Biking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Seasonal Hunting
Wakulla State Forest is composed of one main tract in Wakulla County and two smaller tracts in Leon County. Since 1999, Wakulla State Forest has been managed by the Florida Forest Service using the multiple-use concept, which balances environmental, recreational and resource use needs. Emphasis is given to the preservation of water quality (by protecting the conduits that lie below the State Forest and supply Wakulla Springs), ecosystem restoration and outdoor recreation.
The initial purchase of 1,431 acres for the Wakulla State Forest was completed in 1999. Since then, four additional parcels, totaling 4,286 acres, have been purchased. The Woodville State Forest, originally acquired by the 1946 Tax Deed, was renamed in 2002 as the Woodville Tract and included as part of the Wakulla State Forest. The Eight Mile Tract, formally known as the Chason Tract, was acquired in 2013. The tract is named after Eight Mile Pond, which is north of the property. This tract consists of 679 acres and is now part of the Wakulla State Forest.
State funds used to acquire Wakulla State Forest include Conservation and Recreation Lands/Preservation 2000 Funds and Florida Forever Funds. In the past, the primary objective for the majority of the acreage was to grow timber. The primary purpose of the acquisition by the state of Florida was to preserve the quality of Wakulla Springs by protecting the land above the ground conduits that supply the springs. Since assuming management of Wakulla State Forest, the Florida Forest Service has emphasized the protection of Wakulla Springs' water quality, ecosystem restoration and outdoor recreation.
The natural resources found in Wakulla State Forest are very diverse due to the unique and various natural community types. At one time Wakulla State Forest supported at least eight major community types, including upland hardwood forest, upland mixed forest, sandhill, hydric hammock, floodplain swamp, basin swamp, dome swamp and depression marsh. Wakulla is believed to be named after the Timucuan Indian word for “spring of water” or “mysterious water."
Currently, the forest contains approximately 2,500 acres of pine plantation. Past management practices have disrupted the function of the natural ecosystems. The restoration of these ecosystems is a primary objective of the Florida Forest Service.
Many species of wildlife make their home in the forest. There have been no confirmed sightings on Wakulla State Forest of species that are currently listed as threatened or endangered; however, there have been confirmed sightings of species of special concern. The habitat of the gopher tortoise and Sherman’s fox squirrel, species of special concern, will be enhanced by sandhill restoration and regular prescribed burning. These practices may also benefit many other sandhill species, which, although not observed on Wakulla State Forest, may migrate in and increase as their habitat is restored.
A wide variety of recreational opportunities await visitors to Wakulla State Forest. Hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, birding and nature study can be enjoyed using existing service roads, old roadbeds and established trails. This State Forest is part of the Big Bend Scenic Byway.
Explore a range of different ecosystems and enjoy the stunning views of Wakulla State Forest on the Wakulla State Forest Trail System. This recreation area features one designated Trailwalker and one Trailtrotter trail.
For those hikers and riders who prefer exploring off the marked trails, 19 miles of service roads transect the Wakulla Tract. There is also a series of service roads on the Woodville Tract. While riding our trails, please note that proof of current negative Coggins test is required for all horses in all Florida State Forests.
Picnicking is available at the parking area pavilion located off of State Road 267 and at the parking area on the Woodville Tract off of Highway 363.
Wakulla State Forest is open to regulated hunting under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. We encourage non-hunting recreationists to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting Wakulla State Forest. Hunting on Wakulla State Forest is limited to a primitive hunt and only archery/muzzle loading is allowed during deer season. Modern shotgun use is allowed during small-game and spring turkey season.
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.
Wakulla State Forest
3674 Bloxham Cutoff Road
Crawfordville, FL 32327
(850) 421-3102
Email Wakulla 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 main body of Wakulla State Forest is located in the northeastern portion of Wakulla County, approximately 5 miles northeast of Crawfordville and 6 miles south of Tallahassee city limits. The Woodville Tract is located in southern Leon County.
Total Acreage: 5,303
Counties: Wakulla, Leon
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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Contact:
Jai Subramanya
Jai.Subramanya@FDACS.gov
