Biking
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Seasonal Hunting
Goethe State Forest is dominated by longleaf pine flatwoods and cypress swamps between Brooksville Ridge and the Gulf of America.
The forest has 19 different natural communities including mesic flatwoods, dome swamp, sandhill, and basin swamp. Goethe State Forest contains an exceptionally large tract of a contiguous hydric hammock and still has some scattered old-growth cypress, like the Goethe Giant. Drains flowing through Goethe include Black Prong, Cow Creek, Ten Mile Creek and Horse Hole Creek.
The forest has many old-growth longleaf pine trees and therefore has maintained a population of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Other rare animal species found in the forest include the Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, gopher frog, striped newts, Florida mice, Sherman's fox squirrel and bald eagle. The forest also has an exceptional concentration of at least 34 species of orchids.
Many natural communities and their inhabitants are dependent on fire for their very survival. Prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools used in managing Goethe State Forest. Prescribed burning helps maintain native plant and animal species and helps prevent uncontrollable, devastating wildfires.
The Goethe trail system extends throughout the forest with access available at seven separate trailheads. These trailheads are located in five different tracts of the forest. Each trailhead and respective trail system provides a different experience for the recreational user. Goethe State Forest contains many trails that are included in the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program and the Trailtrotter Program. Note: Proof of current negative Coggins test is required for all horses in all Florida State Forests.
The forest is open during daylight hours for visitors to enjoy picnicking, hiking, bicycling, fishing, wildlife viewing and horseback riding. All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands. All riders under 16 require a helmet as prescribed by Nicole’s Law.
Primitive campsites are located at the Tidewater, Black Prong and Watermelon Pond trailheads. As these campsites are primitive, there is no electricity or water on-site. There are restrooms at each of these campgrounds. Campers have a designated parking spot and walk 20–40 yards to their campsite. Recreation activities featured here are hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, equestrian, wildlife viewing and photography. The campsites are also great for stargazing. All are available through FloridaStateforests.ReserveAmerica.com or by calling 1-877-879-3859.
Goethe State Forest is open to regulated hunting and fishing under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). We encourage non-hunting recreationists to check FWC's Goethe Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting Goethe State Forest.
In 2010 FWC added hunting zones in the Watermelon Pond Tract of Goethe. Visit the FWC's website to learn more about the Watermelon Pond Wildlife and Environmental Area.
In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules that apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about State Forest fees and rules.
Day use is from sunrise to sunset.
Goethe State Forest
9110 SE County Road 337
Dunnellon, FL 34431
(352) 566-5225
Email Goethe State Forest
Passes are no longer available at the State Forest office. To purchase a pass or make a reservation, visit ReserveAmerica or call 1-877-879-3859.
The major portion of Goethe State Forest is located in southeastern Levy County near the Gulf of America. A smaller area of Goethe State Forest called the Watermelon Pond Unit is north of the main tract, and is located on both sides of the Levy/Alachua County line. The forest headquarters is located three-fourths of a mile south of the intersection of State Road 121 and County Road 337, at 9110 SE County Road 337, Dunnellon, FL 34431.
Total Acreage: 76,162
Counties: Alachua, Levy
Smart device mapping is possible and encouraged in the State Forests. Before visiting a forest, search for “PDF Maps” in the app store to find an app that works for you and download our State Forest map, which is georeferenced.
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Resources:
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Goethe State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
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Contact:
Amelia McKnight
Waccasassa Forestry Center
Amelia.McKnight@FDACS.gov
