is an
excellent way for equestrians to experience the forest. In
addition to the Salt Springs Run, Juniper Creek and Alexander
Springs Creek offer pleasant paddling excursions.
For the more adventurous, the 19-mile Ocklawaha Canoe Trail
on the Ocklawaha River, which runs along the forest’s western
edge, is the forest’s longest canoe run.
Contact
Information:
Ocala
N.F. Lake George Ranger Station
17147
E. Hwy. 40
Silver
Springs, Fl 34488
352-625-2520
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Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
 Just
Outside the southeastern corner of Ocala National Forest, Lake
Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge contains about 19,500 acres,
nearly 12,000 of which are in freshwater marshes, 5,400 in hard
wood swamps, 1,000 in lakes, streams, and canals, and 445 in
managed impoundments (man-made bodies of water). Only about 1,200 acres are in uplands such as pine flatwoods.
This refuge is a haven for wintering waterfowl and supports
such threatened or endangered species as Bald Eagles, Manatees,
Indigo Snakes, American Alligators, and Wood Storks.
Recommend points
of interest and things to do:
A canoe or motorized
boat is required to get around much of this refuge.Jones Island Trail leads
to Pontoon Landing on Garden Run.Paddling enthusiasts can
launch (and rent) canoes at nearby Deleon Springs State Park.
Contact
Information:
Lake
Woodruff N.W.R.
P.O.
Box 488
Deleon
Springs, Fl 32130
904-985-4673
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Osceola National Forest
 The
nearly 200,000 acres of the Osceola National Forest are tucked
away in the northernmost reaches of the Florida peninsula.
Frequented mostly be weekend campers and hunting and
fishing enthusiasts, Osceola is not as well known by naturalists,
as are the state’s two larger national forests.
Nevertheless, it contains outstanding natural areas, plenty
of hiking and canoeing, and primitive and developed camping areas.
For a day visit, drive along Route 250 from just north of
Lake City about 30 miles northeast to Taylor, a diagonal route
across the forest that passes through most habitats.
Numerous primitive and improved roads turn off Route 250
and provide interesting walking.
For overnight stays, 50 camping sites are located on the
shore of Ocean Pond, a large freshwater lake that is good for
swimming, fishing, and boating.
Florida
National Scenic Trail
Twenty-two
miles of the trail pass through the forest, with the most
convenient trailheads located along U.S. 90 at the Olustee
Battlefield State Historic Site and on the access road to
Ocean Pond Campground. Leave
your car at either of these trailheads and enjoy a leisurely 6-mile,
one-way day hike through bay swamps and pine Flatwoods, with
many boardwalks offering drier views of the wetlands.
Big
Gum Swamp Wilderness
The
interior of this 13,000-acre wetland in the north-central section
of the forest, accessible only on remnants of earthen trams (right
of way for old logging railroads), is forested with mature
woodlands of Black Tupelo, Loblolly Bay, Sweetgum, cypresses,
hickories, and numerous other wetland trees and shrubs.
Wildlife
Black
Bears, White-tailed Deer, Feral Pigs, and Bobcats live in this
swamp, although the secretive nature of bears makes them difficult
to see. Experience in
hiking through swampy terrain, and skill with a map and a compass,
are required of those who venture into this fascinating area.
Contact
Information:
Osceola
N.F. c/o U.S. Forest Service
P.O.
Box 70
Olustee,
Fl 32072
904-752-2577
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Guana River State Park and
Guana River
Wildlife Management Area
Although
Guana River State Park and Guana River Wildlife Management Area
are two separate sites (the former is managed by the Florida Park
Service, the latter by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish
Commission), they share a common boundary-the state park is south
of the Guana Dam, the wildlife management area is north of it-and
are treated as a single location.
It should be noted that hunting is permitted in the
wildlife management area; other recreational activities are not
advised during hunting season. Both sites are on a barrier island that is bounded on the
east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Intracoastal
Waterway and the Tolomato River.
The ocean side is popular for seashore activities and also
offers opportunities for naturalist; North Beach and South Beach
provide public access. The Inland side of the island is a collection of hammocks,
Pine Flatwoods and freshwater marshes.
The only facilities are a short boardwalk, three
observation platforms, and many miles of marked hiking and biking
trails. Enter on foot
from Guana Peninsula; after crossing the dam, pick up an area map,
a bird list, and a trail guide from the outdoor kiosk.
Guana River State
Park contains seventeen known significant historic or pre-historic
cultural sites. Extensive shell middens exist, especially at Shell
Bluff Landing and Wright's Landing, along the Tolomato River. The
Shell Bluff site also contains an early I9th century Minorcan
coquina block well and has been listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. The Wright's Landing site is believed to be the
location of a 17th century Spanish mission, the Nativity of our
Lady of Tolomato. The site also contains a prehistoric earthen
burial mound and has been nominated as a National Register site.
Wildlife
Loggerhead
Marine Turtles, Green Turtles, and Least Terns nest on the beach
in spring and summer; Common Loons and Northern Gannets are
sometimes seen offshore in winter months.
Guana Lake is located just north of the dam and is
excellent for shore birding.
Marbled Godwits, Solitary Sandpipers, Black-necked Stilts,
and a variety of common shorebirds are often seen.
Bald Eagles nest here and are sometimes seen flying over
the lake.
Contact
Information:
Guana
River S.P. c/o Florida Park Service
2690
S Ponte Vedra Blvd.
Ponte
Vedra Beach, Fl 32082
904-825-5071
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Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
 The
floodplain wetlands, hardwood hammocks, and freshwater marshes of
the lower Suwannee River are wild and untamed.
This area is largely protected by the 51,000 acres of the
Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, which is just 10 miles
north of Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge (see below), and
little development adjoins this historic stream in its lower
reaches. Wildlife is
abundant: More than 250 bird species visit here, including Bald
Eagles, Osprey, and Swallow-tailed kites, and at least 90
species nest here. White-tailed
Deer are easily seen, and Manatees visit the river
annually from March to November.
The wildflower blooming season is spectacular; take
the 9-mile drive through the heart of the refuge during spring.
Contact
Information:
Lower
Suwannee N.W.R.
16450
NW 31st Pl.
Chiefland,
Fl 32626
352-493-0238
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Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
 Cedar
Keys National Wildlife Refuge is just 10 miles south of the Lower
Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge (see above), which administers
it. The refuge,
which today consists of 12 offshore islands in the Gulf of Mexico,
was established in 1929 to protect colonies of nesting herons and
Snake Bird (Deadman’s) and North Keys.
Today there are close to 50,000 colonial birds that use
this are for their nesting. This
wildlife refuge lives up to its name:
Only limited human use is permitted and access is only by
boat. Seahorse Key
and a 300-foot buffer zone around it, in particular, are
completely closed from March to July during breeding season.
The reserve utilizes existing jeep trails for multi use trails,
totaling about four miles on the east portion and eight miles on
the western portion. The reserve is divided into two portions by
CR347, which runs between Cedar Keys and Fowlers Bluff. These
trails are primarily used for hiking, but are also available for
bicycling and horseback riding. The diverse habitats of the
reserve provide opportunities for nature study and wildlife
observation.
Wildlife
White
Ibises, Great and Snowy Egrets, Double-crested Cormorants, Brown
Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, and Tricolor Herons are the most
popular species.
Contact
Information:
Cedar
Keys N.W.R.
16450
NW 31st Pl.
Chiefland,
Fl 32626
352-493-0238
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Manatee Springs State Park
This
2,300-acre park is located along the Suwannee River and protects
one of the state’s 27 first-magnitude springs (those whose
average discharge equals or exceeds 64 million gallons per day).
More that 80,000 gallons of water per minute flow from its
limestone crevices into a short, crystal-clear run to the Suwannee
River. The water is
72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round and has long attracted a variety
of visitors, from aboriginal peoples of Florida to the naturalist
William Bartram to modern-day swimmers, snorkelers, and canoeists. The endangered Manatee occasionally visits the spring
run and can be seen from a boardwalk that overlooks the Suwannee
River (November to April is the best time to see Manatees). A boat ramp is located within the park, and rental canoes are
available. Manatee
Springs State Park is one of Florida's premier parks. Manatee
Spring is a first magnitude spring pumping 117 million gallons of
crystal clear water into the Suwannee River daily. Visitors have
the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the Real Florida and the
Heritage held within the Suwannee Valley. Humans have been coming
to Manatee Springs for thousands of years. Once a major Timucuan
Indian village stood at the springs. The Seminoles hunted the
forests and fished the rivers. Europeans and Americans are the
newest visitors to Manatee Springs. All cultures came for the same
reason: the natural resources. In 1949 the State of Florida began
buying the springs and the adjacent land to forever preserve it.
Manatee Springs opened as a state park in 1955 for the enjoyment
of Florida residents and visitors.
Wildlife
 Manatees
are the namesakes of this park. They can be seen throughout the
year, however, are more abundant from November through April. Manatees
are best viewed from the boardwalk along the spring run and the
observation deck over the Suwannee River. Sharing the river with
the manatees are other Florida favorites like alligators,
anhinga, bald eagles, river otters and cypress trees. Along
the numerous hiking trails deer and songbirds are prevalent, while
the occasional bobcat and barred owl can be heard screaming
in the night. Manatee Springs has many wildlife viewing
opportunities to keep a visitor busy. Birders can watch for ospreys
and other birds of prey flying over the river from the boardwalk
and dock. Or listen to the early morning chorus of songbirds in
the campground or along any of the numerous hiking trails. Animals
are not the only wildlife in abundance. Many plants can be found
within the park. Southern red cedars, longleaf pines, live oaks
and saw palmettos can all be checked off a botanist's list.
Wildflowers such as yellow thistle, violets and blue curls
can be admired blooming at different times of the year.
Contact
Information:
Manatee
Springs S.P.
11650
NW 115th St.
Chiefland,
Fl 32626
352-493-6072
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Ichetucknee Springs State Park
 This
2,200-acre park, which surrounds the springs that give rise to the
Ichetucknee River, is on of Florida’s most-visited state parks.
On weekends from late spring through early fall it can be
overrun with visitors tubing a 3½-mile stretch of the river’s
crystal-clear 7-mile length, although the park limits the number
of people allowed to tube on and swim in the river each day.
During the winter and on weekdays, however, it is an
excellent place for amateur naturalist to paddle or walk along one
of Florida’s most enchanting spring runs or to snorkel or scuba
in the translucent waters. Moist
hardwood hammocks and sand hill uplands provide exploration
opportunities for walkers and hikers and guided moonlight canoe
trips are offered seasonally.
Day-paddlers should arrive early for the best chances of
seeing Limpkins, Wood Ducks, Northern River Otters, and American
Beavers. A sandhill
community upland of the river supports an abundance of wildlife.
The U.S. Department of the Interior declared Ichetucknee’s
headspring a National Natural Landmark in 1972.
Contact
Information:
Ichetucknee
Springs S.P.
Rte.
2, Box 5355
Ft.
White, Fl 32038
904-497-4690
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O’Leno State Park and River Rise State Preserve
This
6,000-acre park and preserve offers possibilities for exploring
virtually all of northern Florida’s major habitat types, as well
as paddling or walking along the tan-stained Santa Fe River, which
disappears and flows underground for more than 3 miles before
resurfacing at River Rise.
A tributary of the Suwannee River and designated by the
state as an Outstanding Florida Water (legally protecting it from
pollution), the Santa Fe is on of the state’s most pristine
streams. Miles of
trails, some of which follow historic wagon roads, pass through
the park and adjacent preserve, meandering among sinkholes,
sandhills, hammocks, and limestone-studded terrain.
Primitive campsites allow for overnight backpacking
excursions and provide access to numerous shorter loop trails.
A suspension bridge constructed in the late 1930s spans the
river near the park’s swimming area and affords entry to some of
the trails. Canoes
are also available to rent at the park.
History
 In
the mid-1800s, a town was founded upstream from where the river
disappears. Perhaps first known as Keno, after a game of chance,
the settlement was later called Leno. The town grew, and a mill,
general store, hotel and livery stable were built. Leno was the
end of the line for the first telegraph set up to link Florida
with the outside world. When the railroad bypassed the tiny town,
Leno's decline was bound to occur. It took only until the turn of
the century for the settlement to become just a memory; the Old
Wire Road and mill dams are all that remain of this early lumber
town. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the suspension
bridge, which spans the river, in the late 1930s. It still
provides a pleasurable view of the Santa Fe as well as one of the
mill dams. The CCC and the Works Progress Authority (WPA)
primarily for use as a summer forestry camp and training facility
developed the park, acquired in the early 1930s.
Activities
There
are several miles of hiking, biking and horse trails within
the Rise. There is a hike-in primitive camping area near
Sweetwater Lake. This lake is one of the many small lakes
connected to the underground Santa Fe River. Within
the Rise property just north of High Springs on Highway 27, we
have a primitive horseback camping area including a 20 stall barn,
restrooms, fire circles, pavilion and picnic tables. Pets
are prohibited from camping areas. To gain access to River
Rise, contact the O'Leno park office at the address below.
Contact
Information:
O’Leno
S.P.
Rte.
2, Box 1010
High
Springs, Fl 32643
904-454-1853
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Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
The
deep ravine that cuts through the sandhills of this 2,099-acre
park constitutes the main natural attraction here.
It is remarkable to realize that the tiny stream at the
bottom of this steep-sided gorge, which is eroding the lowest
portions of the ravine slope from below as it makes its way down
toward Little Lake Johnson, could have carved out such a chasm.
Botanist and native plant enthusiasts will be intrigued be
the diversity of plant communities at the park.
Surrounding the ravine are sandy woodlands with species
typical of northern Florida’s sandhills, including Longleaf
Pines, wiregrass, and Turkey Oaks.
Along the ravine slopes and its bottom is a moist forest
that includes hickories, oaks, and heaths, as will as numerous
herbaceous plants and several species of ferns.
Activities
 The
Park has a large picnic area overlooking "Little Lake
Johnson" . The area contains many tables and grills. 8
covered shelters of varying size accommodating from 16 – 100
people with tables and grills. They are available on first come
first served basis or can be reserved up to 11 months in advance
by calling the park or in person. Rates: $35 - $70 per day. A
children’s playground is centrally located in the picnic area. A
designated lakeshore swimming area is located adjacent to the
picnic area and within easy walking distance from the cabins. No
lifeguards are provided. Canoeing and canoe rentals are available.
Rates: $4 per hour, $10 per ½ day (4 hours), and $20 per day (8
hours).
Contact
Information:
Mike
Roess Gold Head Branch S.P.
6239
State Rd. 21
Keystone
Heights, Fl 32656
352-473-4701
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Fort Clinch State Park
 This
1,253-acre park in extreme corner of Florida covers 12,400 feet of
shoreline along Cumberland Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
The park is outstanding for its towering sand dunes and
it’s birding. Several
of Florida’s most unusual and sought-after species can be seen
at various times of the year.
Painted Buntings are common in summer; Northern
Gannets, Great Black-backed Gulls, Oldsquaws, and all three
species of scoters (Black, White-winged, and Surf) are sometimes
seen off the pier in winter; Purple Sandpipers are
occasionally observed on the rock jetty; Merlins and Peregrine
Falcons are regular visitors in late fall and winter.
The park is named for a federal fort built in 1847; park
rangers dress in Union uniforms and carry on the daily activities
of garrison soldiers as visitors wander the grounds.
Self-guided and ranger-led candlelight tours of the
fort are available for a small fee. Significant plant communities throughout the park's 1,100 acres include
sand dunes, over wash plains, maritime hammock and estuarine tidal
marsh. Many of these can be observed from the nature trail at
Willow Pond or the paved roadway through the hammocks. These are
also prime locations for bird watching and nature study.
Contact
Information:
Fort
Clinch S.P.
2601
Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina
Beach, Fl 32034
904-277-7274
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Little Talbot Island State Park
 This
2,000-acre park is part of the Talbot Islands State Parks, which
encompass both Big and Little Talbot Islands, as well as part of
Long Island and the southern tip of Amelia Island.
It preserves an array of coastal habitats, including
Needlerush salt marshes, coastal flatwoods and hardwood hammocks,
and Atlantic dunes and beaches. Nearly 200 birds are on the park’s species list.
Seabirds such as Northern Gannets, Greater Shearwaters,
Caspian Terns, and Common Loons are sometimes seen from the
observation platform. Many
miles of nature trails, hiking and canoeing trails pass
through the various components of the park.
A 40-site family campground makes the park an excellent
base for exploring the northeastern Florida coast, one of
Florida’s least-spoiled shorelines. The
Atlantic Ocean provides excellent wave conditions year-round for
those who want to "catch a wave". The beach is easily
accessible with plenty of parking, dune walkovers, and bathhouses.
Thirteen pavilions, that can be reserved, are available in the
picnic areas. Bicycles, volleyball equipment, and horseshoe
rentals are available by the hour or day.
Contact
Information:
Little
Talbot Island S.P.
c/o Talbot Island S.P.
12157
Heckscher Dr.
Jacksonville,
Fl 32226
904-251-2320
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Fort Matanzas National Monument
 This
298-acre park preserves a Spanish fort constructed in 1742 on
Rattlesnake Island, which is across the Matanzas Inlet from
Anastasia Island. For
naturalists, the free ferry ride across the river to
Rattlesnake Island and the marshes and hammocks on Anastasia
Island are the main attractions: Brown Pelicans, Ospreys, Bald
Eagles, Belted Kingfishers, Wood Storks, and rarely Roseate
Spoonbills are seen on the boat ride over, and the woodlands
on Anastasia Island shelter numerous songbirds during their
migration. Florida
Scrub Jays also reside in the park.
Just south of the ferry Landing on the mainland bank of the
Matanzas River, a spit of sand that juts out into the inlet serves
as both a nesting and resting site for several species of sea and
shorebirds.
Contact
Information:
Fort
Matanzas N.M.
8635
A1A South
St.
Augustine, Fl 32086
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Huguenot Memorial Park
This outstanding coastal
birding site has hosted several Florida rarities.
Contact
Information:
Huguenot
Memorial Park
10980
Heckscher Dr.
Jacksonville,
Fl 32226
904-251-3215
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E. Dale Joyner Nature Preserve at Pelotes Island
Hike more than 3 miles
of nature trails through coastal hammocks and along salt marsh
creeks.
Contact
Information:
E.
Dale Joyner N.P.
11201
New Berlin Rd.
Jacksonville
Fl 32226
904-751-7856
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Andrews Wildlife Management Area
Hike along the Suwannee
River floodplain and see several Florida champion trees such as
the Southern Sugar Maple and the River Birch.
Contact
Information:
Andrews
W.M.A.
Rte. 1 Box
741
Trenton, Fl 32693
352-493-6020
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Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Cedar
Key Scrub State Reserve is a joint managed area located in the
western edge of Levy County. The Division of Recreation and Parks,
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the
Division of Forestry manage the property. The reserve consists of
5,028 acres north and east of the town of Cedar Key. The reserve
contains diverse habitats such as salt marsh, pine flatwoods,
and sand pine scrub. Although much of the property is
relatively low and flat, elevations range from sea level on the
western edge to 30 feet above mean sea level on the relict dune
ridge in the northwest portion. These ridges are the highest and
driest on the property, and support sand pine scrub and scrubby
flatwoods. The
reserve utilizes existing jeep trails for multi use trails,
totaling about four miles on the east portion and eight miles on
the western portion. The reserve is divided into two portions by
CR347, which runs between Cedar Keys and Fowlers Bluff. These
trails are primarily used for hiking, but are also
available for bicycling and horseback riding. The diverse
habitats of the reserve provide opportunities for nature study and
wildlife observation.
Contact
Information:
Cedar
Key Scrub S.R.
P.O.
Box 187
Cedar
Key, Fl 32625
352-543-5567
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Waccasassa Bay State Preserve
 Paddle
or boat along this 30,000-acre northeastern Gulf coast preserve
made up of salt marsh, wooded islands, and tidal creeks; boat
access only. Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park is located in Levy County on
Florida’s Nature Coast. This 32,128-acre preserve borders
Florida’s gulf coast between Cedar Key and Yankeetown. Most of
the area consists of salt marsh dotted with picturesque wooded
islands interlaced with numerous tidal creeks. The preserve has
unique geologic features as this area serves as a discharge area
for the Florida Aquifer. Numerous "solution chimneys" or
artesian springs have been found which help form many of the
creeks with in the preserve. The preserve’s upland areas are
primarily hammock. The hammock is only a small portion of the once
vast Gulf Hammock. It is being preserved in its natural condition
as a reminder of the expansive hardwood forest that was unique
among Florida’s outstanding natural areas.
Contact
Information:
Waccasassa
Bay S.P.
P.O.
Box 187
Cedar
Key, Fl 32625
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Goethe State Forest
Drive, walk, or
horseback ride along many miles of roads in this 44,000-acre
forest of flatwoods, hammocks, and wetlands.
Contact
Information:
Goethe
S.F.
8250
SE County Rd. 336
Dunnellon,
Fl 34431
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