Welaka State Forest has over 4 miles of river frontage along the east bank of Little Lake George on the St. Johns River, although most of it is swampy and inaccessible. With the Ocala National Forest on one side and Welaka State Forest on the other, this is one of the best-preserved natural sections of the St. Johns River. Large cypress and pine trees provide numerous eagle nest sites on both sides of the river.
Natural communities on Welaka State Forest include river swamps, pine flatwoods, sandhills and flatwoods lakes. Mud Spring empties 13,750 gallons per hour of clear spring water into a half-mile spring run that flows into the St. John's River. The east side of the forest features sandhills and open pine savannas dominated by longleaf pines and wiregrass. This is where the forest's largest population of gopher tortoises and all their burrow-dependent associates are found. As you move toward the river, the land becomes leveler, turning into flatwoods and adjacent wetlands. The swampiest natural communities are adjacent to the St. Johns River.
Welaka State Forest contains two hiking trails that are included in the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program. These foot trails offer the public an opportunity to quietly walk and observe wildlife. Mud Spring Trail starts at the trailhead directly across from the forest headquarters and leads visitors on a 2-mile self-guided looped walk to Mud Spring. The John's Landing Trail allows visitors a 3-mile or 4.5-mile hike. It meanders along old roadbeds to the St. Johns River. A third hiking trail is the Environmental Education Trail, which shares a trailhead with the John’s Landing Trail. It’s a short half-mile loop with interpretive signage along the route. Visitors may also be interested in driving the scenic Indian Pond Road, which allows motorists to observe a portion of the forest from the comfort of their vehicles. Welaka State Forest is part of the Bartram Trail in Putnam County, which follows the route of William Bartram’s travels via waterway, hiking, biking and driving routes. For those wishing to adventure off of the beaten path, there are two primitive campsites located on the historic St. John’s River that are available for rental.
The eastern half of Welaka State Forest boasts 18 miles of multi-use trails that are primarily used by equestrian riders. This includes the 6-mile Sandhill Horse Trail, which is part of the Florida Trailtrotter Program. The equestrian campground offers two 24-stall horse stables, a training arena, a show horse arena, six semi-primitive tent campsites and five full-hookup RV campsites, which are all available for rental.
All campsites and horse stall reservations can be placed through Reserve America. For more information, contact forest staff at (386) 292-2478. Please plan ahead; the office is not staffed on nights and weekends.
All horses must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results when on state lands. Leashed pets are allowed in the forest but not in any buildings or offices.
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.
Effective April 10-May 1, 2026, access is restricted approximately 100 feet around Mud Springs Recreation Area due to maintenance. See a
map of restricted access
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. All trails are open for hiking and biking during this timeframe. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Day use is from sunrise to sunset.
Welaka State Forest
P.O. Box 174
Welaka, FL 32193-0174
(386) 292-2478
Email Welaka 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.
Welaka State Forest is located in northeastern Florida, approximately 17 miles south of Palatka, off of U.S. Highway 17. The forest headquarters and training facilities are on the east side of County Road 309, about 1 mile south of the town of Welaka.
Total Acreage: 2,287
Counties: Putnam
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:
Terry Sheehan
Waccasassa Forestry Center
Terry.Sheehan@FDACS.gov
