Park Guide

Recreation Guide
to
Southwest Florida Water
Management District Lands
2009 Edition
Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
Why Does the District Buy Lands? ............................................................................... 2
Recreational Opportunities Available .......................................................................... 3
Guidelines for Use of District Lands ............................................................................11
Property Descriptions
Alafia River Corridor 20 Little Manatee River Southfork Tract 84
Alafia River Reserve 22 Little Manatee River Upper Tract 86
Annutteliga Hammock 24 Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve 88
Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve 26 Dead River Park 90
Brooker Creek Preserve 28 Flatwoods Park 92
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park 30 Jefferson Equestrian Area 94
Chassahowitzka River and Coastal Swamps 32 John B. Sargeant Park 96
Chito Branch Reserve 34 Morris Bridge Park 98
Circle B Bar Reserve 36 Oak Ridge Equestrian Area 100
Cliff Stephens Park 38 Off-Road Loop Trail 102
Conner Preserve 40 Trout Creek Park 104
Cypress Creek Preserve 42 Myakka River — Deer Prairie Creek Preserve 106
Deep Creek Preserve 44 Myakka River — Flatford Swamp Preserve 108
Edward Medard Park and Reservoir 46 Myakka River State Park — Myakka Prairie
Edward W. Chance Reserve Tract 110
Coker Prairie Tract 48 Myakka State Forest 112
Gilley Creek Tract 50 Panasoffkee Outlet 114
Flying Eagle Potts Preserve 116
Flying Eagle Preserve 52 Prairie/Shell Creek 118
McGregor Smith Boy Scout Reservation 54 RV Griffin Reserve 120
Withlapopka Community Park 56 Sawgrass Lake Park 122
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve 58 Starkey Wilderness Preserve 124
Colt Creek State Park 60 J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park 126
East Tract 62 Serenova Tract 128
Hampton Tract 64 Tampa Bypass Canal 130
Little Withlacoochee Tract 66 Terra Ceia Preserve Frog Creek 132
West Tract 68 Terra Ceia Preserve State Park 134
Half Moon-Gum Slough 70 Two Mile Prairie 136
Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve 72 Upper Hillsborough Preserve 138
Jack Creek 74 Alston Tract 140
Lake Marion Creek Horseshoe Scrub Tract 76 Upper Hillsborough Tract 142
Lake Panasoffkee 78 Weekiwachee Preserve 144
Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal 80 Withlacoochee River Park 146
Little Manatee River Lower Tract 82 Wysong Park 148
Recreation At A Glance................................................................................................. 150
Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

This guide is organized in three
Introduction sections. The first section provides
West-central Florida is a wonderful information about the District’s land
place to get outside. From the sandy management program; overviews of
beaches on the Gulf of Mexico to the recreational activities available,
wild beauty of the Green Swamp, there’s including recommended properties for
something for everybody. each activity; and a list of guidelines to
Every year about 2.5 million people follow while on District lands. The
visit public conservation lands obtained second section consists of property
by the Southwest Florida Water descriptions for each property, as well as
Management District (District) and its a map of the location and activity icons.
partners to protect Florida’s water At the end of the guide is the Recreation
resources. The District offers At A Glance and map of all properties
recreational activities that allow you to for quick reference.
get fit and appreciate the environment We hope this guide will assist
while protecting the natural resources everyone seeking to get outside on
that make them such great places to District lands. For more information
visit. The lands are open to the public about the District’s land resources
for family activities such as hiking, program, please contact us.
bicycling, hunting, horseback riding,
fishing, camping, nature study, paddling Online: WaterMatters.org/recreation
and picnicking. Many District lands also Email: [email protected]
have facilities that are accessible for the
Telephone: (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476
mobility-impaired. (FL only) , ext. 4470
Each of the areas owned by the U.S. Mail: Land Resources Department
District offers something unique. Southwest Florida Water
Learning as much as possible about a Management District
property before you visit will prepare 2379 Broad Street
you for what you are likely to Brooksville, FL 34604-6899
experience. The property descriptions in
this guide provide basic information
about each property, such as location,
access and parking, hours of operation,
restroom and water availability,
recreational opportunities, accessibility
under the American’s with Disabilities
Act (ADA) and contact information.

1
Why Does the District primary management tools include
mimicking the natural fire cycle that
Buy Lands? historically shaped Florida’s landscape
The District was created in 1961 by and restoring areas that have been
the Florida Legislature to protect the altered by previous activities. At any
water resources of the region. The time, the public may encounter District
District includes roughly 10,000 square staff using methods such as prescribed
miles in all or part of 16 counties in burns, mechanical mowing of
west-central Florida that are home to vegetation, and seeding and planting of
approximately 5 million people. The vegetation. These management
boundaries of the District extend north techniques help to maintain healthy and
into Levy County, south into Charlotte abundant populations of game species,
County and inland into Polk and such as deer and turkey, and are
Highlands counties. important for most of Florida’s
threatened and endangered species.
The region’s lands and waters are
forever linked by Florida’s natural water Public Use and Recreation
cycles. Therefore, one of the main ways While District lands vary in size and
the District carries out its mission of terrain, they all have at least one thing in
balancing water needs and protecting common — they provide a variety of
the environment is by obtaining important benefits to the water and
conservation lands around lakes, rivers, water-related resources within west-
wetlands and estuaries. These lands central Florida. Nearly all of these lands
serve as a natural buffer that filters out are available for public use and
pollution from runoff before it reaches recreation. Nature-friendly activities
the nearest body of water. The District offer an easy and fun experience while
also buys lands to preserve and restore making sure the land is protected. In
native Florida ecosystems that provide keeping with the purpose for which
water resources benefits and water these lands were acquired, your
storage during hurricanes and other experience will be close to nature. That
major storm events. The District’s means mostly unpaved roads, portable
acquisition program has primarily been restrooms and nature’s beauty all around
funded through state programs such as you.
Save Our Rivers, Preservation 2000 and
Florida Forever. District Partners
Did you know that many state and
Land Management
local parks and state forest areas are
The District manages its owned by the District? The District, in
conservation lands to maintain and partnership with state and local
protect vital water functions and natural governments, has developed parks with
systems, which include Florida’s unique facilities such as picnic pavilions, nature
plant and wildlife communities. Two trails, environmental education centers,
2
restrooms and camping areas. The natural settings. The 6.7-mile Starkey
District usually provides the land and Trail winds through the 18,000-acre
funding to build most of the facilities, Starkey Wilderness Preserve and
while the partner provides the on-site connects to the 42-mile Suncoast Trail.
staff to manage the parks on a daily These trails offer some of the best
basis. long-distance bicycling opportunities in
west-central Florida.
Recreational Best Opportunities
Opportunities • Cypress Creek Preserve — Paved and
double-track trail
Available
• Lower Hillsborough Wilderness
Bicycling Preserve — Flatwoods Park — Paved
From the novice to the expert trails, trail
many different types can be found on • Lower Hillsborough Wilderness
District lands. Bike trails are primarily Preserve — Morris Bridge Park —
double-track, multiuse trails located on Single-track, off-road trail
old dirt roads that wind through pine • Myakka State Forest — Multiuse,
flatwoods and around beautiful off-road trail
wetlands. For the more adventurous
• Starkey Wilderness Preserve — J. B.
rider, off-road, single-track trails are
Starkey Wilderness Park — Paved trails
available on cooperatively managed
lands where user groups construct and
maintain the trails.
Some tracts have paved multiuse
trails that allow both on-road and
off-road bicyclists to enjoy riding in

3
Birding • Myakka State
Whether you are a casual viewer or Forest
an avid birder working on your life • Potts
birding list, bird-watching opportunities Preserve
abound on all District lands. Sites with • Sawgrass
the best bird-watching opportunities are Lake Park
part of the Great Florida Birding Trail • Starkey Wilderness Preserve
and are listed in the Recreation At A — J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Glance. Maps of the west coast portion
• Two Mile Prairie (Withlacoochee
of the trail can be obtained from Florida
State Forest )
Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission web site at • Weekiwachee Preserve
FloridaBirdingTrail.com/. • Withlacoochee River Park
Best Opportunities
• Brooker Creek Preserve
• Chassahowitzka River and Coastal
Swamps
• Flying Eagle Preserve
• Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve
— West Tract
• Lake Panasoffkee
Preserve — Dead River, Flatwoods,
John B. Sargeant, Morris Bridge and
Trout Creek parks

4
Camping contacting the cooperator directly
Whether you enjoy camping with (contact information in property
few facilities or in your home-away- descriptions).
from-home RV, the beauty of the great Equestrian and/or Group Camp Areas
outdoors is waiting to be experienced.
Camping with tents or horse trailer
Full-service RV (found on some of our
camping rigs; campsites generally
partners’ sites), equestrian and/or
equipped with picnic tables, fire rings
group, primitive and remote
and/or grills; usually have nonpotable
backcountry sites are available on
water and portable toilets available for
various lands. Trail-access backcountry
use by campers; horse trailers may be
camping is one of the special
driven into equestrian campsites;
recreational opportunities offered.
campsites are available to non-
Larger District lands provide trails long
equestrian campers.
enough for multiday hikes or bicycle
rides and have campsites set up at
various stopping points along the trail.
Full-Service RV Camp Areas
The District has partnered with local
governments to provide both full-
service camp areas (water, electricity
and restrooms) and primitive camp
areas for traditional camping rigs on
some of its conservation lands.
Information about reservations, fees,
types of campers allowed and site
availability can be obtained by

5
Primitive Camp Areas Best Opportunities
Camping with tents; personal • Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve
vehicles allowed in campsites only; — West Tract — Equestrian, group,
campsites generally equipped with primitive and backcountry
picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills; • Lake Panasoffkee — Equestrian,
usually have portable toilets available group and primitive
for use by campers; campsites available
• Starkey Wilderness Preserve
to individuals and groups; equestrian
— Serenova Tract — Equestrian,
use not permitted in these areas.
group and primitive
Backcountry Camp Areas
Small cleared areas that are
accessible only by foot or from a water
body; provide unique opportunities for
visitors desiring a remote camping
experience; generally have no amenities
or water sources; visitors are expected
to pack in/pack out all supplies.

6
Equestrian available and can be accessed by vehicles
Viewing the pine flatwoods, cypress towing horse trailers. These areas have a
ponds and wildlife-filled wetlands on nonpotable water source and portable
horseback is one of the many great restroom facilities available. A free
recreational experiences that can be camping reservation is required (see
enjoyed on District lands. Long- page 14).
distance rides, multiday rides and Best Opportunities
overnight trail camping are some of the
• Deep Creek Preserve
unique equestrian opportunities offered.
Lands that have enough trail miles for a • Flying Eagle Preserve
half day’s ride or longer are generally • Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve
open for equestrian use. Equestrian — Hampton and West tracts
parking areas have been designed to • Lake Panasoffkee
provide ample space for horses to be
easily unloaded from small and
Preserve — Oak Ridge Equestrian
medium-sized horse trailers. Lands
Area
open for equestrian use that do not have
equestrian parking areas accessible from • Myakka State Forest
a main road may require a free • Potts Preserve
reservation for access through the • RV Griffin Reserve
security gates. Nonpotable water is • Starkey Wilderness Preserve
provided on some lands, but visitors — Serenova Tract
should always bring enough water to
• Upper Hillsborough Preserve
meet their horses’ needs. To determine
— Alston Tract
what facilities are available, check the
individual property descriptions.
Equestrian/group camping areas are

7
Hiking hikes and multiple-day backpacking
Enjoy the beauty of west-central trips through more than 110,000 acres
Florida at its best by hiking on miles of of natural lands. Maintained by Florida
natural trails. District lands are open for Trail Association volunteers,
hiking and related activities that can be information on the trail can be obtained
enjoyed on foot, such as nature study, by calling 1-877-HIKE-FLA or online at
bird watching, outdoor photography, FloridaTrail.org/. The 1,400-mile Florida
jogging and backpacking. Most trails are Trail network winds through District
located on old roadbeds and have a lands on its way from the Big Cypress
natural surface that changes constantly National Preserve in south Florida to
depending on weather and soil Gulf Islands National Seashore near
conditions. Hikers should expect trail Pensacola. These single-track, hiking-
conditions that may be seasonally wet, only trails provide great opportunities to
dry and sandy, or may even require see wildlife and enjoy a solitary
fording shallow creeks. experience in a natural setting.
Trails are primarily multiuse and are Hunting

also open for horseback riding and More than 132,000 acres of District
bicycling. Some lands have single-track, lands are available for hunting as
hiking-only trails or paved trails that wildlife management areas. These areas
provide unique hiking experiences. are cooperatively managed by the
Check the individual property District and the Florida Fish and
descriptions for specific details. Wildlife Conservation Commission
The Florida National Scenic Trail, (FWC), with the District serving as the
located in the Green Swamp Wilderness lead manager. Special District-managed
Preserve, is the premier hiking trail on hunts of various types are also
District lands. This 35-mile, hiking-only periodically offered on lands that are
trail provides opportunities for day not wildlife management areas. Many
8
District lands provide quality habitat for Water Recreation
game species and contain abundant There are many recreational
populations of deer, turkey and small opportunities available on water bodies
game. A variety of hunting throughout the District including
opportunities are available to the public. boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing.
From regular quota, small game and All visitors taking part in water sports
special opportunity hunts to hunts for should keep safety first. The Florida Fish
the mobility-impaired, almost everyone and Wildlife Conservation Commission
can enjoy hunting on District lands. All (FWC) regulates water vessels and
lands open for hunting are listed in the should be consulted for safety
Recreation At A Glance at the end of requirements, registration and other
this guide. Information on hunting regulations. All fishing on District lands
seasons and regulations can be obtained is subject to FWC’s license requirements
from the FWC web site at MyFWC.com and regulations.
or through its regional offices.
Best Opportunities
— East and West tracts
• Potts Preserve
• Upper Hillsborough Tract

9
Boating and Paddling fishing on District lands is subject to
FWC’s license requirements and
District lands preserve hundreds of
regulations.
miles of pristine shoreline along many
of the beautiful rivers and lakes in the Best Opportunities
region. Whether it is a great blue heron
• Chassahowitzka River and Coastal
stalking its prey, an alligator sunning on
Swamps
a log or a deer getting a drink from the
cool, clear waters of a spring-fed river, • Deep Creek Preserve (Peace River)
there are endless opportunities to view • Edward Medard Park and Reservoir
wildlife in their native habitats while • Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve
exploring these natural areas. Where — West Tract (Withlacoochee River)
possible, launch facilities are provided • Lower Hillsborough Wilderness
on adjacent water bodies. However, not Preserve (Hillsborough River)
all District lands provide boat access, as
• Tampa Bypass Canal
many areas already have launching
facilities nearby. Lakes and ponds • Wysong Park (Withlacoochee River)
wholly within District lands that allow
paddling and boating access are clearly
posted as open for these activities.
Check the Recreation At A Glance and
individual property descriptions for
more information.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed along the banks of
District water bodies and by boat unless
an area is posted closed to fishing. All

10
Guidelines for Use of • Make sure you have reservations for
activities or use areas, if required.
District Lands • Check with the District to see if an
To make sure that we, as well as area is closed or access is limited due
future generations, can enjoy quality to weather conditions, management
outdoor activities or hunting seasons.
experiences, • Check the weather forecast and plan
each one of us for possible changes in weather.
must share the
• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen,
responsibility
insect repellant, a hat and good pair
of protecting
of sneakers or walking shoes.
our environment. The District
supports the Leave No Trace program, • Carry a cell phone.
which educates people who enjoy • Let a friend know where you are
the outdoors about the nature of going and when you will return.
their recreational impacts as well as Travel and Camp on
techniques to prevent and minimize Durable Surfaces
such impacts.
• Campers are reminded
Leave No Trace to use designated
The following seven principles camp zones only.
of Leave No Trace are for the safety
of visitors and to protect our nature
resources.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Know the regulations and special
concerns for the area you will visit.
11
Dispose of Waste Properly Respect Wildlife
• Please remember to carry out • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do
everything used during your stay. not follow or approach them.
Help us keep the areas clean and • Never feed animals. Feeding animals
natural. damages their health, alters natural
Leave What You Find behaviors and exposes them to
predators and other dangers.
• Preserve the past. Examine, but do not
• Stay on marked trails or roads to
touch, cultural or historic structures
avoid trampling habitat.
and artifacts.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times
• Leave rocks, plants and other natural
such as mating and nesting seasons.
objects as you find them.
• Do not build structures, dig trenches Be Considerate of Other Visitors
or cut down trees or shrubs. • Respect other visitors and protect the
Minimize Campfire Impacts quality of their experience.
• Be courteous, yield to other users.
• Use established fire rings, grills or
mound fires where fires are permitted. • Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid
loud voices, music and noises.
• Keep fires small. Use only sticks from
the ground that can be broken by • Use proper trail
hand. etiquette. Follow the
trail right-of-way
• Do not cut down trees or bushes —
rule: bikers yield to
dead or alive — for firewood.
hikers, both bikers
• Put campfires out completely and and hikers yield
then scatter cooled ashes. to horses.

12
Activities Not Allowed • Destruction or looting of an
The District has set up the following archaeological site or artifacts.
rules to promote the proper use of its • Accessing District lands at points
conservation lands. A complete listing other than designated access points.
of all rules that apply to public use of • Fireworks and explosives; igniting
District lands can be found in Chapter fires, except in designated areas.
40D-9 of the Florida Administrative
• Damaging or removing any facilities
Code.
or equipment owned or leased by
The following are not allowed: District, its designees, contractors or
other public agencies.
• Alcoholic beverages or other
• Littering and disposing of any waste
intoxicants.
products such as graywater, petroleum
• Use of all-terrain, off-road or other products, toxic materials, batteries,
motorized vehicles not licensed for etc.
Florida highway use.
• Commercial fishing or any activities
• Motorized vehicles, horses or bicycles not approved by the District.
on roads not specifically open for
these modes of transportation.
• Firearms or other similar equipment,
unless during a District-authorized
hunt or other District-authorized
activities.
• Dogs not on a leash.
• Dogs in areas not designated for dogs.
• Destruction, collection or release of
plants and wildlife.

13
Camping Guidelines General Rules
Reservations • Camping is allowed in designated

campsites only and requires a free
Reservations are free and required reservation.
for camping, reserving a pavilion,
• Reservations are based on availability
horse-drawn buggy riding and for
and on a first-come, first-served
horseback riding on some properties.
basis.
Check the reservation requirements for
the property before you visit. • A new reservation is required for
Reservation applications can be each camping trip.
obtained online at WaterMatters.org/ • Reservations may be made up to
recreation/. Applications are also three months prior to the requested
available by contacting the District at camping date.
(352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 (FL
only), ext. 4470. Please allow up to ten
days to process applications. Please
abide by the following
general camping
rules and see
individual property
descriptions for
site-specific
camping
information.

14
• Reservations will include gate • Camping is limited to seven
combinations for vehicle access where consecutive days; a reservation is
allowed. required for each visit.
• Reservations must be displayed on • Any additional rules and regulations
dashboard at campsite. will be provided on the reservation or
• Personal automobiles are permitted posted at the campground kiosk.
into equestrian, group and primitive
campsites. Vehicles may be driven
from gate to campsite ONLY.
• Dogs are permitted in designated
campgrounds. They must be on a
leash no more than six feet in length
and be well-mannered at all times.
• Dog owners are required to pick up
after their dogs; do not allow your
dog to wander outside your campsite.
No other pets are permitted on
District lands.
• All trees, plants and wildlife are
protected.
• Generators are permitted to run from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and must be kept
within your campsite. No generator is
to be left unattended and running.
• Quiet time is from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

15
Equestrian Camping Equestrian Trailer Parking and Horse-
Drawn Buggy Riding
• Horses are not permitted in primitive
sites. • Horseback and buggy riding is allowed
• Tether stakes are not permitted on only on designated or marked trails.
District property. • All horse-drawn buggy riding requires
• Trees and their roots are to be a reservation for access behind locked
protected at all times; do not tie or gates.
tether horses directly to trees. • Equestrian parking permits are
• All manure is to be pulverized and required for access to parking areas
spread out where your horse has been behind locked Washburn gate at
kept. Do not place manure in holes or Lower Hillsborough Wilderness
pile around trees or plants. Preserve — Oak Ridge Equestrian
Area.
• Fill in all holes and level out the site
where your horse has been kept.
• All leftover hay should be removed
from property.
• Horses are not permitted on hiking
trails.
• Each rider must carry proof of horse’s
current negative Coggins test.

16
Americans with Disabilities Act have accessible facilities such as paved
Accessibility trails, boardwalks, fishing piers, picnic
The District does not discriminate areas or restrooms that meet the
upon the basis of any individual’s standards established by the ADA. The
disability status. This non- District also provides opportunities for
discrimination policy involves every mobility-impaired fishing and hunting
aspect of the District’s functions in some areas. To determine what areas
including one’s access to, participation provide universal access facilities, look
or treatment in its programs or for the symbol on the Recreation At A
activities. Anyone requiring reasonable Glance and information in the
accommodation as provided for in the individual property descriptions.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
should contact the Land Resources
Department at (352) 796-7211 or
1-800-423-1476 (FL only), ext. 4470;
TDD only: 1-800-231-6103 (FL only);
fax: (352) 754-6877.
The District provides recreational

opportunities for the mobility-impaired.
Many of the lands listed in this guide
17
Notice of Statutory Limitation of Volunteering on District Lands
Liability under Section 373.1395, To meet various water management
Florida Statutes needs, the District has protected more
By law, the District is not required than 436,000 acres of land in southwest
to ensure that its parks or recreation Florida.
lands are safe for use by members of the
The Volunteer Program was
public or to warn the public of
designed to help the District accomplish
hazardous conditions, buildings or
its goals and to give volunteers an
activities on District lands. Accordingly,
opportunity to participate in and learn
the District makes no assurances as to
about the management of conservation
the safety of any of its parks or
lands within the District. The Volunteer
recreation lands, including buildings,
Program depends upon the combined
for any purpose or activity, and
efforts of many individuals for its
generally will not provide warnings of
successful operation.
hazardous conditions. The District is
not responsible for injury to persons or Projects are typically done in
property caused by any act or omission wilderness-type areas. The District
of a person while at a District park or provides all tools, safety equipment and
on District recreation lands. All visitors other items needed to work in the
use District parks outdoors. Safe practices and tool
and lands at their handling training is offered regularly.
own risk. Volunteers may work on short-term
projects or longer, several-day projects.
Volunteers can participate as individuals
or groups and will only need to provide
appropriate clothing, time and
transportation.

18
Why Volunteer? volunteer to work on an individual
project or group project or become part
Volunteering with the District’s
of a citizen support organization, the
Land Resources Department is a great
District has opportunities to fit the
way to give back to your local
needs and abilities of everyone.
community, make new friends, learn
new skills and enjoy Florida’s beautiful Volunteer Benefits
natural areas. Over the years, volunteers
Volunteers receive the personal
have contributed thousands of hours
satisfaction of helping out and seeing a
toward projects such as constructing
job well done. In addition, the District
and maintaining trails, establishing
provides volunteers with:
campsites, building picnic areas,
cleaning up trash and debris, and many • Workers’ compensation
other important land improvement • Liability protection
projects. So, whether you would like to • Recognition and awards
What It Takes to Become a Volunteer
If you are in good health, have a
desire to help, and are flexible and
adaptable to a variety of working
conditions, then you can become a
volunteer. Whether you are a skilled
tradesman or just handy with the hedge
clippers, there is a project for you. To
volunteer, please contact the Land
Resources Department at 1-800-423-
1476 (toll-free, FL only) or (352)
796-7211, ext. 4470.

19
Alafia River Corridor Recreational Opportunities
931 Old Welcome Road Camping
Lithia, FL 33547 • Primitive camping only.
• Group areas available.
Size • Letter of authorization required from
2,963 acres Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and
Location Conservation Department.
Southeastern Hillsborough County, east of Lithia Equestrian Use
and south of Plant City • 8 miles of marked equestrian trails available on
southern portion of property adjacent to Alafia
About the Property River State Park.
The Alafia River is a major tributary of Tampa
• Trails offer quality ride through various areas of
Bay. Conservation of the lands along the Alafia
pasture, oak hammocks, sandhills and riverine
River will protect the river, its floodplain and
swamps.
wildlife habitat for future generations. The river’s
• During rainy season, creek crossings may
natural floodplain is a mixture of hardwood
be closed for safety reasons. At other
swamps and upland hammocks. Trails meander
times, portions of preserve may be closed
through natural areas as well as areas that were
temporarily due to wildfires, prescribed burns,
formerly phosphate mine pits, which are mostly
environmental restoration or severe storms.
revegetated. Jointly purchased by the District and
• Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
Hillsborough County, the property is managed by
negative Coggins test.
the county.
• Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
Access and Parking wear helmets.
• Primary access for hiking trail is at the Pinecrest Fishing
baseball field parking area next to Alderman’s • Shoreline fishing allowed from pits in northeast
Ford Park. Walk-thru on north side of parking portion of property.
area. • Access via hiking trail.
• Walk-thru entrance located at 628 Jameson • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Road. Commission for license requirements.
• Park gates close at night — check park hours to
make sure vehicle will not be locked in parking
Hiking
• Access three-mile marked trail from Pinecrest
area.
baseball field walk-thru or Alderman’s Ford Park.
• Access to horse trails at Old Welcome Road
• Hiking allowed on equestrian trail.
parking area.
Picnic Facilities
Hours of Operation • Limited picnic facilities available on-site.
Daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for horse trail parking
area on Old Welcome Road. Nearby Recreation Lands
• Alafia River State Park
Restrooms and Water • Alderman’s Ford Park; Alderman’s Ford Nature
There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead Preserve
locations, but facilities are available in Alderman’s • English Creek Environmental Studies Center
Ford Park during park operating hours. • Lithia Springs Park
• Medard Park
For More Information
Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and
Conservation Department, (813) 672-7876

20
To SR 60
Keysville Rd.
676
39
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Cre
ek
Welcome
Old Welcome Rd.
Old Welcome Rd.
Chito Branch h
ranc
uth Prong
Reserve ns B
39 Owe
Alafia River So
ch
o Bran Ha
Chit lls

Br
an
c
Jameso
h
n Rd. 0 0.5 1
scale in miles
Alafia River State Park
Alafia River Corridor

Legend
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
highway, major road walk-thru
minor road access point & parking
designated trail fishing spot
property boundary picnic shelter
other public lands group camping
county line primitive camping General Location

river, stream disabled access toilet
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

21
Alafia River Reserve Turner Road. Turn left on Indian Oak Boulevard
until road dead-ends. Turn right on Indian Oak
4872 Indian Oak Drive Drive and travel a few blocks. Parking area on left.
Mulberry, FL 33860
Hours of Operation
Size Daily 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. during standard time and
334 acres 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. during daylight-saving time.
Location Restrooms and Water
West-central Polk County, west of Mulberry No restrooms or water available.
About the Property Recreational Opportunities
Purchased jointly by the District and Polk
County to preserve the natural wetlands (90 Hiking
percent) and uplands along the upper corridor • Short hiking trail to river overlook.
of the Alafia River, this property is home to many Picnic Facilities
species of wading birds and amphibians that • Picnic tables adjacent to parking area.
require seasonally flooded areas free of predators Nearby Recreation Lands
to complete their life cycles. Forested hardwood • Alafia River Corridor
wetlands are the primary natural community. • Alafia River State Park
Common trees include sweet gum, laurel oak, • Alderman’s Ford Park
ironwood, hickory, sabal palms and bay. Ground
cover is sparse due to extended periods of For More Information
flooding. Polk County Natural Resources Department,
(863) 534-7377
Access and Parking
From Mulberry, take SR 60 west to Turner Road
(approximately 3.5 miles). Turn left on Turner Road
and follow to Y-intersection. Stay to left on North

22
To Brandon
ek
Cre
e y
Pol
60
Willow Oak
Espo Dr.
Creek
Thompson Rd.
Willow Oak Rd.

Riverwood Dr.
glish
En
Turner Rd.
d.
Indian Oak Blv
Turner Rd.
Nor th P Indian Oak Dr.

Prong Rive To
ia r M
Alaf ulb
er
ry
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
Thir ty
mile C
Nichols
POLK CO.
676
ree
k

0 0.5 1
scale in miles
Alafia River Reserve

Legend
highway, major road access point & parking
minor road
POLK CO.
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands
county line General Location

river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

23
Annutteliga Hammock Access and Parking
• From US 19, north of Weeki Wachee, turn east
11019 Centralia Road
on Centralia Road. Main parking area is on north
Weeki Wachee, FL 34614
side of Centralia Road.
Size • Walk-thru on north side of Knuckey Road.
2,200 acres • Access and parking on south side of Knuckey
Road.
Location
Northeastern Hernando County, north of Weeki Hours of Operation
Wachee Daily from sunrise to sunset.
About the Property Restrooms and Water

The Annutteliga Hammock is an important area No restrooms or water available.
for groundwater recharge into Florida’s primary Recreational Opportunities
drinking water source, the Floridan aquifer system.
Situated in the Brooksville Ridge, which runs from Equestrian Use
northern Citrus County down into central Pasco • Several miles of marked trails.
County, the lands are slightly higher in elevation • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
than the adjacent coastal or central portions of • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
the state. The area within the Brooksville Ridge negative Coggins test.
typically has well-drained soils, karst limerock • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
outcroppings, and is dominated by sandhills, wear helmets.
upland hardwood forests and scrub communities. Hiking
Property links with the Chassahowitzka Wildlife • Trails on interior roads.
Management Area, which is a prime Florida black
Nearby Recreation Lands
bear habitat area. Approximately 570 acres has
• Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
been designated for trails and facilities for public
• Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
use.
• Withlacoochee State Forest, Homosassa Tract
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470

24
To Homosassa Springs
Knuck
ey Rd.
Chassahowitzka 19
Wildlife
Management
Area
To Weeki Wachee
628 Centralia Rd.

0 0.25 0.5
scale in miles
Annutteliga Hammock
Legend
minor road HERNANDO CO.
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands General Location
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

25
Brooker Creek Access and Parking
• Parking, kiosk and picnic table available at
Headwaters Nature entrance on Ramblewood Road.
Preserve • Walk-thru gate on Lutz-Lake Fern Road; parking
on road shoulder.
18102 Ramblewood Road
• Walk-thru gate on east side of Brown Road north
Lutz, FL 33558
of Van Dyke Road; parking on road shoulder.
Size Hours of Operation
1,111 acres Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Northwest Hillsborough County, north of Van No restrooms or water available.
Dyke Road, south of Lutz-Lake Fern Road, west of
Suncoast Parkway, and east of Gunn Highway Recreational Opportunities
About the Property Hiking
Containing the largest area of contiguous • Several miles of unimproved interior roads.
natural habitat remaining in northwest Nearby Recreation Lands
Hillsborough County, public ownership of this • Suncoast Trail
preserve ensures protection of important wildlife • Lake Rogers Park
habitat and the site’s wetlands, which serve as • Lake Park
the headwaters of the Brooker Creek system. This
property includes a mosaic of forested swamps,
floodplains and low-lying uplands. The uplands
include pine flatwoods, xeric oak hammocks, and
mixed hardwood and pine prairies.
Since 1993, Hillsborough County staff has
performed a number of resource inventories
that identified an abundance of wildlife and
vegetation, some of which are considered
threatened or endangered. For this reason,
recreational activities on the property are limited
to walking and hiking. Jointly acquired by the
District and Hillsborough County, the property is
managed by Hillsborough County.

26
d.
To Pinellas Co. e Fern R
Lutz-Lak To
L utz
Lake
Elizabeth
Lake
Wood
Lake
Fern
Chaville Rd
Mound
Lake
Dr.
.
ille
em
Ch
587
Lake eek
Calm
Gun
r Cr
n
oke
H wy
.
Rd
Bro
od
.
wo
ble
rkway
m
Ra
ast Pa
Sunco
579
Brown Rd.
To Citrus Park
Van Dyke Rd. 685A

0 0.25 0.5
scale in miles
Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve

Legend
highway, major road walk-thru (roadside parking) HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road walk-thru

designated trail security officer residence
property boundary
other public lands
county line
river, stream General Location
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

27
Brooker Creek Preserve Recreational Opportunities
3940 Keystone Road Bird Watching
Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 • Site 81 on western section of Great Florida
Birding Trail.
Size • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
9,800 acres Commission for more information.
Location Environmental Education
Northeast Pinellas County • Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental
Education Center open to public; call (727) 453-
About the Property 6800 for more information.
The Brooker Creek Preserve, managed by
• Pinellas County and its volunteers conduct
Pinellas County, is a valuable island of natural lands
various public educational activities, hikes and
in an ever-increasing urban area. Pinellas County
tours.
gave this property a special protection status and
seeks to promote public awareness of the need Equestrian Use
to protect vital watersheds and natural areas in • 10 miles of equestrian trails available at Old
Florida. The property is a mixture of cypress and Keystone Road entrance. Parking for horse
bottomland swamps, freshwater marshes and pine trailers provided. Not open to buggies or carts.
and oak hardwood forests. Most of the natural • Horse exercise trail located at walk-thru off
portions of Brooker Creek were disturbed by Lora Lane for ride-in access by residents that
former land-use practices; however, some splendid live adjacent to the preserve. No parking area
intact natural sections of the creek just south of provided.
the Florida Power Corporation power line still • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
exist and eventually flow into the property’s vast • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
riverine swamp. negative Coggins test.
Access and Parking wear helmets.
• Main entrance on south side of Keystone Road
off CR 582.
Hiking
• Public hikes offered on Saturdays or through
• Horseback riding entrance with parking is
special arrangement with Pinellas County. For
located off Old Keystone Road.
information, call (727) 453-6900.
• ADA access and facilities available.
• 1.75-mile interpretive trail located off Lora
Hours of Operation Lane. Interpretive brochures available at
Daily from sunrise to sunset unless otherwise environmental education center.
posted on information kiosks at designated public
entrances.
Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal
Restrooms and Water
Restrooms and potable water are available at
Brooker Creek Preserve, (727) 453-6800
environmental education center.

28
Blvd.
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
Trinity
PINELLAS CO.
582
Old k
Key
e
Ke
Cre
Tarpon ston yst
eR on
oker
Springs d. eR
d.
Bro
Ranch Rd.
Lora Lane
.
East Lake Rd
582 Tarpon Sp
rings Rd.
e Brooker
Creek
Buffer
77
Preserve
19
Lake
Tarpon
John
Chestnut Sr.
Park
Lake
Tarpon
Outfall d.
Canal c kR
Tra
584
Tam
pa Ra
ce
Rd
. 0 0.5 1 2
Oldsmar
scale in miles
Brooker Creek Preserve

Legend
PINELLAS
CO.
designated trail e environmental education center
property boundary disabled access toilet

other public lands power line General Location
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

29
Charlotte Harbor Restrooms and Water
Punta Gorda Management Unit of preserve has
Preserve State Park restrooms with water and a visitor’s center.
12301 Burnt Store Road (CR 765)
Recreational Opportunities
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Bird Watching
Size • Site 22 on southern section of Great Florida
46,000 acres Birding Trail.
Location • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Eastern Charlotte County, west of Port Charlotte Commission (FWC) for more information.
Boating and Paddling
About the Property
• Available in open bay waters and along the
A joint acquisition effort between the District
Myakka, Peace and Caloosahatchee rivers.
and the state, the preserve consists of various
noncontiguous parcels that partially surround the Fishing
Charlotte Harbor estuary and its major tributaries. • Boat fishing throughout preserve.
All lands are managed as a state park. • Contact FWC for license requirements.
The preserve is regionally important because Hiking
it provides protection to the Gasparilla Sound/ • Primary hiking trailhead off CR 776 with
Charlotte Harbor, Cape Haze, Matlacha Pass and designated marked foot trail.
Pine Island Sound aquatic preserves. All these • Two designated hiking trails at Charlotte Harbor
surface water features and their tributaries have Environmental Center. One winds through pine
been designated Outstanding Florida Waters. The flatwoods and one through salt marsh and
preserve protects the water quality and natural mangrove forests.
resources in these adjacent sensitive areas and • Contact preserve for trail maps.
creates a continuity of habitats for wildlife.
The preserve contains vital mangrove and salt
• Gasparilla Sound/Charlotte Harbor and Cape
marsh wetlands with portions of freshwater marsh,
Haze aquatic preserves
coastal scrub, tropical hardwood hammocks and
• Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge
pinelands. The outstanding feature is its estuarine
• Pine Island and Matlacha Pass national wildlife
environment, which offers rich natural habitat and
refuges
a diversity of wildlife. The preserve has an inspiring
coastline with miles of open bay waters, tidal For More Information
creeks and segments on the Myakka, Peace and Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, (941)
Caloosahatchee rivers. Guided tours within the 575-5861
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center area are
offered to the public from November to April.
Access and Parking
• Access to northern public use area in Punta
Gorda Management Unit is off Burnt Store Road
(not shown on map).
• Access to state park lands acquired by the
District via a walk-thru gate off CR 776 and from
the water.
Dogs
• Dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet in
length.
• Owners are requested to pick up after dog.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset.

30
Murdock
41
My 776
ak
ka
CHARLOTTE CO.
SARASOTA CO.
777
Port
Charlotte
Myakka
State El Jobean
Riv
Forest er
Charlotte Harbor
Preserve
State Park
iver
776
R
ce
Pea
Rotonda West Rotonda
771
Charlotte
Harbor
775
Gasparilla
Island Island Bay
Aquatic National
Wildlife
Preserve
Charlotte Harbor Refuge
Placida Preserve
Gulf of 0 0.5 1 2
State Park
Mexico
scale in miles
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

Legend
minor roads
CHARLOTTE CO.
designated trail
property boundary

county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamps

31
Chassahowitzka River Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
and Coastal Swamps • Trails on unpaved roads.
8600 Miss Maggie Drive (County Park) • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
7940 Burnt Bridge Road (SWFWMD) helmets.
Homosassa, FL 34448
Bird Watching
Size • Chassahowitzka River Trail is Site 51 on western
5,677 acres section of Great Florida Birding Trail.
• Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Location Commission (FWC) for more information.
Southwestern Citrus County, south of
Homosassa Springs Boating and Paddling
• Single-lane boat ramp located at campground.
About the Property Canoe and jon boat rentals.
Purchased in the early 1990s, this property • River is shallow — use shallow draft boats and
is part of a large greenway of public lands that keep track of tides.
protects the Chassahowitzka Swamp ecosystem • Watch for manatees.
and wildlife resources. The Chassahowitzka River’s
Camping
headwaters, several tributaries and springs are
Chassahowitzka Campground
within this tract and are known locally for their
• 80 full-service campsites with various levels of
great sportfishing and crabbing. The vast expanse
amenities, including electricity, sewer, water,
of salt marsh, hardwood swamps, crystal-clear
tables, grills and fire rings. Group campsite also
springs and river are a canoeist’s paradise. The river
available.
has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water
• Call campground office for reservations; fee for
by the state of Florida.
camping.
Camping, a boat launch, boat rental and a
• Bathhouse with showers, laundry facilities,
camp store are available at Chassahowitzka River
shuffleboard court and picnic pavilion available.
Campground and Recreation Area, which is
operated by Citrus County Parks and Recreation Fishing
Department. • Saltwater fishing near gulf; freshwater fishing in
springs.
Access and Parking • Contact FWC for license requirements.
• Access obtained from US 19 by traveling west on
Miss Maggie Drive (CR 480) to campground and
Hiking
• Access to dense, forested wetland provided by
boat launch facilities at end of road. Day-use fee.
two-mile network of old logging roads built
• Access also available at end of Burnt Bridge
above grade.
Road, a dirt road that goes through the
• Roads not maintained or marked — be prepared
Withlacoochee State Forest to the property.
for wet crossings at several narrow washouts.
Parking available at access point.
• ADA access and facilities available. Contact Picnic Facilities
campground office for information. • Limited picnic facilities available at boat dock.
Hours of Operation Nearby Recreation Lands

Daily from sunrise to sunset. • Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Restrooms, Water and Other Amenities • Withlacoochee State Forest, Homosassa Tract
Restrooms, potable water and camp store
available at campground. For More Information
• Chassahowitzka River Campground and
Dogs Recreation Area Office, (352) 382-2200 voice/
• Dogs allowed in county park only. TDD
• Dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet in • Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
length at all times in campground. Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
• Proof of current vaccination required upon only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
registration.

32
490 Homosassa
Crystal River State Withlacoochee
To Homosassa Springs
Buffer Preserve State Forest
Withlacoochee Bu
State Forest rn t 19
Br i
98
dg
eR
d.
Withlacoochee
State Forest
reek
Potter C
Chassahowitzka
Creek
National Wildlife 480

Refuge
a lt
S 480
Chassahowitzka .
Springs Dr 98
gie To

g
Ma Bro
Miss oksv
ille
RV
J oh
ns
on
Creek
Cr
19
aw
for
d
Ry
Cr
le C
ee
k
er
Riv
reek
zka CITRUS CO.

owit
To Weeki Wachee
h
ssa HERNANDO CO.
Blue
Cha
Chassahowitzka
Run
National Wildlife
Refuge

0 0.5 1 2
Chassahowitzka
Wildlife Management Area scale in miles
Chassahowitzka River and Coastal Swamps

Legend
minor road boat ramp

CITRUS CO.
designated trail fishing spot
property boundary (SWFWMD) RV recreational vehicle camping
other public lands restrooms

General Location
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

33
Chito Branch Reserve Access and Parking
South on Browning Road off CR 640.
Browning Road
Lithia, FL 33547 Hours of Operation
Size
5,515 Acres Restrooms and Water
No restrooms or water available.
Location
Southeastern Hillsborough County Recreational Opportunities
About the Property Biking, Equestrian and Hiking
The Chito Branch Reserve is a unique natural • 6 miles of unimproved interior roads.
sanctuary situated in the heart of rapidly • Florida law requires bicyclists and equestrians
developing southeastern Hillsborough County. As under 16 to wear helmets.
part of the greater Alafia River Corridor of public • Each horseback rider must carry proof of horse’s
conservation lands, its natural habitats provide current negative Coggins test.
a haven for native Florida wildlife and plant life, Nearby Recreation Lands
many becoming increasingly rare in the region. • Alafia River State Park
Outdoor enthusiasts can observe fox squirrels, • Little Manatee State Park
gopher tortoises, wading birds and other Florida • Alderman’s Ford Park
wildlife interact in their natural environment. • Balm-Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve
Whether enjoyed on a winding foot path, a bike
trail or bridle path, Chito Branch Reserve is a quiet For More Information
oasis in a fast-paced world. Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
The District purchased the 5,515-acre reserve in Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
2001, in cooperation with Tampa Bay Water, for the only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
primary purpose of building the 15-billion-gallon
C.W. “Bill” Young Regional Reservoir to collect
and store drinking water. The reservoir is built on
1,100 acres. The remaining property consists of a
variety of habitats, including wetlands, pine and
scrubby flatwoods, scrub, freshwater marshes and
improved pasture.

34
To SR 60 To SR 60
ay
rkw
Keysville Rd.
Pa
ills
rH
e
Riv
w
Ne er
Riv
fia
Ala
Alafia River
Lithia Springs County Park Corridor
640 Alderman’s
Ford
Park
Fishhawk Blvd.
Lithia Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Pinecrest
Boyette Rd.
Browning Rd.
39
Fish Hawk Creek Preserve Browning Rd.
Boyette Rd. Boyette Rd.

Alafia River
Corridor
B ranch
ito
Ch
d.
eR
Creek
tt
ye
Jameso
Bo
ek n Rd.
lm
Cre
k
Ba
aw
Bell
hh
C.W. “Bill”Young
Fis
Reservoir Alafia River

State Park

Balm-Boyette Scrub 0 0.5 1 2
scale in miles
Chito Branch Reserve

Legend
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
highway, major roads access point & parking
minor roads
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands

river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetlands/swamps

35
Circle B Bar Reserve Restrooms and Water
Restroom facility and water located at the
4399 Winter Lake Road (SR 540)
Nature Discovery Center.
Lakeland, FL 33803
Size
1,267 acres Bicycling and Equestrian
• Numerous trails and roads available throughout
Location the property.
Northwestern Polk County, south of Lakeland • Florida law requires bicyclists and equestrians
About the Property under 16 to wear helmets.
Named after a cattle ranch that once existed • Each horseback rider must carry proof of horse’s
on this property, Circle B Bar Reserve was jointly negative Coggins test.
acquired by the Polk County Environmental Lands Fishing
Program and the District to protect the floodplain • Available along Lake Hancock.
of the lake and to restore the Banana Creek • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
marsh system. The property is maintained by Polk Commission for license requirements.
County. Much of the property had previously Hiking
been converted to pasture, but in 2005 and 2006, • Oak Hammock Interpretative Trail (3.4-mile
restoration projects were completed to restore roundtrip) is an unpaved trail running from
much of the original hydrologic function of the parking area to Lake Hancock.
lands. As a result of the marsh system restoration • Lake View Trail (0.5-mile roundtrip from end of
project, Circle B is now home to some of the most Oak Hammock Trail) is an unpaved spur trail
impressive bird activity on District property. The running along the lake.
tremendous bird population includes a variety • Brochure describing trails available at trailhead.
of wading birds, waterfowl, ospreys and bald
eagles. Alligators inhabit Lake Hancock and may Picnic Facilities
be observed at a distance from shore or from a • Picnic tables are located along the road between
pier. Oak hammock, freshwater marsh, hardwood the main entrance and the Nature Discovery
swamp and the lakeshore are among the unique Center.
characteristics of this property. Nearby Recreation Lands
• Saddle Creek Park
Polk County Nature Discovery Center • Tenoroc Fish Management Area
In November 2008, construction of the Polk
County Nature Discovery Center was completed.
Polk County Natural Resources Department,
Managed by the Polk County Natural Resources
(863) 534-7377
Department, the center provides educational
opportunities for Polk County public schools and
is open to the public. There are exhibits in the
center that display environmental and hydrologic
functions of Florida’s natural resources. Nature trail,
pavilion and information signs are available for
public use on the grounds adjacent to the center.
Access and Parking
• South of Lakeland on SR 540, entrance to park is
on south side of road.
Hours of Operation
Daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. during standard
time and from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. during daylight-
saving time.

36
Auburndale
Sad
dle
Cre
ek
570
Lakeland Lake Hancock

Project
540 Winter Lake Rd.
k
Cree e
ana
Ban
98
Banana Lake
Lake
Hancock

Highland
City 0 1 2
scale in miles
Circle B Bar Reserve

Legend
minor road e environmental education center

POLK CO.
designated trail disabled access toilet
property boundary (SWFWMD)

other public lands
General Location
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

37
Cliff Stephens Park Recreational Opportunities
600 Fairwood Avenue Bicycling, Hiking and Inline Skating
Clearwater, FL 33759 • Clearwater East-West Trail; a paved, multiuse trail
travels through park.
Size • Paved walkway in picnic area for pedestrians
44 acres only.
Location • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
Central Pinellas County in Clearwater helmets.
About the Property • Small boat launch located in southeast section
In 1980, the District and the city of Clearwater
of park. Electric motors and paddles only.
entered into an agreement for the design,
construction, operation and maintenance of Fishing
the Alligator Creek Water Management Project. • Available along portions of Alligator Creek and
The District provided land and operates the from any of four docks.
water-control structure; the city operates and • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
maintains Cliff Stephens Park. The project provides Commission for license requirements.
stormwater management and flood protection for Park Facilities
the surrounding Clearwater area. • Disc (Frisbee) golf course near picnic area.
• 19-station exercise course in southwestern
Access and Parking
section of park.
• Access from US 19, turn east onto Drew Street
and turn left on Fairwood Avenue. Park is Picnic Facilities
located on both sides of Fairwood Avenue with • Tables and grills available along paved walkway.
main parking lot near the entrance sign. Nearby Recreation Lands
• ADA access and facilities available. • Clearwater East-West Trail
Hours of Operation • Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. • Wood Valley Recreation Center
Restrooms and Water For More Information

No restrooms or water available. City of Clearwater Parks and Recreation
Department, (727) 562-4800
Dogs
length.

38
590
Virginia Ln.
Calamondin Ln.
Edenwood St.
Fairwood Ave.
Moccasin Lake
Park
Moccasin
19 Lake
Park Trai
l Ln.
Alligator Creek

Bri
gad
oon
Dr.
Clearwater
Fairwood Ave.

0 0.125 0.25
Drew Street scale in miles
Cliff Stephens Park

Legend
PINELLAS
railroad boat ramp CO.

designated trail bridge

property boundary (SWFWMD) picnic area General Location
other public lands fishing pier
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

39
Conner Preserve Recreational Opportunities
22500 SR 52 Bicycling
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34637 • Use only marked trails.
• 12.5 miles of unpaved cycling on designated or
Size marked trails.
2,980 acres • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
Location helmets.
Central Pasco County Camping (available in 2010)
• Primitive campsites, each equipped with picnic
About the Property table and fire ring, off main trail in eastern
Acquired in 2003 for preservation of natural
portion of preserve.
systems, groundwater recharge, water quality and
flood protection, the preserve offers a stunning Equestrian Use
landscape of steep sandhill ridges, expansive • 5.2 miles of designated or marked trails from
marshes, dense cypress sloughs and lush pine SR 52 access point.
flatwoods. The preserve is a vital part of a wildlife • Day-use reservations required to access
habitat corridor envisioned by Pasco County and equestrian parking area.
the District that will eventually connect the Starkey • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
Wilderness Preserve to the Cypress Creek Preserve, • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
making a continuous corridor of several thousands negative Coggins test.
of acres in this region. • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
The District manages the preserve’s resources wear helmets.
to protect and restore the natural and altered Hiking
ecosystems when possible. This includes extensive • 16 miles of hiking-only trails.
restoration to areas that were converted to pasture • Several miles of multiuse wooded roads
when it was privately owned and managed as a available.
ranch. Model Airplane Flying Field
Limited Access Areas • Bay City Flyers Model Airplane Club.
Several areas of the preserve are being restored • 25-acre site open to members and spectators.
and are limited to foot access only. • Anyone who wishes to fly must be licensed
by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA);
Access and Parking please coordinate with the Bay City Flyers at
• Primary access is off SR 52 on south side of road www.BayCityFlyers.org/.
about 3.5 miles east of US 41.
Picnic Facilities
• One picnic table available at entrance.
Hours of Operation
• Starkey Wilderness Preserve — Serenova Tract
Restrooms and Water • Cypress Creek Preserve
• Portable toilet available at main entrance. No
water available.
• Portable toilet and nonpotable water available
at Bay City Flyers model airplane field.
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470

40
To Gowers Corner
To San Antonio
52
Creek
e
Fivemil
Cypress
Creek
41 Preserve
f
tof
Cu
n
re
Eh
To L

and O
0 0.5 1
’ Lak
583
es
scale in miles
Conner Preserve
Legend
highway, major roads access point & parking
PASCO CO.
minor roads parking
designated trail picnic area
property boundary disabled access toilet General Location
other public lands model airplane flying field

(www.baycityflyers.org for more info)
county line
P primitive camping (available in 2010)
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetlands/swamps

41
Cypress Creek Preserve Recreational Opportunities
8720 Pump Station Road Bicycling and Inline Skating
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639 • 5 miles of paved and unpaved cycling on
designated or marked trails.
Size • Use only marked trails.
Location helmets.
Central Pasco County, east of Land O’ Lakes Camping
• Separate sites available for equestrian, group
About the Property and primitive camping.
Purchased to provide flood protection and serve
• Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
as a public water supply, Cypress Creek’s floodplain
• Nonpotable water source available.
helps filter nutrients in runoff waters. Cypress
• Portable toilet available.
Creek Well Field serves as an important source of
• A free reservation is required and must be
water for the surrounding region and is owned
displayed on dashboard at campground.
and operated by Tampa Bay Water (TBW).
Cypress Creek is a tributary of the Hillsborough Equestrian Use
River. Within the property, the creek threads its • 12 miles of marked trails from Parkway
way through an expanse of cypress and hardwood Boulevard access point.
forests. Slash pine, longleaf pine and palmetto • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
grow on the higher “ridges,” which are collectively • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
known as Florida flatwoods. negative Coggins test.
Limited Access Areas wear helmets.
• Restricted areas around water facilities.
Fishing
• Paved road through the property continues
• Along Cypress Creek during high-water periods.
northeast to adjoining property owned by TBW.
• Man-made impoundments located in southern
Due to private land holdings, there is no public
portion of property.
access beyond TBW to railroad tracks or SR 52.
Access and Parking Commission for license requirements.
• Primary access is from Parkway Boulevard, 0.7 Hiking
miles north of Pine View Middle School. Small • Paved road available (Pump Station Road).
day-use parking area outside gate. • Several miles of wooded roads available.
• West gate at west end of Pump Station Road,
which is accessed from Ehren Cutoff (CR 583), Picnic Facilities
midway between SR 52 and US 41. Follow signs • Limited picnic tables in camp areas.
to Cypress Creek Well Field. Parking available. Nearby Recreation Lands
Sign in at registration station located inside gate. • Conner Preserve
• Walk-thru entrance on east side at end of Quail • Starkey Wilderness Preserve
Hollow Boulevard. No parking available at this
gate. Do not park on roadway or block gate.
Hours of Operation only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Restrooms and Water
• No restrooms or water available at entrances.
• Portable toilets and nonpotable water available
at equestrian and group campsites.

42
road
d rail
2
done
SR 5
Conner Preserve
aban
To
ek
583 Cre
ss Cypress
pre
Cy Creek
Well Field
p
m n
Pu tatiod.
S R
Big
Cypress Quail Hollow Blvd.

Ehren Cutoff
Swamp
R d.
E co
Par
s
Pa
k
583
wa
G
yB
apel
lvd
Exit Ch
esley
.
279 54
To W
41
54
Land
O’ 581
Lakes Cy
pr
es
s
75
Cr
Exit
ee

k
275
56
mp a
0 1 2
a
To T
54 scale in miles
Cypress Creek Preserve

Legend
PASCO CO.
paved trail E equestrian camping*
designated trail group camping* General Location
G
property boundary DAT disabled access toilet

other public lands control structure
county line * primitive campsites
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

43
Deep Creek Preserve Recreational Opportunities
10797 SW Peace River Street Boating and Paddling
Arcadia, FL 34269 • Available at Deep Creek Park.
Camping
Size
2,000 acres
and primitive camping.
Location • Sites have a picnic table, fire ring and/or grill.
Southwestern DeSoto County, east of Port • Nonpotable water source available.
Charlotte • Portable toilet available.
About the Property displayed on dashboard at campground.
Proximity to the Charlotte Harbor estuary is
Backcountry
reflected in the tidal nature of the river and its
• This site has a picnic table, fire ring and/or grill.
associated floodplain wetlands. The Peace River
is highly braided in these lower reaches and the Equestrian Use
name of the property is derived from a prominent • Approximately 9 miles of multiuse trails.
branch of the river, known historically as “Deep • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
Creek,” which parallels the eastern boundary of • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
the site. negative Coggins test.
About half of the property is pine flatwoods • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
consisting of longleaf pines and a diverse mixture wear helmets.
of native shrubs and herbs. A large number of Fishing
freshwater marshes and wet prairies dot the • Bank fishing available along river.
landscape, and a series of intermittent streams • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
discharge overflow from these wetland areas into Commission for license requirements.
Deep Creek during periods of high water. Narrow Hiking
ridges of well-drained oak scrub and scrubby • 9-mile network of multiuse trail roads.
flatwoods line the margins of several of the creeks. • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are
Tidal swamp, bordered by small areas of salt marsh excessively wet during certain times of year.
and mangrove forest, dominates the riverine • Access to the District’s trail network at Deep
floodplain. Creek Park.
A small area of improved pasture accounts for
the only portion of the property that has been
Picnic Facilities
• Limited picnic facilities available at campsite.
altered substantially from its natural state. The
• Pavilion available at Deep Creek Park.
pasture’s location, near the intersection of Kings
Highway (CR 769) and Southwest Peace River Nearby Recreation Lands
Street, provides convenient access. • Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
• RV Griffin Reserve
Access and Parking
• Prairie/Shell Creek
• Access is from Southwest Peace River Street off
Kings Highway (CR 769). Parking area and walk- For More Information
thru available. Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
• Additional access available from Deep Creek Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
Park, adjacent to public boat ramp. only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water
Portable toilet and nonpotable water available
in equestrian and group campground. Restrooms
available at Deep Creek Park.

44
RV Griffin
dia
Reserve
ca
Ar
To
ay
ighw
gs H
SW Peace River St.

Kin
Deep Pea
769 Creek ce
De
Park Riv
ep
e
r
ree
k
75I-
tte,
arlo
Cht
Por
To
DESOTO CO.
CHARLOTTE CO.

0 0.5 1
scale in miles
Deep Creek Preserve

DESOTO CO.
minor road picnicking
designated trail boat ramp General Location
property boundary equestrian, group and primitive camping
other public lands B

backcountry camping
county line disabled access toilet
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

45
Edward Medard Park • Multilane boat ramp and docks.
and Reservoir • Reservoir is an idle speed, no-wake area to
5737 Turkey Creek Road protect public safety and prevent erosion.
Plant City, FL 33567 Camping
Size • Primitive camping available.
1,284 acres • Fee for camping. No reservations.
• 40 campsites — RV, tent and group sites.
Location • All campsites are full service — table, water,
Eastern Hillsborough County, east of Brandon electricity and fire ring.
• Restrooms, showers and an RV dump station
About the Property
available.
After mining phosphate in the 1960s, the
American Cyanamid Company donated the Equestrian Use
majority of this property to the District in 1969. In • One-way, 3.25-mile bridle path.
1970, a dike and a control structure were built to • Water available in equestrian staging/parking
create the 700-acre reservoir, which offers some area.
flood protection along the Alafia River. In 1972, • Horses may be trailered in or rented at a stable
under agreement with the District, Hillsborough adjacent to the northwest corner of property.
County developed this site as one of its largest • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
regional parks. Originally known as the Pleasant • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
Grove Reservoir Park, the property was renamed negative Coggins test.
the Edward Medard Park and Reservoir in 1977 to • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
honor a District Governing Board member. wear helmets.
Edward Medard Park is a popular recreation Fishing
area, hosting 500,000 visitors annually, with the • Available by boat, along the banks of reservoir,
700-acre reservoir being the main attraction. A and on 730-foot pier/boardwalk, which is ADA
boardwalk fishing pier leads to an observation accessible.
tower across the reservoir. • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Access and Parking Commission for license requirements. Special
• Entrance on Turkey Creek Road, 1 mile south of park policies may also apply.
SR 60 (Brandon Boulevard). • Permits for after-hours fishing available from
• Free admission, but donations to “iron ranger” park office.
are appreciated. Hiking
• 12 parking areas distributed throughout park. • Available on all roads and trails.
• ADA access and facilities available. Park Facilities
Hours of Operation • Playground equipment and horseshoe pits.
Daily from 6 a.m. to sunset. Picnic Facilities
• 3 picnic areas with tables, grills and restrooms.
Restrooms and Water
• Covered shelters available.
Various restrooms and drinking water facilities
located throughout park. Nearby Recreation Lands
• Alafia River State Park
Dogs • Alderman’s Ford Park
length. For More Information
• Owners are requested to pick up after dog. Edward Medard Park, (813) 757-3802
Bicycling and Inline Skating
• Paved park road.
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
helmets.

46
To Brandon
To Bartow
60
Turkey Creek Rd.
RV
RV
P
boardwalk
Edward Medard
Reservoir
Water-Control
Structure
Durant Rd. reek

ey C
Turk

0 0.5 1 2
Pleasant
Grove scale in miles
Edward Medard Park and Reservoir

Legend
highway, major road walk-thru HILLSBOROUGH CO.
paved trail RV RV camping
designated trail P primitive camping
property boundary fishing spot
other public lands observation tower

General Location
county line playground
lake, pond park office
forest boat ramps
wetland/swamp picnic area

47
Edward W. Chance Access and Parking
Entrance approximately 7 miles east of Lake
Reserve — Manatee on SR 64, south side of road.
Coker Prairie Tract Hours of Operation
34300 East SR 64 Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Myakka City, FL 34251 Restrooms and Water
Size No restrooms or water available.
2,100 acres Recreational Opportunities
Location Hiking
Eastern Manatee County, east of Lake Manatee • Approximately 6 miles of interior roads.
About the Property Nearby Recreation Lands
Part of the District’s Lake Manatee Reserve • Manatee County’s Duette Park and Rye
project, this property contains relatively unaltered Wilderness Park
natural land. The dominant natural communities • Lake Manatee State Park
are pine flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods, scrub,
freshwater marsh and hardwood hammocks.
The pine overstory in the flatwoods was logged
by prior owners, but a high diversity of natural
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
understory species remain. The northern portion
of the tract has a higher elevation and drains into
the Manatee River. The southern portion contains
the freshwater marsh that gives the tract its name.
The marsh retains surface water after rains and
slowly releases it into the Myakka River through
Coker Creek.

48
To Bradenton Duette Park
Duette
64 Park
iver
ee R
nat
Ma
Webb Bran
ch
Little
Coker
Prairie
For
tCraw
Co
ford
ke
r
Cre
ek
Cre
ek

0 0.5 1
scale in miles
Edward W. Chance Reserve — Coker Prairie Tract

Legend
MANATEE CO.
minor road
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands

river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

49
Edward W. Chance Recreational Opportunities
Short sections of trails may go through area
Reserve — leased for cattle grazing. Exercise caution in
Gilley Creek Tract these areas. Stay on marked trail at all times
and remember that cattle serve a management
22310 CR 675
function on the property and should not be
Parrish, FL 34219 disturbed.
Size Bicycling
5,800 acres • Loop trails on 12 miles of old roads.
Location • Use only marked trails.
Eastern Manatee County, east of Lake Manatee • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
helmets.
About the Property Equestrian Use
As part of the District’s Lake Manatee Reserve
• 12 miles of marked interior roads.
project, the Gilley Creek Tract protects the main
• Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
branch of Gilley Creek, which is one of the main
tributaries of the Manatee River. The creek flows
into Lake Manatee, which serves as the primary
drinking water source for Manatee County.
wear helmets.
Formerly a cattle ranch and farm with row crops
that had been converted to pasture, hardwood Fishing
hammocks are still found along the creek channels • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
and wetlands. Undisturbed areas of native Commission for license requirements.
habitats thrive in a natural condition, with regular Hiking
reoccurrence of fire through the prescribed burn • 12 miles of multiuse trails.
program, providing an example of historic Florida • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are
palmetto prairie, pine flatwoods and scrubby excessively wet during certain times of year.
flatwoods communities.
Restoration efforts focus on reestablishing
• Lake Manatee State Park
scrub habitats in fallow agricultural fields that
• Manatee County’s Duette Park and Rye
will expand an existing population of the Florida
Wilderness Park
scrub-jay, currently listed as threatened in the state
and in the U.S., as well as a host of other species For More Information
that depend on scrub communities. Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
The hydrology of the site will also be restored Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
to the extent possible. These efforts will enhance only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
the property’s natural communities and improve
water quality.
Access and Parking
Entrance north of Lake Manatee on SR 675.
Parking area on east side of road.
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water
• Portable toilet available at main entrance.
• No water available.

50
Tyre
Creek
Ha
r ve
y
Pro
ng
To
k
ee
W
Cr
im
au
ley
ma
Gil
k
ee
Cr
Oak Knoll Rd.

Oak Knoll
Boggy
675
Ru
tla
nd
Rd
.
Lake Manatee

Lake Manatee 0 0.5 1 2
State Park 64
Man scale in miles
To Bradenton atee
River
Edward W. Chance Reserve — Gilley Creek Tract

Legend
minor road MANATEE CO.
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

51
Flying Eagle Preserve Camping
• Separate sites available for equestrian/group
11080 East Moccasin Slough Road
Inverness, FL 34450 • Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
Size Backcountry
10,950 acres • These sites are primitive and have no amenities.
• Mound fires — keep fires small, only use sticks
Location found on the ground.
Eastern Citrus County, east of Floral City • Camping not permitted during hunts.
About the Property • A free reservation is required and must be
The Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes, which displayed on dashboard at campground.
surrounds most of this property, is connected Equestrian Use
to the Floridan aquifer’s hydrologic system. The • Riders required to stay on 9 miles of marked or
Withlacoochee River forms a portion of the eastern designated multiuse trails.
property boundary and is a vital component of • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
regional drainage and flood conveyance. This negative Coggins test.
property is a mosaic of small lakes, marshes and • Equestrian use not permitted during hunts.
swamps, with numerous scattered islands of • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
forested uplands. A broad mixture of hardwood wear helmets.
and cypress swamps covers the floodplain of the
Fishing
Withlacoochee River.
• Moccasin Slough Bridge and Withlacoochee
Access and Parking River offer good fishing.
From US 41 in Inverness, head east on Eden • Contact FWC for license requirements.
Drive and continue east as the road changes to Hiking
Moccasin Slough Road. There are two entrances on • 16 miles of wooded roads.
Moccasin Slough Road. Travel approximately three • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are
miles to the first entrance. The second entrance is excessively wet during certain times of year.
within a mile from the first. Look for signage. Do
Hunting
not block gate.
• Contact FWC for information regarding license
Hours of Operation requirements and permits.
Daily from sunrise to sunset. • FWC rules and regulations must be observed
throughout the year.
Restrooms and Water
Portable toilets and nonpotable water available Picnic Facilities
near the equestrian/group and primitive • One picnic table available at entrance.
campgrounds. Nearby Recreation Lands
Recreational Opportunities • Fort Cooper State Park
• Half Moon-Gum Slough
Bicycling • Panasoffkee Outlet
• 13 miles of designated or marked multiuse,
• Potts Preserve
unpaved trails.
• Withlacoochee State Trail
• Use only marked trails.
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear For More Information
helmets. Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
Bird Watching
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
• Site 56 of western section of Great Florida
Birding Trail.
Commission (FWC) for more information.

52
Half Moon – To I-75
Gum Slough
44 oy
B
S cou 470
e ss tR d.
ern
Inv
To US 41,
Flying W
Eagle ith
lac
e, Preserve oo
To n Driv c he
Ede 41 Moccasin S
e
Riv
US lou er
gh

Rd

. G
Carlson
P
E
nd Rd. McGregor
e ad E
N. D Smith
Boy Scout
Reservation
Main Rd.
Fort Cooper
State Park
Panasoffkee
Outlet Tract
Tsa
la
Withlapopka
Community
S. Dead e Rd.
Park End Rd. Dik
Ap
Withlacoochee State T
op
ka
Flying B
Gobbler Dr. Eagle
Preserve
CITRUS CO. SUMTER CO.
Tsa
Lak
e
la T
rai
ail r
Withlacoochee
State Forest
41 Jumper Creek
ee River Wildlife
oc h
laco Management
ith Area
. W
Floral E nd Rd
Trails
City

48 0 0.5 1 2
scale in miles
Flying Eagle Preserve

Legend
minor road access point & parking CITRUS CO.
designated trail county boat ramp

property boundary bridge

other public lands E equestrian camping General Location
county line G group camping
river, stream P primitive camping

lake, pond B backcountry camping
forest
wetland/swamp

53
Flying Eagle Preserve — Hours of Operation
McGregor Smith Boy Restrooms and Water
Scout Reservation Portable toilet available; no water available.
12650 East Boy Scout Road
Inverness, FL 34450
Bicycling
Size • Several miles of unimproved roads.
Location helmets.
Eastern Citrus County Camping
• Separate group, primitive and backcountry
About the Property camping areas available for individual camping.
This property was purchased from the South
Small fee and reservations required. Contact
Florida Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of America in 2004
Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America
to preserve and protect water resources, ecological
for reservations.
values and cultural and historical resources. This
• Cabin rentals available.
property is adjacent to the Flying Eagle Preserve
that together encompasses 16,334 acres of Hiking
protected lands. The property is heavily wooded • Several miles of unimproved maintenance
with native vegetation and is composed of roads.
approximately 41 percent uplands and 59 percent • Follow marked trails.
wetlands and streams. The eastern portion of the Picnic Facilities
property is bordered by the Withlacoochee River • Large picnic pavilion. Small fee and reservation
for approximately three miles. required.
In 2006, the District entered into a lease • Reservations can be made up to 30 days in
agreement with the Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy advance.
Scouts of America. Under the agreement, the Gulf • Picnic tables and grills available.
Ridge Council manages 580 acres of the McGregor
Smith tract. All recreational opportunities on the
tract lie within this leased area. The Gulf Ridge
• Flying Eagle Preserve — Withlapopka
Council uses the lands for compatible recreational
Community Park
opportunities and environmental education
programs associated with the operation of a youth
center. For More Information
Gulf Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America,
Access and Parking (813) 872-2691
• From Hwy. 44 east of Inverness, travel 6 miles
and turn right on East Boy Scout Road; travel
one-half mile to parking area on right.

54
Half Moon –
Gum Slough
44
oy
B
S cou
tR W
d. ith
BSA lac
Lease oo
ch
Area ee
Ri v
er
il
Tra
mith
McGregor S
SU
MT
CI ER
TR CO
US .
CO
.
Carlson
Tsa 470
la
McGregor
Smith
Ap Boy Scout
op Reservation
ka BSA
Lease
Flying Eagle Area
Preserve
Lak
e
Panasoffkee
Outlet Tract
e Rd.
Dik

0 0.5 1
scale in miles
Flying Eagle Preserve — McGregor Smith

Legend
Boy Scout Reservation
CITRUS CO.
minor road group, primitive and backcountry camping
(For info, contact Gulf Ridge Council of
designated trail
the Boy Scouts of America, 813-872-2691)
property boundary
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

55
Flying Eagle Preserve — Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
Withlapopka • Small, unpaved loop trail.
Community Park • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
helmets.
10390 E. Gobbler Drive
Inverness, FL 34450 Hiking
• Approximately 1-mile loop trail available with
Size rest station benches.
50 acres • Follow marked trails.
Location Picnic Facilities
Eastern Citrus County, east of Floral City • Small picnic pavilion, picnic tables and grills.
About the Property Recreational Activities
The Withlapopka Community Park is • Frisbee golf
approximately 50 acres located within the Flying • Golf — chipping and driving
Eagle Preserve. The preserve is a mosaic of small • Horseshoes
lakes, marshes and swamps with numerous • Swing and teeter-totter
scattered islands of forested uplands. The park site • Tetherball
was used by Citrus County as a disposal site for • Volleyball
spoil dredged from the county’s canals. Nearby Recreation Lands
The park is a result of a group of individuals • Flying Eagle Preserve
approaching the District with a unique • Flying Eagle Preserve — McGregor Smith Boy
opportunity to work hand-in-hand to better the Scout Reservation
community. This group has spent countless hours
constructing the park amenities. For More Information
Access and Parking Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
• From US 41 in Inverness, head east on Gobbler only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Drive, travel 3 miles to parking area on left.
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water
Portable toilet available; no water available.

56
Flying Eagle
Preserve
Flying Eagle
Preserve
Flying Eagle
Preserve
Dr.
bler
Gob
Mallard Ln.

Pik
eW
ay
0 0.125 0.25
To r Dr. scale in miles
Gobble
US 41
Flying Eagle Preserve — Withlapopka Community Park

Legend
highway, major road access point
minor road parking CITRUS CO.

property boundary
park boundary General Location
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

57
Green Swamp prominent sandy ridgelines. Rainwater drains
across the surface to create the headwaters of four
Wilderness Preserve major rivers: the Withlacoochee, the Ocklawaha,
the Hillsborough and the Peace. Rainwater also
(On following pages, see individual descriptions
trickles down through the soil to replenish the
for Colt Creek State Park, and East, Hampton, Little
Floridan aquifer system, the primary source of
Withlacoochee and West tracts.)
drinking water for most Floridians. Because the
Size Green Swamp region is elevated above outlying
110,000 acres areas and the underground aquifer rises very
close to the land surface, the region functions as
Location the pressure head for the aquifer. Protecting the
Four-corner area of Lake, Pasco, Polk and Sumter Green Swamp is vital to protecting the quality and
counties, east of Dade City quantity of Florida’s water supply. Recognizing
About the Property the statewide significance of this area, the state
The area is an ideal place where visitors, of Florida in 1974 designated 322,000 acres of the
from school groups to master birders, can visit Green Swamp region as an Area of Critical State
and explore some of central Florida’s flora and Concern.
fauna found in a natural state that has had little Visitors can hike over the vast road network or
modification by man. The area contains a variety hike the Florida National Scenic Trail, which bisects
of different habitat types with a wide diversity of the area. Along the trail and road system in the
plant life. These types include, but are not limited area, observers will notice a land that has been
to, sandhills, flatwoods, oak hammocks, river preserved to keep its natural beauty. This is an
swamp and cypress ponds. The characteristic illustration of central Florida’s natural heritage.
cypress ponds that dot the landscape can only The District began purchasing the area in the
be found in central Florida. This intact ecosystem early 1970s and is still carrying on acquisitions to
attracts many types of wildlife. The preserve is an protect the area’s natural uniqueness, which will
excellent place for bird watching and observing benefit current and future residents of southwest
other wildlife from mammals, amphibians, reptiles Florida.
and butterfly species.
The preserve is divided into five management
On the following pages, see individual
units: Colt Creek State Park — 5,067 acres; East
descriptions for Colt Creek State Park and East,
Tract — 51,149 acres; Hampton Tract — 11,052
Hampton, Little Withlacoochee and West tracts.
acres; Little Withlacoochee Tract — 4,446 acres;
and West Tract — 37,350 acres. Nearly 36 miles Nearby Recreation Lands
of the Withlacoochee River’s 110-mile length are • District’s Upper Hillsborough property
protected as an Outstanding Florida Water within • Florida National Scenic Trail
the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve. • Pasco County — Withlacoochee River Park
As a plateau above surrounding areas, the Green • Richloam Tract of the Withlacoochee State
Swamp region is an important physiographic Forest
feature of Florida. Its 560,000 acres of wetlands, • Withlacoochee State Trail
flatlands and low ridges are bounded by • Van Fleet State Trail

58
301 Little
Wit
hl
SUMTER CO.
50
aco
LAKE CO.
Van
och
Tra nal
eR
Flee
iver
nic atio
il
SUMTER CO.
t Sta
98
Sceda N
te Tr
ri
HERNANDO CO.
Flo
Withlacoochee
ail
PASCO CO. State Forest
Little
Withlacoochee
Lacoochee Tract
301
W
98 i
thl
aco
ochee
B
River
West
B Tract
East
52 E 471 Tract
E
Dade City P
Withlacoochee
35A River Park B B POLK CO.
r
Rive
33
B To SR
B
98 ee nd Rd.
och Green Po
Withlaco
Florida National
Scenic Trail
G
Colt
Creek
State
Upper Park G
Hillsborough
d.
Hampton Deen Still Rd.

R
Zephyrhills 54 Preserve Tract

ge
Rid
r
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ck

Ro
PASCO CO.
POLK CO.
ugh
54
98
sboro
To
0 2 4
La
S
To U
ke
Hill
301
la
scale in miles
nd
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve

Legend
highway, major road walk-thru LAKE CO.
SUMTER CO.
designated trail Florida National Scenic Trail or state trail
property boundary parking
PASCO CO.
other public lands G group camping
county line E equestrian camping
POLK CO.
lake, pond B
backcountry camping
General Location
forest disabled access toilet
wetland/swamp
city boundary

59
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve Recreational Opportunities
Colt Creek State Park Bicycling
• Bicycling is currently permitted only on
(See Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve for overall unmarked dirt (service) roads.
information.) • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
16000 SR 471 helmets.
Lakeland, FL 33809
Camping (Youth)
Size • Primitive youth camping is available at the park
5,067 acres for organized youth groups such as Boy Scouts,
Girl Scouts, Indian Guides, church youth groups
Location and others. There are two sites available, both
16 miles north of Lakeland just south of the of which can accommodate up to 20 people.
Withlacoochee River off SR 471 The camp is nestled in an oak hammock with a
About the Property fair amount of shade and is designed for tents
Purchased in May 2006 and opened to the only, with the exception of one small supply
public in January 2007, this 5,067-acre park is trailer per group. Pets other than service animals
nestled within the Green Swamp Wilderness are not permitted. The primitive camp has no
Preserve and named after one of the tributaries running water or electricity, so please pack
that flows through the property. Consisting accordingly. There is a fee for camping. Contact
mainly of pine flatwoods, cypress domes and the park for details at (863) 815-6761.
open pastureland, this piece of pristine wilderness Equestrian Use
is home to many animal species including the • 12 miles of marked trails.
American bald eagle, Sherman’s fox squirrel, • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
gopher tortoise, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
bobcat. negative Coggins test.
Access and Parking • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
• From US 98 south of Dade City, turn left on SR wear helmets.
471; park is 3.8 miles north on SR 471. Fishing
• ADA access and facilities available. • Freshwater bank fishing is available at three
different lakes in the park.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until
Commission for license requirements.
sundown, 365 days a year.
Hiking
Restrooms and Water • 12 miles of marked trails.
• Accessible restrooms are available at the parking • Trail maps available at kiosk.
area.
• Water available at main parking area. Picnic Facilities
• Picnic areas available throughout the park.
Wildlife Viewing
• From January through December 2007, a
monthly survey of birds and butterflies was
conducted by the Lake Region Audubon Society
and the North American Butterfly Association.
At the end of the year-long survey, volunteers
documented approximately 149 species of birds
and 79 species of butterflies. Be sure to bring
your binoculars along and pick up a checklist of
birds and butterflies at the information kiosk.
Colt Creek State Park, (863) 815-6761

60
PASCO CO. SUMTER CO.
er
Riv
Green Swamp
East Tract
ee
och
aco
thl
Wi
k
ree
Little Gator Creek lt C
Wildlife and Co
Environmental Area
Ga
tor
Cr
ee
k
Green Swamp
West Tract
To
D ad
eC
ity PASCO CO.
54
POLK CO.
471
98

To
Lake 0 0.5 1
lan
d scale in miles

Colt Creek State Park
Legend
parking POLK CO.

minor road
property boundary
General Location
other public lands
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

61
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve Fishing
• Fishing and frogging allowed throughout year.
East Tract • Vehicle access from Rock Ridge Road for fishing
(See Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve for overall is only permitted on weekends in May and June.
information.) • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
17301 Rock Ridge Road Commission (FWC) for license requirements.
Polk City, FL 33868 Hiking
• Total 32.4 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail
Size
run through Green Swamp East and West tracts.
51,149 acres
This trail continues through Green Swamp
Location West Tract and up to the Richloam Tract of the
Southwestern Lake, northern Polk and Withlacoochee State Forest.
southeastern Sumter counties • 13.9-mile overnight loop and a 7.7-mile day
loop.
Access and Parking
• Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are
• Main vehicle access on south side of Green
excessively wet during certain times of year.
Swamp on Rock Ridge Road, approximately 10
Florida National Scenic Trail
miles northeast of US 98 and 6 miles west of
• The Florida National Scenic Trail is maintained by
SR 33. Small day-use parking area at Rock Ridge
the Florida Trail Association.
gate.
• Orange blaze symbols indicate primary trail.
• Parking also at Main Grade and SR 471.
Blue blaze symbols indicate side trails. White
• Several additional walk-thru gates throughout
blaze symbols indicate overnight loop. Double
property.
blaze symbols indicate a sharp turn in trail.
Hours of Operation • During hunts, hikers are encouraged to wear
Daily from sunrise to sunset. hunter orange or other bright color above the
waist.
Restrooms and Water
• For more information, contact Florida Trail
Association at 1-877-445-3352 (FL only) or (352)
Recreational Opportunities 378-8823.
Bicycling Hunting
• Over 71 miles of unpaved service roads. • Contact FWC for information regarding license
• Use only marked trails requirements and permits.
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear • FWC rules and regulations must be observed
helmets. throughout the year.
Camping For More Information
• Camping not permitted during hunts. Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
• A free reservation is required and must be Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
displayed on dashboard at campground. only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
• Backcountry sites include Trial Ford, Tillman Lake
and Mott Prairie; sites have picnic tables, fire
rings and/or grills.

62
Little
Withlacoochee
SUMTER CO.
PASCO CO.
Withlacoochee
State
Forest
Van
Flee
e
ad
Gr
t
SUMTER CO.
Stat
un
Pow LAKE CO.

3R
Bull
e Trail
Barn Gra
de e
ad
Gr
Ta
der
nic
Gra
e
rad
de
M
Levee G
ain
Lin
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d. e
ad
Gr
Green Swamp in
West Tract Ma Mott
Prairie
Main Camp LAKE CO.
Entrance Maynard Tillman Lake POLK CO.
B
Mines B Camp
Line Rd.
Trial Main
Ford Florida
Camp ScenicNTr
ational
re
ail Ma
Riv
Stanley Fish Hole in

B
Gra d
de on Rd. To
he en P
e
c
Withlacoo Gre SR 33
Poyner Rd.
Rock Ridge
Road Entrance
471
Colt Creek
State Park
PASCO CO.
POLK CO.
Hampton
To Tract
Dade
Cit
y Deen Still Rd.
98
d.

R
ge
Rid
98
To
ck
Moore Rd.
0 1 2 4
Ro
La
S
To U
ke
la
scale in miles
nd

East Tract
Legend
LAKE CO.
minor road access point & parking SUMTER CO.
designated trail Florida National Scenic Trail or state trail

property boundary B backcountry camping
other public lands fishing spot
county line
POLK CO.
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

63
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve Camping
• Equestrian, group and primitive camping
Hampton Tract available.
(See Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve for overall • Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
information.) • Nonpotable water source available.
18490 Rock Ridge Road • A free reservation is required and must be
Lakeland, FL 33809 displayed on dashboard at campground.
• Site has a picnic shelter — this is a common
Size area, it cannot be reserved.
11,052 acres
Equestrian Use
Location • Approximately 28 miles of multiuse trails.
Northwestern Polk County • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
Access and Parking negative Coggins test.
• Main vehicle access on south side of Green
Swamp on Rock Ridge Road, approximately 7
wear helmets.
miles northeast of US 98.
• Day-use parking area at Hampton gate. Fishing
• ADA access and facilities available. • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset. Hiking
• Several miles of unimproved trails/roads
Restrooms and Water available.
• No restrooms or water available at entrance. • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are
• Vault toilet and nonpotable water sources excessively wet during certain times of year.
available at campground. Picnic Facilities
Recreational Opportunities • Limited picnic facilities by entrance.
Bicycling For More Information
• Use only marked trails. Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
• Approximately 28 miles of multiuse trails. Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
helmets.

64
POLK CO. SUMTER CO. With er
lacoochee Riv
Green Swamp
East Tract
Colt
Colt Creek Cre
State Park ek
Bud
dy
Sut
ton
Gra
de
P
E
G
Gato
r Cre
Hampton Gate
Deen Still Rd.
ek
Rd.
ge
Rid
ck
Ro
Grade
Levee
Be
eT
98
98 ree
S
Dr
To U
ain

Hampton Tract
Legend
minor road disabled access toilet
POLK CO.
designated trail E equestrian camping
property boundary G group camping
other public lands P primitive camping
county line fishing spot
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

65
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve Recreational Opportunities
Little Withlacoochee Bicycling
• Bicycling allowed on named or numbered roads.
Tract • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
(See Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve for overall helmets.
information.) Equestrian Use
Size • Horseback riding allowed only on designated
4,446 acres named or numbered roads.
Location negative Coggins test.
Southwestern Lake County • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
wear helmets.
Access and Parking
• Vehicle access from SR 471 through Richloam. Hiking
• Roads, fire lines and gates cannot be blocked. • The eastern end of the trail leads to the Van Fleet
Exercise caution. State Trail.
Hours of Operation Hunting
Daily from sunrise to sunset. • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) for license requirements and
Restrooms and Water permits.
No restrooms or water available on site. • FWC rules and regulations must be observed
throughout year.
Vehicle Access
• Vehicles allowed on designated named or
numbered roads as authorized by Division of
Forestry.
• Wooded roads may be in poor condition.
Exercise caution when driving.
Florida Division of Forestry, (352) 754-6896

66
To SR 50, Mascotte
d.
dR
lan
r Is
r te
Ca
565
Van
Fleet
33
Withlacoochee To SR
Stat
State Lake Erie Rd.
Forest eTrail
SUMTER CO.
LAKE CO.
R 471
oop
To S
eL
ak
yL
Ba

Green Swamp
East Tract 0 1 2
scale in miles

Little Withlacoochee Tract
Legend
highway, major road Van Fleet State Trail
LAKE CO.
minor road
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands
county line
river, stream
General Location
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

67
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve • Cumpressco campsite has portable toilet,
nonpotable water, picnic tables, fire rings and/or
West Tract grills.
(See Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve for overall • McNeil group campsite has portable toilet,
information.) picnic tables and/or grills.
13347 Ranch Road • Nonpotable water source available.
Dade City, FL 33525 • A free reservation is required and must be
Size Backcountry Camping Sites:
37,350 acres • Low Bluff, High Bluff, Foster Bridge, Concession
Stand and Gator Hole.
Location
Eastern edge of Pasco County, just south of Equestrian Use
Withlacoochee State Forest (Richloam Tract), • 60 miles of service roads.
between US 98/US 301 and SR 471. • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
Access and Parking • Horse-drawn buggy riding only on marked trails;
• From US 301 in Dade City, follow River Road east requires a free reservation.
five miles. Parking for river access and hiking trail • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
on left; equestrians and bicyclists park at main wear helmets.
gate.
• Additional parking off SR 471 at Cumpressco Fishing
and McNeil entrances. • Along Withlacoochee River; access best from
• ADA access and facilities available. River Road.
• Vehicle access from McNeil Road (SR 471)
Hours of Operation available by free reservation.
• Daily from sunrise to sunset. • Contact FWC for license requirements.
• Open to public access year-round except
during the special opportunity archery, general
Hiking
• Total 32.4 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail
gun, hog-still and turkey seasons. For more
run through Green Swamp East and West tracts.
information, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife
• 60 miles of additional marked trails.
Conservation Commission (FWC) web site at
• 1.5-mile side trail connects to Withlacoochee
MyFWC.com.
River Park.
Restrooms and Water Florida National Scenic Trail
• Restroom available at campground. • The Florida National Scenic Trail is maintained by
• Nonpotable water available at main entrance at the Florida Trail Association.
River Road. • Orange blaze symbols indicate primary trail.
Recreational Opportunities Blue blaze symbols indicate side trails. White
blaze symbols indicate overnight loop. Double
Bicycling blaze symbols indicate a sharp turn in trail.
• 46 miles of marked multiuse trails. • During hunts, hikers are encouraged to wear
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear hunter orange or other bright color above the
helmets. waist.
Bird Watching Hunting
• Site 64 on western section of Great Florida • Contact FWC for information regarding license
Birding Trail. requirements and permits.
• Contact FWC for more information. • FWC rules and regulations must be observed
Boating and Paddling throughout the year.
• Small boat ramp available on River Road. Picnic Facilities
• Withlacoochee River offers remote wilderness • Picnic tables available inside main gate.
experience.
Camping Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
Equestrian, Group and Primitive Sites:
• Ashley campsite has vault toilet, nonpotable
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
water, picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
68
Lacoochee Withlacoochee State Forest
B
High Bluff Withlacoochee
Camp
State Forest
Ma
in L
ine
Rd
.
301
98 Foster Bridge
B Camp
.
Rd
h
nc
Ra
Green Swamp
41
Concession East Tract
Stand
B Camp
578 Ashley
Riv Equestrian
er Camp E Cumpressco 471
Dade City Rd
. Camp
E
Main P
52 Entrance
Cumpressco
35A Withlacoochee Entrance
River Park
Clinton Ave. Enterprise Rd.

Gator
Hole
Auton Rd.
Camp
McNeil
B Entrance
301 98
McNeil
G Group
Camp
Upper

Hillsborough
Preserve 0 1 2 4
Zephyrhills
54 scale in miles

West Tract
Legend
minor road access point w/parking
designated trail Florida National Scenic Trail PASCO CO.
property boundary small boat launch
other public lands E equestrian camping General Location

county line G group camping
lake, pond B backcountry camping
forest parking
wetland/swamp disabled access toilet
city boundary

69
Half Moon-Gum Slough Recreational Opportunities
8864 CR 247 Bicycling
Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 • 24 miles of designated or marked multiuse trails.
Size • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
9,480 acres — Half Moon Wildlife Management helmets.
Area
Equestrian Use
Location • 24 miles of marked or designated multiuse trails.
Northwestern Sumter County, northeast of • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
Inverness negative Coggins test.
• Equestrian use not permitted during hunting
About the Property seasons.
This property was acquired to protect and
preserve natural water resources and the water
wear helmets.
quality of the Withlacoochee River, Gum Slough
and associated tributaries. The Withlacoochee Fishing
River, Gum Slough and Gum Springs Run are • Designated freshwater ponds open for fishing.
located adjacent to the property and were • Contact FWC for license requirements.
designated Outstanding Florida Waters in 1989. Hiking
Gum Slough is a four-mile-long spring run that • 24 miles of trails.
flows into the Withlacoochee River. The water in • During hunts, hikers are encouraged to wear
Gum Slough comes from several springs, which hunter orange or other bright color above the
makes it remarkably clear and appealing. For the waist.
most part, the riverine shores along the property • Wet crossings are present along tram road.
are still natural and undeveloped. The upland Hunting
areas of the property are a mixture of natural pine • Contact FWC for information regarding license
flatwoods and oak hammock. requirements and permits.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation • FWC rules and regulations must be observed
Commission (FWC) owns property along the throughout the year.
eastern boundary of the District’s property. These
ownerships combined represent 9,480 acres of Picnic Facilities
public lands known as the Half Moon Wildlife • Picnic facilities throughout property.
Management Area, which is managed by the FWC. Nearby Recreation Lands
Access and Parking
• Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve
• Travel west on SR 44 approximately 7 miles to
CR 247. Head north on CR 247 to public
• Potts Preserve
entrance gate.
• Two Mile Prairie
• Withlacoochee State Forest
Hours of Operation
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Restrooms and Water Commission, (352) 732-1225
Restrooms and water available at check station.

70
SU
MT
CIT
ER
RU
C
S
O.
CO
h
ug
.
Slo
m
Gu
Half Moon
Wildlife
Management
Potts Area
Preserve
581
W
i
thl
a
oc
co
hee
Ri
er
v
Ha
Ts
lf M
ala
oo
nR
Ap
an
op
ch
ka
Rd
.
La
247 To Wildwood
ke
470
44
ess
ern Flying Eagle Preserve 0 1 2
Inv
To scale in miles
Half Moon-Gum Slough

Legend
highway, major road access point & parking SUMTER CO.
minor road
designated trail
property boundary

county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

71
Hálpata Tastanaki Restrooms and Water
Portable toilets available at Pruitt Trailhead
Preserve parking area. No water available.
15430 SW CR 484
Dunnellon, FL 34431
Bicycling
Size • 17 miles of marked multiuse trails.
8,146 acres • Use only marked trails.
Southwest Marion County, east of Dunnellon helmets.
Equestrian Use
About the Property
• Two of three recreational trail loops designated
A variety of plant communities occur on the
for preserve are intended to serve as a multiuse
property and includes floodplain swamp and oak
system for equestrians, bicyclists and hikers.
scrub along the Withlacoochee River and longleaf
pine turkey oak sandhills occurring in upland
areas. Recovering stands of oak scrub scattered
amid the sandhill support the threatened Florida
scrub-jay.
wear helmets.
In addition to natural resources, the property
supported a rich historical past. The preserve is Fishing
named after Seminole leader Hálpata Tastanaki • Bank fishing on Withlacoochee River.
(Chief Alligator) who, along with Osceola, Jumper • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
and approximately 1,000 warriors, took part in the Commission for license requirements.
largest battle of the Second Seminole Indian War Hiking
in 1836. Included within the property is the site of • Trail system provides a series of three loop trails
the community of Stockton, established shortly that allow hikers to tailor their hike to their
after the conclusion of the Second Seminole personal preference.
Indian War. Picnic Facilities
Public ownership of the property provides for • Located at Pruitt Trailhead.
the long-term protection and enhancement of
floodplain forests along the Withlacoochee River, Nearby Recreation Lands
isolated wetland systems and extensive upland • Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway
areas with high rates of aquifer recharge. • Ross Prairie State Forest
• Two Mile Prairie
Limited Access Areas
Public access to sensitive areas such as For More Information
restoration and archaeological sites, special Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
protection zones for endangered species and Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
species recovery facilities are restricted. only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Access and Parking

• Public access off CR 484 at northern property
boundary and along SR 200 on eastern property
boundary.
• Pruitt trailhead accessible from CR 484 entrance.
Hours of Operation

72
Dunnellon
Dunnellon Municipal
Airport
484
Pruitt
Trailhead
Marjorie Harris Carr

Cross Florida Greenway
For
t Iz
ard
Rd
.
la
ca
O
Pasture Rd.
Moxon Rd.
To
Oaks Rd.
O. .
NC Rd
RIO rd
MA za
CO
. r tI
RUS Fo Plantation
CIT Rive
r Tr Lane Cedar Ross
ail Grove Prairie
Church State Forest
200
39
Citrus Springs
Two Mile
Prairie W
ith
lac
oo
che
eR
ive
r
Holder
491
0 1 2
41
scale in miles
SUMTER CO.
To Hernando
Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve

Legend
minor road parking
MARION CO.
property boundary

county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

73
Jack Creek Public ownership of the property helps
to preserve the floodwater conveyance
4501 Grand Concourse Road characteristics of Jack and Josephine creeks and
Sebring, FL 33875 associated swamplands. The adjoining upland
Size scrub areas will remain free from development
1,286 acres and continue to retain natural water recharge
characteristics.
Location
Highlands County, south of Sebring Access and Parking
• Northern Boulevard — walk-thru with no
About the Property parking.
The unique habitat found on this property • Hines Way — walk-thru with no parking.
includes bay swamp, cutthroat grass seeps,
sand pine scrub, hardwood hammock and pine Hours of Operation
flatwoods. These habitats are rich in natural Daily from sunrise to sunset.
beauty. The bay swamp habitat dominates the Restrooms and Water
property with abundant red bay, sweet bay and No restrooms or water available.
red maple trees. The Jack Creek tract is significant
because it protects a large stand of Lake Wales Recreational Opportunities
Ridge scrub. This rare community provides Hiking
habitat for one of the densest concentrations of • 7 miles of unmarked interior roads.
endangered communities in the world. Cutthroat
grass seep communities are also endangered
• Lake June-In-Winter Scrub State Park
and are restricted almost exclusively to Polk and
• Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental
Highlands counties.
Area
Two key features of the property are Josephine
and Jack creeks. Josephine Creek runs along the For More Information
northern boundary of the property and intersects Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
with Jack Creek, which runs along the eastern Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
boundary. Josephine and Jack creeks and their only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
surrounding swamps serve as the outlet for
surface runoff from the Lake Placid West Chain-
of-Lakes watershed. Overflow discharge from
this watershed travels into Jack Creek, then into
Josephine, and ultimately into Lake Istokpoga.

74
Lake
To
Josephine
S
eb
ri n
g
Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife
Grand Concourse Gr & Environmental Area 27
an
dC
oncourse
Byrd St.
Majesty Ave.
Hines Way
Temple St.
Sebring Lakes Blvd.
To
k
e Cree
Lak
hin
Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife Josep
e
& Environmental Area
Pla
cid
k
ee
Cr
k
Jac
Northern Blvd. Persimmon

Lake

0 0.5 1
Lake Hill
scale in miles
Jack Creek
Legend
minor road
designated trail
property boundary HIGHLANDS CO.
other public lands

county line
river, stream
lake, pond General Location
forest
wetland/swamp

75
Lake Marion Creek Access and Parking
Access from CR 580 or Horseshoe Creek Road,
Horseshoe Scrub Tract north of Haines City.
Size Hours of Operation
300 acres Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Northeastern Polk County, north of Haines City No restrooms or water available.
The 8,083-acre Lake Marion Creek Management Hiking
Area is located on the Polk-Osceola county line • Old roads available at each entrance.
east of Haines City off CR 580. Polk County, South
Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and Hunting
the District acquired the lands within the area, • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
which protect important headwater areas of Commission (FWC) for information regarding
Lake Marion and Reedy creeks. Water from these license requirements and permits.
creeks is an important source of fresh water for the • FWC rules and regulations must be observed
Kissimmee River, the Everglades and Florida Bay. throughout the year.
The District has acquired approximately 300 acres Nearby Recreation Lands
within the Lake Marion area that are within its Catfish Creek Management Area
jurisdictional boundaries.
The SFWMD manages the area. Pine flatwoods,
South Florida Water Management District,
cypress swamps, hardwood swamps, oak
1-800-250-4250 (FL only) or (561) 686-8800
hammock, scrubs and freshwater marshes are the
dominant natural communities. Approximately 50
percent of the area is wetlands, most of which are
in the 100-year floodplain of the Lake Marion, Snell
and London creeks.

76
Davenport
Horseshoe Creek Rd.
To US 17 and 92
Hor
se
nd
Isla
Creek
rr y
ebe
Rooks Rd.
ckl
Hu
Adair Rd.
WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Lake Marion Creek
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Wildlife Mangemant Area
SOUTH FLORIDA
Snell
Creek
580
Lake Wales Ridge

National Wildlife Refuge
y.
Pkw
ss
pre
Cy
Haines
To US 17 and 92
City
Baker Dairy Rd.

0 0.5 1
scale in miles
Lake Marion Creek Horseshoe Scrub Tract

Legend
minor road
POLK CO.
designated trail
property boundary
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

77
Lake Panasoffkee • A free reservation is required and must be
7519 NW 18th Way
Wildwood, FL 34785 Equestrian Use
• 18 miles of multiuse trails marked for horseback
Size riding.
9,911 acres • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
Location
West-central Sumter County, west of Wildwood
• Horse-drawn buggy riding only on marked trails;
About the Property requires a free reservation.
Acquired to preserve Lake Panasoffkee’s vast • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
floodplain forest, the land also preserves pine wear helmets.
flatwoods, freshwater marshes and oak scrub Fishing
forest. As the land continues to rise, pines and • Little Jones Creek and two borrow pits on
scrub oaks of upland sandhills replace the wetland eastern side of property.
forest trees. A comprehensive restoration effort of • Lake Panasoffkee inaccessible from property
Lake Panasoffkee has been completed to enhance due to thick marsh vegetation.
both the water quality of the lake and recreational • Contact FWC for license requirements.
opportunities.
Hiking
Access and Parking • 18 miles of multiuse trails.
• South side of SR 44, two miles west of I-75. • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are
• ADA access and facilities available. excessively wet during certain times of year.
Hours of Operation Hunting
• Daily from sunrise to sunset. • Contact FWC for information regarding license
• Open to public access year-round except during requirements and permits.
special opportunity archery and turkey seasons. • FWC rules and regulations must be observed
For more information, visit the Florida Fish and throughout the year.
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) web Picnic Facilities
site at MyFWC.com. • Large pavilion with picnic tables and grills in
Restrooms and Water day-use area. Pavilion may be reserved at no
Restrooms adjacent to picnic pavilion. cost for group use by contacting the District.
Nonpotable water available. Nearby Recreation Lands
Recreational Opportunities • Flying Eagle Preserve
Bicycling
• Half Moon Wildlife Management Area
• Eight miles of marked trails.
• Jumper Creek Wildlife Management Area
• Panasoffkee Outlet
helmets. For More Information
Bird Watching Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
• Site 54 on western section of Great Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
Birding Trail. only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
• Contact FWC for more information.
Camping
• Nonpotable water source available.
• Restroom facilities available.
• Eight horse stalls with water; free to campers on
first-come, first-served basis. Users responsible
for cleaning stalls.

78
75
Exit 329
Jonesrail
T
Creek
44A
E
44
To Inverness ek
Big Jon
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301
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Coleman
Coleman
Landing Future
County
. Park
CO Lake
US . Panasoffkee
T R CO
CI E R
T
M 301
SU
Brook
Withlacoochee State Forest
Shady
Jumper Creek
Wildlife Management Area
75

0 1 2
scale in miles
Exit 321
Lake Panasoffkee
Legend
minor road parking
designated trail E
E equestrian camping SUMTER CO.

county line bridge

lake, pond
forest General Location
wetland/swamp
city boundary

79
Lake Tarpon Outfall Sheffield Park
1923 Cutty Bay Court
Canal A newly renovated 12-acre neighborhood park
3120 Tampa Road located on the western edge of Harbor Palms
Oldsmar, FL 34677 Nature Park that features two tennis courts, a
playground, two basketball courts, three picnic
Size shelters, restrooms and baseball/softball fields.
185 acres Harbor Palms Nature Park
Location 1820 Mapleleaf Boulevard
Northeastern Pinellas County, north of Safety A 35-acre park bordering the Lake Tarpon Outfall
Harbor Canal and the northernmost tip of Tampa Bay.
Popular with walking enthusiasts, this park offers
About the Property a beautiful view of plant and animal life. With
The canal and its water-control structure were entrances from both Harbor Palms and Bayside
completed in 1971 to help regulate flooding Meadows subdivisions, this park features a floating
around Lake Tarpon and the lower sections of fishing dock, nature trail and a boardwalk.
Brooker Creek. The structure prevents salt water
from entering Lake Tarpon during high tides and Bicycling
protects the lake’s freshwater ecology. The District • Allowed on paved park road.
donated 46 acres to the city of Oldsmar for the • BMX track located in Canal Park. Contact City of
development of public recreational facilities and Oldsmar Leisure Services Department for hours
leased an additional 75 acres to enable the city to and rules.
expand passive recreation to part of Canal Park. • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
helmets.
Limited Access Areas Boating and Paddling
For your safety, please observe all restricted
• Access north of water-control structure in the
areas along canal, including water-control
freshwater portion of canal is via Lake Tarpon.
structure.
Public boat ramps located at Anderson and John
Access and Parking Chesnut Sr. county parks.
• Vehicles use Tampa Road (CR 584) to Canal Park. • Access south of water-control structure in
• Primary access to canal is by boat from Lake saltwater portion of canal is from Safety Harbor.
Tarpon or Safety Harbor. Access to canal Fishing
from adjacent land is very limited due to • Boat fishing available in canal upstream and
development. downstream of water-control structure.
• ADA access and facilities available. • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Hours of Operation Commission for license requirements.
Daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hiking
• Unmarked trails available along canal.
Restrooms, Water and Other Amenities
Restrooms, water, drink machines and pay Picnic Facilities
telephones at Canal Park. • Single-table picnic shelters at Canal Park with
ADA facilities.
Canal Park Nearby Recreation Lands
3120 Tampa Road • Anderson Park
This sprawling 46-acre, state-of-the-art sports • John Chesnut Sr. Park
complex is home to Oldsmar Little League For More Information
baseball and softball programs, the Oldsmar City of Oldsmar Leisure Services Department,
Falcons youth football and cheerleading program (813) 749-1260
and the Oldsmar youth soccer program. It is also
the home of the Oldsmar Leisure Services men’s
and coed softball leagues. The park features
softball and baseball fields, batting cages,
football/soccer fields, boardwalk, BMX track and
playground.

80
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Canal Park
586 Curlew Rd.

Tam
pa Rd
.
La
Clearwater Oldsmar 584

611
ke
Tar
po
n
Ou
tfa
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an
al
McMullen Booth Rd.
Sheffield
Park
Harbor
Palms
Nature
Park

0 0.25 0.5 Safety Harbor
scale in miles
Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal

Legend
minor road access point
PINELLAS CO.
designated trail water-control structure
property boundary security officer residence
other public lands picnic area
county line restroom
General Location
river, stream baseball complex
lake, pond soccer/football field
forest playground
wetland/swamp
city boundary

81
Little Manatee River Recreational Opportunities
Lower Tract • Boaters can view and access property by using
River Access Only nearby boat ramp at Little Manatee River State
Size Park or the canoe launch at the Camp Bayou
1,372 acres Outdoor Learning Center.
Location Camping
• Two backcountry campsites along river — letter
Southwestern Hillsborough County, southeast
of authorization needed for camping from the
of Ruskin, east of Sun City
About the Property Conservation Department.
Jointly purchased by the District and • No water or other facilities available.
Hillsborough County, this property is significant • Limited campsite maintenance due to
to the protection of the Little Manatee River, a fluctuating water levels. Expect conditions to be
major tributary of Tampa Bay, and is designated somewhat overgrown following periods of high
an Outstanding Florida Water. The river is the water.
third largest in Hillsborough County and has a • Pack out all supplies, trash and equipment that
dominating influence on the surrounding area, were packed in.
including the intertidal wetlands of the Cockroach Fishing
Bay Aquatic Preserve. The lands purchased thus far • All water bodies open for fishing, unless posted
contain some of the most pristine river frontage closed.
remaining in Hillsborough County. Together with • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
the Little Manatee River State Park, six miles of Commission for license requirements.
river shoreline have been preserved to its natural
state. Nearby Recreation Lands
The property includes undeveloped uplands • Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center
and wetlands associated with the Little Manatee • Cockroach Creek Greenway Nature Preserve
River system. The uplands include pine flatwoods, • Little Manatee River State Park
dry prairie, sand pine scrub, mixed hardwood • E. G. Simmons County Park
and pine forest areas, and coastal hammocks For More Information
on numerous riverine islands. The riverine areas Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and
range from estuarine to freshwater systems. Conservation Department, (813) 672-7876
Conservation of the lands protects the river
and its floodplain and wildlife habitat for future
generations.
Access and Parking
Access from river only; no parking.
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water

82
Ruskin
Little
Mana
tee
Rive
r
Hayes Bayou
75
B
Bolster
Bayou
Little Manatee River

State Park

0 0.5 1
scale in miles
Little Manatee River Lower Tract

Legend
highway, major road B backcountry camping
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands
county line
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

83
Hiking
Southfork Tract • Available on interior roads.
29400 SR 62
Duette, FL 33834 Nearby Recreation Lands
• Lake Manatee State Park
Size • Little Manatee River State Park
970 acres • Manatee County’s Duette Park
Location For More Information
Northeastern Manatee County, east of Parrish Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
About the Property
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
As part of the District’s Little Manatee River
project, this property protects the watershed of
the river. The primary natural communities on
the tract are pine flatwoods in the uplands and
bottomland hardwood forests. Prior to District
ownership, like many areas in central Florida, the
site was converted into rangeland for raising cattle.
The high-quality scrub and scrubby flatwoods
habitats have been restored for native species. The
reintroduction of fire helps maintain the habitat.
Access and Parking
Entrance approximately 12 miles east of Parrish
off SR 62 on north side of road.
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water

84
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Bra
Br
ker
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Moo
Ba
So
uth
For
k
Little
Manatee
River
To Parr
ish
62

0 0.5 1
scale in miles
Little Manatee River Southfork Tract

Legend
highway, major road access & parking
minor roads MANATEE CO.
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamps

85
Fishing
Upper Tract • All water bodies open for fishing, unless posted
3398 CR 579 closed.
Wimauma, FL 33598 • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Size Commission for license requirements.
4,364 acres Hiking
• Network of old trail roads available.
Location
Southern Hillsborough County, south of Paddling
Wimauma, southeast of Ruskin • Little Manatee River has a striking beauty, which
makes it exceptionally popular for paddling
About the Property when water conditions are right.
Acquired jointly between the District and
Hillsborough County, this property is managed Nearby Recreation Lands
by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation • Balm-Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve
and Conservation Department. The natural • Cockroach Creek Greenway Nature Preserve
communities on the property include freshwater • Little Manatee River State Park
marshes, riverine floodplains, pine flatwoods, For More Information
sand pine scrub and oak hammocks. The property Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and
supports a variety of wildlife species due to the Conservation Department, (813) 672-7876
diversity and quality of the natural communities.
Access and Parking
• Primary access is walk-thru gates on CR 579,
south of SR 674 and Saffold Road.
• Additional access provided through walk-thru
gates on perimeter of property; parking on road
shoulder.
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water

86
Wimauma
674
Carlt
Gu
on
lley
Bra
nch
Grange Hall Loop

Bra
hnc
579
er
Riv
tee
Mana
tle
Leonard Lee Rd.
Lit
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Rd
ld
ffo
Sa
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
MANATEE CO.
So
uth
Fo
rk
Little
Man
atee
Rive

r
0 1 2
scale in miles
Little Manatee River Upper Tract

Legend
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road walk-thru
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands

county line MANATEE CO.
river, stream
lake, pond
forest General Location
wetland/swamp

87
Lower Hillsborough Natural resource conservation is another
important purpose of the LHWP. The area’s
Wilderness Preserve outstanding natural feature is 13 miles of the
Hillsborough River, one-fourth the river’s length.
The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve Land cover consists mostly of riverine forest and
(LHWP) is the largest regional park in Hillsborough pine flatwoods, which are managed by the District
County. Within the LHWP are park sites managed to promote biodiversity. The forested wetlands
by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation are essential for filtering rainwater before it
and Conservation Department: Dead River Park, flows into the river and for storing floodwaters.
Flatwoods Park, John B. Sargeant Park, Morris Significant ecological features include a wood
Bridge Park, Off-Road Loop Trail and Trout stork rookery, a sawgrass marsh, a sphagnum bog
Creek Park. The District manages the following and two sinkholes. Hillsborough County school
recreation sites in the LHWP that have minimal children learn about the environment at Nature’s
recreational facilities: Jefferson Equestrian Area Classroom Environmental Education Center
and Oak Ridge Equestrian Area. (See following located within LHWP. The 320-acre site is managed
pages for individual property descriptions on by the Hillsborough County School Board and was
these parks and recreation sites.) developed in conjunction with the District.
Size Adjoining the LHWP is the 3,000-acre
16,000 acres Hillsborough River State Park, which contains an
area of primeval beauty and tranquility known
Location as the Seventeen Runs of the Hillsborough River.
Northeast of Tampa, east of I-75 and north of
Access to this broad hardwood swamp is very
US 301
difficult whether by foot or boat. A primitive
About the Property canoe trail has been marked, but obstacles may be
The multiple purposes of the LHWP are easily frequent.
overlooked while enjoying the natural beauty of Human occupation of the area has had a long
this suburban woodland. Here one can paddle history. Past generations of Native Americans
enchanting waters of the Hillsborough River took advantage of flint along area rivers to make
amongst wading birds, turtles, alligators, lilies and tools. American industrialists began harvesting
cypress swamps; explore over 60 miles of forest pine, cypress and hardwood trees on the property
trails; fish from riverside boardwalks; or enjoy a in the 1840s. Elevated tram roads, built to haul
relaxing picnic or cookout. timber through forested wetlands, now serve as
As important as this site has become to the recreational trails. The Old Fort King Trail was a
Tampa Bay area in providing healthful recreation, supply route from Tampa to Ocala used to support
its primary purpose is water storage and water U.S. troops during the Seminole wars and was later
supply. Following severe floods from Hurricane used during the Civil War. A portion of this historic
Donna in 1960, the Four River Basins, Florida route is a multiuse trail that connects the LHWP to
Project was initiated by the U.S. Army Corps of the Hillsborough River State Park. The trailhead is
Engineers to prevent flooding in Tampa and located in John B. Sargeant Park.
Temple Terrace. The LHWP was designed for
Access and Parking
temporary impoundment of floodwaters by
See following individual property description
constructing a levee on its western boundary, a
pages for access information.
dam on the Hillsborough River and the Tampa
Bypass Canal to reroute floodwaters. A structural Nearby Recreation Lands
reservoir was part of the original plan but was • Hillsborough River State Park
later abandoned as the value of natural wetlands • Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail
for flood storage came to be understood. In the • Hillsborough County’s Lettuce Lake Park
1970s, the Morris Bridge well field was developed • Old Fort King Trail
as a source of drinking water for the city of Tampa.
Tampa Bay Water manages 20 wells that pump
water from the Floridan aquifer system. A water
treatment plant is located west of the well field
and the levee.

88
579
581
Oak Ridge
Equestrian Area
Hillsborough
.
lvd
River
sB
State Park
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New Tampa
Do
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Dead River
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Flatwoods Forrail
Park Olding T
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TAMPA Park
Sargeant
579 Park or t il
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Ol ing Ttiuse
K ul
(m 582
Off-Road
Loop Trail
Fletcher 582A
Ave. Exit
266 Jefferson 579
Equestrian Area
75
Lake
Exit Thonotosassa
265 301
Fowler
582

Ave. Thonotosassa
Tampa 580
Temple Byapass
Canal 0 1 2
Terrace
scale in miles
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

Legend
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road
paved trail
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands

General Location
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

89
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Bird Watching
Preserve • Site 104 on western section of Great Florida
Birding Trail.
Dead River Park • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve for more Commission (FWC) for more information.
information.) Camping
15098 Dead River Road • Campsite available to youth groups by
Thonotosassa, FL 33592 reservation only. Minimum of 6 and maximum
of 30 campers allowed. Groups must have their
Size
own insurance.
21 acres
• A 0.25-mile hiking trail for use by campers
About the Property located adjacent to campground.
Situated at the confluence of Dead River and • Bathhouse and picnic facilities provided.
the Hillsborough River, this park is a pleasant place Fishing
to unwind. Nature lovers appreciate a scenic two- • Available on Hillsborough River.
mile trail alongside the Hillsborough River. • Contact FWC for license requirements.
Access and Parking Hiking
• About nine miles northeast of I-75. From I-75 • 2-mile entrance road.
exit at Fowler Avenue, travel east for 1.5 miles. • 2-mile natural surface river trail.
Turn left onto US 301, heading north. Drive Paddling
about 8 miles and look for Dead River Road on • Canoe launch is a short portage from parking
left. Follow this road 0.75 miles to a gate. If open, area.
drive to parking lot at end of road — about 2 • Canoe landing upstream one mile at old Reagan
miles. home site.
• Free admission, but donations to “iron ranger” • Hillsborough River State Park located further
appreciated. All donations go toward park upstream.
improvements. • Downstream is Seventeen Runs. This portion
• Visitors may drive scenic entrance road to main of Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail is
parking area during normal operating hours on designated as a primitive trail. Experienced
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. paddlers only. Deadfall obstacles are frequent,
• ADA access and facilities available. dry ground for rest breaks is hard to find and
Hours of Operation the many forking channels can easily disorient
• Daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for bicycle and paddlers. Pay close attention to flow of river and
pedestrian access. look for trail markers.
• Vehicle access allowed on Friday, Saturday and Picnic Facilities
Sunday. • Picnic tables located a short walk from parking
Restrooms and Water area.
Restroom, water fountain and telephone located • Disabled individuals may contact park in
by picnic area. advance for special vehicle access.
Dogs For More Information

• Dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet in • Hillsborough County’s Dead River Wilderness
length. Park, (813) 987-6210
• Owners are requested to pick up after dog. • Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and
Recreational Opportunities • Hillsborough River Canoe Trail maps available
Bicycling from Florida Department of Environmental
• 2-mile unpaved, elevated single-lane road. Protection, Office of Greenways & Trails, 1-877-
• Bicycles allowed on river trail. 822-5208 (toll-free) or (850) 245-2052
• Always yield to foot travelers.
• Do not skid.
helmets.

90
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s et
Bra
nch
Hillsborough River
State Park
r
Rive
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rou
lsbo
Dead River Rd.

Hil

Two Hole Branch
y
wa
igh
gH
Kin
t
Hillsborough River For
State Park 301
75
I-

To
0 0.5 1
scale in miles

Dead River Park
Legend
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road parking
designated trail bus parking
property boundary picnic area
other public lands disbled access toilet
county line canoe launch

General Location
river, stream group camping
lake, pond county ranger
forest
wetland/swamp

91
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Dogs
Preserve • Dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet in
length.
Flatwoods Park • Owners are requested to pick up after dog.
(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve for more Recreational Opportunities
information.)
14302 Morris Bridge Road Bicycling and Inline Skating
• Loop road gives bicyclists a woods experience.
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
• Off-road cyclists enjoy Wilderness Loop Trail (see
Size Off-Road Loop Trail).
helmets.
About the Property • Beware of pronounced lip on loop road shoulder
Best known for its seven-mile paved loop
and use extreme care when entering or exiting
road, which serves as a multiuse trail, Flatwoods
pavement.
Park provides a welcome getaway from Tampa’s
• Use proper trail etiquette on and off pavement.
developed landscape. The Morris Bridge well field
Warn others when passing from behind. When
is located within the park, and well houses can
stopping, move completely off trail. Use caution
be observed along the trail. A two-mile paved
at blind corners and make your presence known.
extension connects Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
Pack out litter. Avoid muddy trails. Do not skid.
with the loop road. Flatwoods Park Trail is a paved
1-mile connection between Morris Bridge Road Bird Watching
and the loop road. • Site 102 on western section of Great Florida
Birding Trail.
Access and Parking • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
• Main entrance about 5 miles northeast of I-75 on Commission for more information.
Morris Bridge Road (CR 579) at Flatwoods Park
Trail. Flatwoods Visitor Center located 0.5 miles
Hiking
• Dogs and their owners favor 1-mile segment of
inside entrance. Additional parking available 0.5
Levee Road from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to
miles further west where the loop trail begins.
north end of loop road.
• Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (CR 581) entrance 1
• Nature trails are short, easy walks.
mile northeast of I-75.
• Long-distance runners and triathletes train on
• Free admission, but donations to “iron ranger”
loop road.
appreciated. All donations go toward park
• Cross-country runners and hikers enjoy
improvements.
Wilderness loop off-road trail and woods service
• Personal vehicles allowed in park at designated
roads in park. Beware of fast-moving bicycles.
points.
• ADA access and facilities available. Picnic Facilities
• Picnic shelters, grills and tables available at
Hours of Operation several well houses.
Restrooms, Water and Other Amenities • Hillsborough County’s Flatwoods Park, (813)
Restrooms, water, pay telephone, cold drinks, 987-6211
bike wash and picnic tables at Flatwoods Visitor • Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and
Center. Four rest shelters with water coolers Conservation Department, (813) 672-7876
and paper cups interspersed along loop road.
Restrooms at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard entrance.

92
.
lvd
sB
wn
Do
B.
e
uc
Br
New Tampa
581
579
d.
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Bri
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Mo
Morris
Tro
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ut
Park
Cr
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er
Riv
ugh
oro
75
lsb
Hil
TAMPA Trout
Creek
Park
0 0.5 1
scale in miles

Flatwoods Park
Legend
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road parking
paved trail visitor center
other public lands

General Location
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

93
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Hours of Operation
Preserve Daily from sunrise to sunset unless closed due
to high water.
Jefferson Equestrian Area
Restrooms and Water
(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve for more
information.)
11891 Jefferson Road Recreational Opportunities
Thonotosassa, FL 33592 Equestrian Use
Size • 10 miles of marked trails.
1,500 acres • For safety and erosion control, do not ride on
canal bank or berm.
About the Property • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
Located in the southwest corner of the • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve, the negative Coggins test.
Jefferson Equestrian Area is surrounded by urban • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
development. The trail roughly parallels Cow wear helmets.
House Creek, a tributary of the Hillsborough
Hiking
River, and offers canopied riding for local horse
• 10 miles of multiuse trails.
enthusiasts. Interestingly, water in this creek can
flow east or west, depending on water levels in the For More Information
Hillsborough River and the Tampa Bypass Canal. Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
Limited Access Areas only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Horses must remain south of Cow House Creek
to avoid eroding the creek bed and entering the
Morris Bridge bicycle area. Observe posted signs.
Access and Parking
Travel approximately 0.25 miles east of I-75 on
Fowler Avenue; turn north onto Jefferson Road
(immediately east of Tampa Bypass Canal); travel
one block to entrance gate.

94
Morris
Bridge
Park
er
Riv
h
oug
bor
Hills
579 Morris Bridge Rd.
Hillsborough River
Off-Road
Loop Trail
Cree
Cow use k
Ho
Bypass Canal
pa
Tam
Thonotosassa
Jefferson
Rd.
301
Fowler Ave.
582
To I-75 .
d
yR 0 0.5 1
rne
Ha scale in miles

Jefferson Equestrian Area
Legend
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands
county line
river, stream
General Location
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

95
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Recreational Opportunities
Preserve Bird Watching
John B. Sargeant Park • Site 103 on western section of Great Florida
Birding Trail.
(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve for more • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
information.) Commission (FWC) for more information.
12702 US 301
Thonotosassa, FL 33592 • Boat ramp, boat dock, canoe launch and trailer
Size parking provided.
23 acres • 2-hour trip downriver to Morris Bridge Park.
• 4-hour trip downstream to Trout Creek Park.
About the Property • Experienced paddlers ready for a challenge will
The confluence of Flint Creek and the enjoy remote wilderness of Seventeen Runs.
Hillsborough River provides a beautiful setting This portion of Hillsborough River State Canoe
for John B. Sargeant Park. The park is best known Trail designated as a primitive trail. From the
for boating access to the river. Downriver, the canoe launch, follow feeder creek and continue
Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail is a winding, straight across open water to upriver portion of
verdant jungle of hardwood trees, lilies and birds. Hillsborough River. Be prepared for carryovers
Upstream, the river widens to flow through the and duck-unders. Pay close attention to flow
broad hardwood swamp known as the Seventeen of river and look for trail markers — it is easy to
Runs. In 1989, Flint Creek Park was renamed in become disoriented among the many channels.
memory of John B. Sargeant, Sr., who served as a
member of the Hillsborough River Basin Board of Fishing
the Southwest Florida Water Management District. • From boats on river or from fishing dock at end
of boardwalk trail.
Access and Parking • Contact FWC for license requirements.
• On north side of US 301 about 5 miles east of
Hiking
I-75. From I-75 exit onto Fowler Avenue and
• Quarter-mile boardwalk takes visitors through
head east for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto US 301 and
a wetland forest to a rest area on river. From
head north about 3 miles. Park entrance on left.
this overlook one can see Flint Creek flowing in
from the east, the Hillsborough River straight
appreciated. All donations go toward park
across on its way out of Seventeen Runs and the
improvements.
merging of the two flowing off to the west.
Old Fort King Trail
Hours of Operation • 6.7-mile trail from John B. Sargeant Park
• Daily from sunrise to sunset. trailhead to Model Dairy trailhead at
• Call for current hours. Hillsborough River State Park.
Restrooms, Water and Other Amenities Picnic Facilities
Restroom, water fountain and pay telephone • Picnic tables and a covered pavilion provided.
located in park. For More Information
Dogs • John B. Sargeant Park, (813) 987-6208
• Dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet in • Hillsborough River Canoe Trail maps available
length. from the Florida Department of Environmental
• Owners are requested to pick up after dog. Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails, 1-877-
822-5208 (toll free) or (850) 245-2052
• Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and

96
r
Rive
Hillsborough
Flint Creek
Fort King Highway 301

Stacey
Old Fort King Trail

Rd.
-75
To I

John B. Sargeant Park
Legend
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road parking
designated trail visitor center
other public lands disabled access toilet
county line boat ramp

General Location
river, stream canoe launch
lake, pond boardwalk/dock
forest
wetland/swamp

97
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Boating and Paddling
Preserve • Boat ramp, canoe launch, boat dock and trailer
parking on north side of park.
Morris Bridge Park • This section of the Hillsborough River State
(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve for more Canoe Trail immerses one in a native habitat rich
information.) with wildlife and large bald cypress trees.
13330 Morris Bridge Road Fishing
Thonotosassa, FL 33592 • Fishing docks on each side of park, including
two covered shelters.
Size
• Boardwalk under Morris Bridge Road along
106 acres
Hillsborough River connects two sides of park
About the Property and provides access for fishing.
Alligators, turtles, water snakes, frogs, fish, • Fishing available from boardwalk on north side
hawks and wading birds are commonly seen on of park.
this property. Located on the Hillsborough River, • Primitive fishing trail runs south of park along
the park is best known for its river fishing. river.
• Contact FWC for license requirements.
Access and Parking
• 3.5 miles northeast of I-75 on Morris Bridge Hiking
Road (CR 579). From I-75 exit at Fletcher Avenue. • On south side, a 0.75-mile shell trail along an old
Morris Bridge Road bisects the park. Parking tram road. Rest shelter provided at halfway point
available on both sides of the road. on trail.
• Free admission, but donations to “iron ranger” • On north side, a 0.25-mile boardwalk
appreciated. All donations go toward park circumnavigates an island in Hillsborough River.
improvements. Beware of slippery boards.
• ADA access and facilities available. • Primitive trail heading south along river winds
through a forest to gazebo.
Hours of Operation • Trail runners and hikers enjoy the Wilderness
• Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Loop Trail (see Off-Road Loop Trail property
• Park is subject to closure during high water. description).
Restrooms, Water and Other Amenities Picnic Facilities
Restroom, water fountain, pay telephone and • Picnic tables and pavilion on south side of park.
bike wash on north side of park.
Dogs • Morris Bridge Park, (813) 987-6209
• Dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet in • Hillsborough River Canoe Trail maps available
length. from the Florida Department of Environmental
• Owners are requested to pick up after dog. Protection Office of Greenways and Trails, 1-877-
Recreational Opportunities 822-5208 (toll free) or (850) 245-2052
Bicycling Conservation Department, (813) 672-7876
• Off-road cyclists enjoy the Wilderness Loop Trail
(see Off-Road Loop Trail property description).
helmets.
Bird Watching
• Site 101 on western section of Great Florida
Birding Trail.

98
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Morris Bridge Park
Legend
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road parking
other public lands boat ramp
county line boardwalk/dock
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

99
Preserve Camping
Oak Ridge • Equestrian, group and primitive camping
available.
Equestrian Area • Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve for more • A portable toilet and nonpotable water source
information.) available.
15847 Morris Bridge Road
Thonotosassa, FL 33592
Equestrian Use
Size • 18 miles of trails
1,000 acres • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
About the Property • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
The northeast corner of this property is the site negative Coggins test.
of the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area. While still rural, • Horse-drawn buggy riding only on marked trails;
this region of Hillsborough County is transitioning requires a free reservation.
to suburban subdivisions. The trail is shaded • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
within a forested wetland and open through pine wear helmets.
flatwoods. Hiking
• 18 miles of multiuse trails.
Access and Parking
• Primary access point about 7 miles northeast of For More Information
I-75 on Morris Bridge Road (CR 579), 0.4 miles Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
north of Branchton Park. Road marked with Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
painted crossing stripes at driveway. only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
• Vehicle access to southern portion of trail
is through Washburn gate. Free day-use
reservation required.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset unless closed due
to high water.
Restrooms and Water
Portable toilets and nonpotable water available
at Oak Ridge campsite and Washburn parking
area.

100
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Hillsborough 0 0.5 1
River State
Park scale in miles

Oak Ridge Equestrian Area
Legend
highway, major road access
minor road access & parking HILLSBOROUGH CO.
designated trail parking
county line E equestrian camping
river, stream G group camping General Location

lake, pond P primitive camping
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

101
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Access and Parking
Preserve • The Wilderness Loop Trail is located east of I-75,
south of New Tampa.
Off-Road Loop Trail • Five major access points offer parking.
(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve for more Accessible from Morris Bridge Road are Trout
information.) Creek Park, Hole-in-the-Fence trailhead, Morris
14302 Morris Bridge Road Bridge Park and Flatwoods Park. The other
Thonotosassa, FL 33592 entrance is on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.
Size appreciated. All donations go toward park
1,500 acres improvements.
About the Property Hours of Operation
This popular single-track woods trail has a Daily from sunrise to sunset.
natural surface and shady canopy. The 20-mile
main trail and 15 miles of side trails traverse the Restrooms, Water and Other Amenities
Trout Creek, Morris Bridge and Flatwoods areas. Restrooms are not available on this property;
Habitats along the trail vary from cypress however, water fountains, bike washes and pay
swamp, hardwood floodplain forest, upland phones are available at Trout Creek, Morris Bridge
hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, oak scrub, and Flatwoods parks.
dry prairie, wet prairie and lakes. Dogs
Navigation • Dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet in
Trail maps are available at kiosks in parking length.
areas or by calling the Hillsborough County Parks, • Owners are requested to pick up after dog.
Recreation and Conservation Department. The Recreational Opportunities
main trail is marked with wooden posts numbered
Bicycling
1 to 47. Numbered locations are indicated on the
• Riders required to stay on marked trails.
map.
• Watch for hikers and runners. Always yield the
Help trail to pedestrians.
If you need assistance on-site, locate a park • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
ranger or a volunteer trail steward. Stewards are helmets.
identified by numbered placards on the front of • Use proper trail etiquette on and off pavement.
their bikes. On weekends, rangers and stewards Make encounters with others pleasant. Warn
monitor FRS radio channel 1, code 0, for visitors others when passing from behind. When
carrying hand-held radios who need emergency stopping, move completely off trail. Use caution
help. at blind corners and make your presence known.
Avoid muddy trails. Do not skid.
Limited Access Areas • Rules of the trail: ride on open trails only, leave
• In Morris Bridge Bicycle Area, bicycles must no trace, control your bicycle, always yield the
remain north of Cow House Creek to avoid trail, never scare animals and plan ahead.
eroding creek bed and entering Jefferson
Equestrian Area. Observe posted signs. Hiking
• Some trails are seasonal and subject to • Watch for uneven terrain and exposed roots.
temporary closure during rainy season. • Beware of fast-moving bicycles. Use extra
Trails may also be closed for maintenance or caution when approaching blind corners.
restoration. Observe posted signs. Picnic Facilities
• Because this is a flood detention area, the dam • Picnic tables available at Trout Creek Park, the
on the Hillsborough River at Trout Creek Park is Hole-in-the-Fence trailhead, Morris Bridge Park
occasionally shut. Parks are subject to closure and various locations in Flatwoods Park.
when the area impounds water.
• Flatwoods Park, (813) 987-6211

102
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Bridge
Park
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Hills
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Morris Bridge Rd.
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75
To I-
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Ho
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Jefferson
Equestrian
Trail
Bypass

0 0.5 1
pa
Tam
scale in miles

Off-Road Loop Trail
Legend
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands
county line
river, stream
General Location
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

103
Preserve Bicycling
Trout Creek Park • Off-road cyclists enjoy Wilderness Loop Trail (see
Off-Road Loop Trail property description).
(See Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve for more • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
information.) helmets.
12550 Morris Bridge Road
Bird Watching
Thonotosassa, FL 33592 • Site 100 on western section of Great Florida
Size Birding Trail.
42 acres • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
About the Property
Located near the mouth of Trout Creek, this Boating and Paddling
property on the Hillsborough River is popular for • Canoe launch provides access to Hillsborough
fishing, canoeing and group picnics. It is a pleasant River State Canoe Trail.
place to get away for a midday break or to take • To get to Trout Creek, paddle upstream for a
small children for a mini-adventure. short distance to the opening. Water is usually
not high enough to navigate far.
Prior to District acquisition, development of
a small housing subdivision had begun on the Fishing
north side of the river. Concrete foundations and • From river boardwalk, along riverbank, by boat
other artifacts remain for the astute observer. The on Hillsborough River or Trout Creek, and on
lakes east of the entrance road are all man-made, banks of lakes.
either the result of borrow pits where fill dirt • Contact FWC for license requirements.
was removed to help build the levee and park Hiking
facilities, or mitigation for road work that impacted • Nature trail is a short, easy walk on a firm surface
wetlands. suitable for families and strollers. At the end of
The District operates an adjacent water-control the trail, a primitive trail loops back through
structure on the Hillsborough River under floodplain forest to parking area.
agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. • Fishing trails around lakes. Beware of uneven
Access and Parking terrain.
• From I-75 exit at Fletcher Avenue, head • Cross-country runners and hikers enjoy
northeast on Morris Bridge Road for 0.5 miles. Wilderness Loop Trail (see Off-Road Loop Trail
Look for park entrance on left. Follow road 1 property description). Beware of fast-moving
mile to parking area. bicycles.
• Canoe launch has separate parking. Picnic Facilities
• Watch for bicycles on road. • Picnic tables and three pavilions with grills and
• Free admission, but donations to “iron ranger” electricity provided.
appreciated. All donations go toward park • Pavilions may be reserved in advance for a fee.
improvements. For More Information
• ADA access and facilities available. • Trout Creek Park, (813) 987-6200
Hours of Operation • Hillsborough River Canoe Trail maps available
Daily from sunrise to sunset. from the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, Office of Greenways and Trails, 1-877-
Restrooms, Water and Other Amenities 822-5208 (toll free) or (850) 245-2052
Restroom, water fountain, pay telephone, bike • Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and
wash and recycling container. Conservation Department, (813) 672-7876
Dogs
length.

104
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Trout Creek Park
Legend
highway, major road parking
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
minor road picnic area
property boundary canoe launch
other public lands boardwalk
county line county ranger

General Location
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

105
Myakka River — Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
Deer Prairie Creek • 75 miles of unpaved trails available.
Preserve • Trails may be flooded following heavy rains.
7001 Forbes Trail • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
Venice, FL 34285 helmets.
Equestrian Use
Size • 22 miles of designated equestrian trails
10,128 acres
available.
Location • Trails may be flooded following heavy rains.
South-central Sarasota County, west of the City • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
of North Port negative Coggins test.
About the Property wear helmets.
Deer Prairie Creek Preserve was jointly acquired
by the District and Sarasota County and lies Fishing
between I-75 and US 41. The Schewe Tract, which • All water bodies open for fishing unless posted
lies both north and south of I-75, is managed by closed.
the District. The property was acquired to protect • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
the floodplain of the river and the water quality of Commission for license requirements.
the water sources within the region. Hiking
The dominant natural communities are pine • Available on interior roads.
flatwoods, mixed hardwood and pine, and • Trails may be flooded following heavy rains.
wetland hardwoods. A portion of the tract was Paddling
utilized for cattle grazing and is being restored to a • Along Myakka River and the adjacent Deer
more natural condition through the reintroduction Prairie Creek (where available).
of fire on a periodic basis. Reintroduction of fire
will stimulate the growth of the flatwoods species Picnic Facilities
that require fire as part of their life cycle. • Limited picnic tables available.
Access and Parking Nearby Recreation Lands

• Jelks Preserve
Entrance to Deer Prairie Creek Preserve is at
• T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
the end of Forbes Trail and can be reached by
• Sleeping Turtles Preserve — North
exiting to the north from I-75 at Exit 193, following
Jacaranda Boulevard to the north to Border Road, For More Information
proceeding east on Border Road to South Moon Sarasota County Natural Resources Department,
Drive, proceeding south on South Moon Drive (941) 861-5000
until it intersects Forbes Trail and proceeding east
on Forbes Trail.
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water

106
T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Border Rd. (from Jacaranda Blvd., I-75 Exit 193)
Sarasota
S. County Sarasota
M County
oo
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Exit 191 r. 75
Forbes Trail
Schewe
Tract
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Port
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Port
41
0 1 2
scale in miles
Myakka River — Deer Prairie Creek Preserve

Legend
minor road picnic table and hitching post
designated trail SARASOTA CO.
property boundary
other public lands

county line
General Location
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

107
Myakka River — Access and Parking
• From I-75; head east on SR 64 to Wauchula Road;
Flatford Swamp Preserve head south to the intersection of Wauchula and
39450 Taylor Road Taylor roads.
Myakka City, FL 34251 • Walk-thru entrance at intersection of Taylor and
Wauchula roads; parking to accommodate a
Size limited number of visitors to property.
2,357 acres • Walk-thru off Wauchula Road in the southeast
Location portion of property; does not provide parking.
Eastern Manatee County, north of Myakka City Hours of Operation
About the Property Daily from sunrise to sunset.
The Flatford Swamp tract encompasses nearly Restrooms and Water
all of the Flatford Swamp wetland ecosystem and No restrooms or water available.
is the primary surface water feature in the Upper
Myakka River watershed. These wetlands are a part Recreational Opportunities
of the headwaters of the Myakka River and have a Fishing
major influence on the water flow and quality of • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
the river itself, Upper Myakka Lake and the waters Commission for license requirements.
within Myakka River State Park. The upper reaches
Hiking
of the Myakka River flow through the swamp
• Narrow flatwoods roads.
along with other major tributaries, including Long
Creek, Sand Slough, Maple Creek, Coker Creek,
Youngs Creek, Ogleby Creek and Boggy Creek.
• Unmarked trails — use of navigation devices
The habitat within the property is mostly suggested.
bottomland swamp and freshwater marsh. There
are rangelands, hardwood forests and pine Nearby Recreation Lands
flatwoods scattered along the periphery of the • Manatee County’s Duette Park
property. • Lake Manatee State Park
Limited Access Areas For more information

Access is limited because property is generally Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
flooded, which is not conducive to recreational Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
trail development. Wauchula Road is located at only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
the eastern edge of the property and provides
the best access. There are narrow flatwoods roads
and jeep trails that provide limited access to the
central portion of the property but are flooded
during the rainy season. Access is only feasible by
foot, but those hardy enough to venture out will
be rewarded with the uniqueness of unspoiled
Florida.

108
Taylor R To SR 64
d.
Wauchula Rd.
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7 5
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Myakk
Wauchula Rd.
Myakka City

70
0 0.5 1 2
scale in miles
Myakka River — Flatford Swamp Preserve

Legend
minor road access & parking MANATEE CO.
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands

river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

109
Myakka River State Hours of Operation
Park — Myakka Prairie Restrooms and Water
Tract No restrooms or water available at Myakka
13208 SR 72 Prairie. Both available inside state park.
Sarasota, FL 34241
Size Bicycling
8,249 acres • Several miles of unpaved trails available.
Central Sarasota County, east of Venice helmets.
Equestrian Use
About the Property • Available on existing roads within property.
Myakka Prairie is managed as a part of
the Myakka River State Park and is part of a
100-square-mile regional area of contiguous and
• Interior roads may be wet following heavy rains.
natural publicly protected lands. The Myakka
River State Park borders the property on the north
and west, and Sarasota County’s Carlton Reserve
wear helmets.
borders the property on the south. Myakka
Prairie, in combination with the surrounding Hiking
public lands, is regionally important to present • Several miles of trails on existing roads.
and future conservation and protection of water Nearby Recreation Lands
resources and natural systems of the Myakka River • T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
watershed. • Myakka River State Park
The property has large expanses of excellent • Sarasota County’s Pineland Reserve and Rocky
dry prairie that are considered a globally imperiled Ford Preserve
habitat. The remainder of the property contains
depressional marshes interspersed with pine For More Information
flatwoods and hammocks. Deer Prairie Slough Myakka River State Park, (941) 361-6511
runs through the eastern portion of the property.
Access and Parking
• Primary access point at Martin’s Gate, which is
on south side of SR 72, just south of Myakka
River State Park.
• Small public parking area provided.
• All recreational users required to register at main
entrance at Myakka River State Park. No entry
fees to enter Myakka Prairie.
• A multiuse trail that crosses the tract north to
south can be accessed at Martin’s Gate. Trail
connects several tracts of public lands, including
Carlton Reserve.

110
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SARASOTA CO.
MANATEE CO.
72 Myakka River
Martin’s Gate State Park
Myakka River
State Park
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T. Mabry Carlton, Jr.

Memorial Reserve
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Pr

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De
0 1 2
scale in miles
Myakka River State Park — Myakka Prairie Tract

Legend
designated trail SARASOTA CO.
property boundary
other public lands

river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

111
Myakka State Forest • Campsites accessible by park roads. Small
campers and tents allowed. No electric or water
2000 South River Road available.
Englewood, FL 34223 • Campers required to obtain a State Forest
Size Use Permit from DOF in order to use primitive
8,532 acres campsites.
• Portable toilets available at the Flying “A”
Location campsite.
Southwestern Sarasota County, east of
Englewood
Equestrian Use
• More than 13 miles of marked trails are part of
About the Property DOF’s Trailtrotter program. Visitors completing
The Myakka River, designated as an Outstanding rides on trails will get credit toward merit
Florida Water, flows through the northeast portion patches.
of the forest, dividing the forest into two tracts, • Access trail system from main parking areas
with the larger portion on the west side of the located approximately one mile past main
river. Big Slough (also called Myakkahatchee entrance to forest off River Road.
Creek) enters the forest at the northeast and drains • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
into the Myakka River. The western section of the • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
property contains much of the headwaters of Rock negative Coggins test.
Creek, a tributary to Lemon Bay, which is also part • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
of the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system. wear helmets.
Jointly acquired by the District and the state of Fishing
Florida, the property is managed by the Florida • All water bodies open for fishing, unless posted
Division of Forestry (DOF). Public ownership of the closed.
property ensures the future protection of natural • Contact FWC for information regarding license
communities adjacent to the Myakka River. requirements and permits.
Access and Parking • FWC rules and regulations must be observed
• Off CR 777 (River Road) and Jennings Boulevard. throughout the year.
• Motorized vehicles must enter from River Road Hiking
gate. • More than 13 miles of marked trails are part of
• ADA access and facilities available. DOF’s Trailwalker program. Visitors completing
hikes on trails will get credit toward merit
Hours of Operation
patches.
Hunting
Restrooms and Water • Contact FWC for information and permits.
Portable toilets are available at the main parking
• FWC rules and regulations must be observed
lot off River Road and picnic area.
Dogs Paddling
Must be on leash no more than six feet in length. • Access to Myakka River from state forest.
Recreational Opportunities Picnic Facilities
Bicycling • Picnic areas available at several points along
• Allowed on all trails and roads. entrance road. Most have grills and picnic tables.
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear Nearby Recreation Lands
helmets. • T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve
Bird Watching • Charlotte Harbor Preserve
• Site 6 on southern section of Great Florida • Myakka River State Park
Birding Trail. For More Information
• Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Division of Forestry, Myakka State Forest,
Commission (FWC) for more information. (941) 460-1333
Camping
• Primitive campsites available in various locations.

112
41
North
Port
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North Big SARASOTA CO.
Port CHARLOTTE CO.
East River Rd. Port

Charlotte
Slash Pine Tra

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Campsite
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Pine Straw West Port

Campsite Charlotte
Englewood South Loop

Fore

sm
an Tr
0 0.5 1 2
ail
SARASOTA CO.
CHARLOTTE CO. scale in miles
Foresman Blvd.
Myakka State Forest

Legend
highway, major road trail access & parking
minor road vehicle access point

SARASOTA CO.
designated trail parking
other public lands canoe launch

General Location
county line P primitive camping
river, stream trail shelter
lake, pond ranger office, parking, restroom
forest disabled access toilet
wetland/swamp
city boundary

113
Panasoffkee Outlet Recreational Opportunities
3100 CR 413 Bird Watching
Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 • Site 53 on western section of the Great Florida
Birding Trail.
Size • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
1,118 acres Commission (FWC) for more information.
Location Boating and Paddling
Northwest Sumter County, west of Sumterville • Public boat launch and paved parking offered at
adjoining park.
About the Property
Still primarily natural, the property is a mixture Fishing
of pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes and oak • Available along Withlacoochee and Panasoffkee
scrub forest. The western portions contain some Outlet rivers.
of the oldest and largest trees in the area. The • Contact FWC for license requirements.
boundary of this property extends over three miles Hiking
along the eastern floodplain of the Withlacoochee • Several miles of woods roads suitable for day
River. hiking. Dry winter months most suitable for
The property was acquired to protect and hiking since majority of lands are low and
preserve pristine river corridor along the subject to seasonal flooding.
Withlacoochee River and adjoining floodplain • No designated hiking trails or trail markers.
system. Preservation of this property protects Picnic Facilities
forested swamps and adjoining upland buffers • Picnic tables offered at Marsh Bend County Park.
important to the water resources and water quality
of the river system. Nearby Recreation Lands
Access and Parking • Half Moon-Gum Slough
• Day-use parking at Marsh Bend County Park • Jumper Creek Wildlife Management Area
adjacent to property. • Lake Panasoffkee
• Walk-thru located off CR 315.
• ADA access and facilities available. For More Information
Hours of Operations Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
Daily from sunrise to sunset. only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Restrooms and Water
• Restroom facilities available at Marsh Bend
County Park.
• No water available.

114
To
S
R4
4
315
Withlacooch
ee
Abandoned Railroad
River
470
Ab
an
d
on
ed
Ra
Marsh Bend
ilro
County Park
ad
413
To
I-75
Princess
Lake

er
kee Riv
ff
Panaso Outlet
Flying Jumper Creek

Eagle Wildlife Management
Preserve Area

CITRUS CO. SUMTER CO.
0 0.5 1
scale in miles
Panasoffkee Outlet
Legend
designated trail boat ramp SUMTER CO.

other public lands
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
General Location
forest
wetland/swamp

115
Camping
Potts Preserve • Separate sites available for equestrian, group,
2700 Dee River Road —
primitive and backcountry camping.
Equestrian Camping • Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
2988 North Hooty Point — • Nonpotable water source available.
River Hiking Trail • Inverness, FL 34453 • A free reservation is required and must be
Size displayed on dashboard at campground.
8,500 acres Backcountry
• These campsites are accessible only by foot or
Location from a body of water.
Northeastern Citrus County, east of Inverness • These sites have no amenities.
About the Property • Mound fires — keep fires small, only use sticks
The property was acquired for protection of the found on the ground.
area’s groundwater recharge, as well as important Equestrian Use
surface water features and wetland habitats. The • 12 miles of marked woods roads.
preserve’s wetlands play a role in both the Tsala • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
Apopka Chain of Lakes and the Withlacoochee • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
River systems, part of the Floridan aquifer’s negative Coggins test.
recharge/discharge system. Additionally, the site • Horse-drawn buggy riding only on marked trails;
provides habitat to wildlife, including a small requires a free reservation.
population of threatened Florida scrub-jays. • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
wear helmets.
Access and Parking
• Day-use parking off Hooty Point gives access to Fishing
river hiking trail. • Fishing and frogging allowed throughout year
• Parking at Dee River Road gate for trails leading along river.
to upland and freshwater marsh communities. • Contact FWC for license requirements.
Equestrian parking available. Hiking
• ADA access and facilities available. • 30 miles open for hiking, including a 4-mile river
trail and 16-mile loop trail.
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water • Orange blaze symbols indicate primary trail.
• Portable toilets located at equestrian/group and Blue blazes indicate side trails. White blaze
primitive campgrounds. symbols indicate overnight loop. Double blaze
• Nonpotable water available at equestrian/group symbols indicate a sharp turn in trail.
area.
Hunting
Recreational Opportunities • Contact FWC for information regarding license
Bicycling requirements and permits.
• Multiuse trails. • FWC rules and regulations must be observed
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear throughout the year.
helmets. Picnic Facilities
Bird Watching • Limited picnic facilities available at campsite.
• Site 57 on western section of Great Florida Nearby Recreation Lands
Birding Trail. • Flying Eagle Preserve
• Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation • Two Mile Prairie
Commission (FWC) for more information. • Half Moon-Gum Slough
Boating and Paddling For More Information
• Nearest public boat ramp at end of CR 581. Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470

116
CITRUS
MARION CO.
SUMTER CO.
Water-Control
CO.
Structure
S-353
ka
op al
Ap Can Half Moon-Gum Slough
s ala fall Far
T ut Point
O B Camp B
Holly
Tree
River R
Camp
Co George
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d.
w Washington
Pe
er
n Pasture W
i th
S
Cu
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ac
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.
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ee R
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r th
No
iv
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er
Ma
in
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.
No
River
rth
Camp
Lo
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op
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.
Apopka
Lake
Oak
Hammock
Camp
Equestrian oty Rd.
Camp
E
G
Ho int
Po p Rd.
m

a
rC
rne
Tu
Dee River Rd.
581

0 0.5 1
rness 581
nve scale in miles
To I
Potts Preserve
Legend
minor road boat ramp CITRUS CO.
designated trail water-control structure
property boundary E equestrian camping
other public lands G group camping General Location

county line P primitive camping
river, stream B backcountry camping
lake, pond disabled access toilet
forest
wetland/swamp

117
Prairie/Shell Creek Recreational Opportunities
3081 Duncan Road Fishing
Punta Gorda, FL 33982 • Man-made excavated pond located in northern
portion of property.
Size • Property is adjacent to Shell Creek, Peace River
609 acres and Hunter Creek.
Location • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Charlotte County, east of Charlotte Harbor Commission for license requirements.
Hiking
About the Property • Several miles of wooded roads available.
This property is well known by the locals for
having good scrub for the area. Several Florida Nearby Recreation Lands
scrub-jay families reside within the property. The • Deep Creek Preserve
mesic flatwoods and tidal marsh system provide a • RV Griffin Reserve
unique natural habitat. For More Information
Access and Parking Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
• A walk-thru is on the west side of US 17 (Duncan Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
Road) and south of the intersection of US 17 and only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
State Highway 764.
• A walk-thru is at the corner of Royal Palm Drive
and Palm Shores Boulevard. Please do not block
gate or neighbor’s driveway.
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water

118
Shore Blvd.
k
Cree
ter
Palm Shores Blvd.

n
Hu
River
ce
Pea
Royal Palm Dr.

17
Duncan Rd.
764
Ridge
Harbor
Sans Souci
To Punta Gorda
Cre
Shell ek

0 0.5 1
scale in miles
Prairie/Shell Creek
Legend
CHARLOTTE CO.
minor road
designated trail
General Location
property boundary
other public lands
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

119
RV Griffin Reserve Limited Access Areas
• 2,485-acre preserve area at the southwestern
8910 Kings Highway
side of the property is open only for hiking,
Arcadia, FL 35842
equestrian use and biking.
Size • Both onsite reservoirs are closed to public access
6,000 acres and use.
Location Access and Parking

Southwest DeSoto County, east of North Port • From I-75, take Exit 170 at Kings Highway
(CR 769). Drive north 5 miles; entrance on left.
About the Property • ADA access and facilities available.
Public water supply facilities, agriculture, wildlife
habitat conservation and passive recreation Hours of Operation
characterize the diversity of the working landscape Daily from sunrise to sunset.
at the RV Griffin Reserve. The reserve offers vistas Restrooms and Water
of pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, wet Portable toilet; no water available.
prairies and glimpses of forested wetlands and
oak hammocks. Much of the flatwoods have a Recreational Opportunities
sparse overstory of pines and resembles Florida Bicycling
dry prairie, one of North America’s most imperiled • 21 miles of multiuse trails.
ecosystems. The property is managed by the Peace • Use only marked trails
River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
(PRMRWSA). helmets.
The reserve was named in memory of DeSoto Equestrian Use
County Commissioner RV Griffin. The District • 21 miles of multiuse trails.
purchased the property in 1992 to help meet • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
future water supply needs of Charlotte, DeSoto, • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
Manatee and Sarasota counties. The PRMRWSA negative Coggins test.
operates water supply facilities that were originally • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
built by the developer in anticipation of its wear helmets.
planned communities.
During the dry season, the amount of water Hiking
flowing down the Peace River declines and is • 21 miles of multiuse trails
unable to supply all the water needed by the • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are
public. During times of high flow, river water excessively wet during certain times of year.
is diverted for storage. Raw river water is held Picnic Facilities
in a reservoir located on PRMRWSA property • Limited picnic facilities in parking lot.
within the reserve. Pipes connect the reservoir Nearby Recreation Lands
to a treatment plant on neighboring land. For Deep Creek Preserve
additional storage, treated water is injected into
underground wells of the aquifer storage and For More Information
recovery system. PRMRWSA Water Treatment Facility,
(863) 993-4565

120
SARASOTA CO.
DESOTO CO. 769
PUBLIC ACCESS
PROHIBITED
NORTH OF
SECURITY FENCE
Peace River
Reservoir
PRMRWSA
Peace River
Facility 761
To
Og Fo
de rt
n
Pe
ace
Ri
ver
y
hwa
Hig
North
gs
Kin
Port
769
Deep
Creek

arlo t
tte
Ch o Por
75 0 0.5 1 2
T
scale in miles
RV Griffin Reserve
Legend
DESOTO CO.
designated trail model airplane flying field General Location

(For info, go to www.csms-rc.org )
property boundary
other public lands

county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

121
Sawgrass Lake Park Restrooms, Water and Other Amenities
• Restrooms and water inside environmental
7400 25th Street N.
education center.
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
• Pay telephone and bike rack outside center.
Size Dogs
333 acres • Allowed in park, but not on boardwalk or in
Location nature center.
Central Pinellas County in Pinellas Park • Dogs must be on leash no more than six feet in
length.
About the Property • Owners are requested to pick up after dogs.
Sawgrass Lake Park was designed for people
interested in observing and learning about Recreational Opportunities
nature. The Sawgrass Lake project began in Bicycling and Inline Skating
1972 to provide flood protection to the city of • Allowed on paved park road.
Pinellas Park. A water-control structure was built • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
to facilitate drainage canal improvements and helmets.
to maintain desirable water level fluctuations Bird Watching
in Sawgrass Lake and the surrounding swamp. • Site 94 on western section of Great Florida
The District retains responsibility for operating Birding Trail.
the water-control structure. The lake and swamp • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
system also provide natural water treatment to Commission for more information.
enhance the quality of water draining to Tampa
Bay. Hiking
The main emphasis at the park is environmental • More than a mile of elevated boardwalk winds
awareness and education. In 1976, the District, through a red maple swamp. An overlook tower
Pinellas County and the Pinellas County School provides panoramic view of Sawgrass Lake.
Board cooperatively agreed to establish a county • Hammock Trail — 0.5-mile natural-surface trail.
park and an environmental education center on • Paved park entrance road.
the property. Environmental education for grades Picnic Facilities
K–5 is offered to local students. Programs for • Some picnic tables and large shelter available on
grades 6–12 are available upon request. The John first-come, first-served basis.
Anderson Environmental Education Center houses Nearby Recreation Lands
a laboratory, classroom and display facilities. Weedon Island Preserve
Access and Parking For More Information
• From 62nd Avenue, head north on 25th Street; Sawgrass Lake Park, (727) 217-7256
park entrance at end of road.
• Vehicles allowed on paved entranceway into
park.
Hours of Operation
Daily from 7 a.m. until sunset.

122
275
Pinellas
Park 600
d.
y Blv
nd
Ga
il
Tra
ple
Ma
Sawgrass
Sawgrass
Lake Trail
19

borrow
pit
St. Petersburg
25th St.
689
275
62nd Ave.
Sawgrass Lake Park

Legend
minor road picnic shelter
designated trail overlook tower

PINELLAS
property boundary outdoor classroom
other public lands
environmental education center
& park office
county line
boardwalk General Location
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

123
Starkey Wilderness The prominent natural communities within
the preserve are pine flatwoods, cypress domes,
Preserve freshwater marshes, stream and lake swamps,
sandhill and scrub. The 2,300 acres of wetland
The Starkey Wilderness Preserve is one of the communities in Serenova combine with the
largest undeveloped tracts in Pasco County and wetlands in Starkey Wilderness Park to form
protects sensitive environmental areas in the a connected 6,000-acre wetland ecosystem
fast-growing western portion of Pasco County. The spread throughout approximately 18,000 acres
preserve consists of three tracts: of conservation lands. Public acquisition of these
• J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park lands has maintained this large wetland system as
• Serenova Tract a functioning intact ecosystem. This vast network
• Anclote River Ranch Tract of scattered wetlands become interconnected
On the following pages, see individual property during periods of high water levels and serves
descriptions for the J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park as a vital life cycle linkage for many wetland-
and Serenova Tract. dependent species.
Size Like many District properties, the preserve
18,000 acres serves as a natural buffer for one of the region’s
main freshwater resources, the Pithlachascotee
Location River. The lands protect water quality by acting as a
Western Pasco County, east of New Port Richey natural filter of surface water as it flows across the
About the Property landscape into the Pithlachascotee River and its
The preserve is the culmination of foresight and main tributary, the Anclote River. The Preserve also
cooperative spirit of individuals and governmental serves as a recharge area for a regional well field
agencies working to carry forth “one man’s dream.” operated by Tampa Bay Water that is an essential
The park is named after Jay B. Starkey, Sr., who component of the multi-county water supply
purchased the land in 1937 and then developed system that supplies drinking water to the greater
a cattle ranch and timber operation. In 1975, Mr. Tampa Bay area.
Starkey donated several hundred acres to the Another less visible benefit of these lands is
District, initiating the concept of permanently the vital link they play in assuring that the Gulf
protecting the land and its resources for future of Mexico receives the clean fresh water that is
generations. needed to maintain the long-term health of the
The J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park is a regional coastal estuaries. Without a source of clean fresh
park managed by Pasco County that features a water, the estuaries could not serve as the vital
paved trail that connects to the 42-mile Suncoast link in the life cycle of numerous species of birds;
Trail; picnic shelters; hiking, biking and equestrian aquatic plants, such as seagrass; and popular fish
trails; a primitive campground; and camping species, such as redfish, sea trout and mullet.
cabins. Nearby Recreation Lands
The Serenova and Anclote River Ranch tracts • Suncoast Trail
are managed by the District for passive nature- • Conner Preserve
based outdoor recreation activities. These tracts
have limited amenities and provide visitors a more
rustic outdoor experience.
The Serenova Tract is a favorite for horseback
riding with trails that wind through all major
natural communities on the preserve. Equestrian/
group and primitive camping are also available at
Serenova.
The Anclote River Ranch Tract can be accessed
from the hiking trails in J. B. Starkey Wilderness
Park and provides visitors the opportunity to
experience the natural beauty of the preserve with
little sign of human presence. No trails are marked
on the Anclote River Ranch Tract, but visitors can
hike on the existing unmarked trails and roads.
124
52 52
1 E
G
P
587
.
Rd
ke
Ridge Serenova
La
Rd . Tract
on
Mo
iver
ee R
a scot
lach
Bayou
Pith
DeCubellis Rd. 589
Wilderness Rd. Branch

G
C
P
Cross
Sta
J. B. Starkey
d. ey
Blv
rk
Wilderness
Suncoast Parkway and Trail

ossing
Cr Park
Blv
B
d.
r
Rive
Anclote
er
Riv
Little Rd.
Anclote River
Ranch Tract
1
.
lvd

yB
rke
Sta
54 0 0.5 1 2
scale in miles
Starkey Wilderness Preserve

Legend
PASCO CO.
paved trail C cabin camping
designated trail G group camping General Location
property boundary (SWFWMD) P primitive camping
other public lands B backcountry camping
county line ADA-accessible fishing pier
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

125
Starkey Wilderness Preserve Camping
• Separate primitive camping areas available for
J. B. Starkey Wilderness individual and equestrian camping.
Park • Backcountry camping available.
• Campsites for cars and primitive cabins
(See Starkey Wilderness Preserve for overall available.
information.) • Groups can reserve tent site or cabins up to 90
10500 Wilderness Park Boulevard days in advance.
New Port Richey, FL 34655 • Reservation and fee are required and can be
Size made up to 30 days in advance.
8,000 acres Equestrian Use
• 10 miles of marked equestrian trails.
Location • Corral and watering trough located in
Western Pasco County, east of New Port Richey
equestrian parking/staging area.
Access and Parking • Equestrian camping allowed at some campsites.
• From SR 54, go north on Little Road (CR 1) 2.2 Supplies and provisions must be packed in.
miles, right on River Crossing Boulevard for 1.3 • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
miles, left on Starkey Boulevard for 0.3 miles, • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
then right on Wilderness Road into park. From negative Coggins test.
SR 52, go south on Moon Lake Road (CR 587) 6.8 • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
miles, left on DeCubellis Road 0.3 miles, left on wear helmets.
Starkey Boulevard, then left on Wilderness Road Fishing
into park. • Limited freshwater fishing available along
• ADA access and facilities available. Anclote and Pithlachascotee rivers.
Hours of Operation • Contact FWC for license requirements.
Daily from 6 a.m. to sunset. Hiking
• 27 miles of marked trails.
Dogs
• 3 primitive campsites off trails with picnic tables,
• Allowed only in day-use area.
grills and fire rings.
• Dogs must be on leash no more than six feet in
• 6.7-mile paved trail.
length.
• Owners are requested to pick up after dogs. Park Facilities
• Large playground, volleyball courts, athletic
Restrooms and Water field.
Four restrooms and water fountains; disabled-
• Fire pits for bonfires.
accessible.
Picnic Facilities
Recreational Opportunities • 5 picnic shelters with grills. Each shelter seats up
Bicycling and Inline Skating to 50 people. Rental fee.
• Park connects to 42-mile paved Suncoast Trail • 2 large fee-rental pavilions seat up to 100
via the 6.7-mile paved trail. each and have large grill, running water and
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear electricity.
helmets. • Reservations can be made up to 30 days in
• Riders must stay on marked trails. advance.
Bird Watching Nearby Recreation Lands
• Site 73 on western section of Great Florida • Conner Preserve
Birding Trail, developed by local chapter of • Starkey Wildnerness Preserve — Serenova Tract
Audubon Society. Nearly 150 species of birds • Suncoast Trail
have been identified in park.
• Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife
• Tent and cabin reservations: Starkey Wilderness
Conservation Commission (FWC) for more
Park, (727) 834-3247
information.
• Shelter and pavilion reservations, (727) 934-4198
• Pasco County Parks & Recreation Department,
(813) 929-2760
126
587
.
Rd
ke
La
Ridge
Rd .
on
Mo
Serenova
R iver Tract
tee
asco
lach
Pith
Bayou
589
DeCubellis Rd.
Branch
d.
sR
nes
der
Wil G
Cross
C
r
Rivesing P
Croslvd.
B t
a
S
To rkey
Little Rd.
Blv

d.
Anclote
er
Riv
Anclote River
Ranch Tract
.
lvd
yB
rke
To
Sta
Lit
tle
Rd
.

54
0 0.5 1 2
scale in miles

J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Legend
minor road access point & parking PASCO CO.
paved trail C cabin camping
designated trail G group camping

General Location
property boundary (SWFWMD) P primitive camping
other public lands B backcountry camping
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

127
Starkey Wilderness Preserve Equestrian Use
• 18-mile multiuse trail available.
Serenova Tract • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
(See Starkey Wilderness Preserve for overall • Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current
information.) negative Coggins test.
14900 SR 52 • Horse-drawn buggy riding only on marked trails;
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638 requires a free reservation.
Size wear helmets.
6,533 acres
Fishing
Location • Fishing opportunities in various lakes.
Western Pasco County, east of New Port Richey • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Access and Parking
• Entrance in central Pasco County off SR 52 just Hiking
west of Suncoast Parkway across from Hayes • 18 miles of multiuse trails.
Road. Entrance on south side of road. • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are
• ADA access and facilities available. excessively wet during certain times of year.
Hours of Operation Picnic Facilities

Daily from sunrise to sunset. • Picnic tables available at entrance and
campgrounds.
Restrooms and Water
Vault toilet and nonpotable water near the
J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park
equestrian, group and primitive campgrounds.
Recreational Opportunities Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
Bicycling Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
• 18 miles of multiuse trails available. only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
helmets.
Camping
• Equestrian, group and primitive campsites.

128
Hayes
Rd.
52
587
E
Rd
.
ke G
n La
o
Mo
P
589

iver
eR
cote
hasc
Pithla
Bayou
Branch

Cross
0 0.5 1
J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park
scale in miles

Legend
Serenova Tract
PASCO CO.
property boundary (SWFWMD) G group camping General Location
county line ADA-accessible fishing pier
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

129
Tampa Bypass Canal • North of SR 60 (fresh water): Boating access from
(See each site listed below for specific address.) Harney Canal Park off US 301. Motors up to 10
HP allowed. This portion is a no-wake zone.
Size
• South of SR 60 (salt water): Powerboating
14-mile corridor
allowed with no restrictions. Access from McKay
Location Bay or private ramps.
East Tampa Fishing
About the Property • Bank fishing from public access points and parks
The Tampa Bypass Canal (TBC) is a 14-mile along canal.
waterway that connects the Lower Hillsborough • Contact FWC for license requirements.
Wilderness Preserve with McKay Bay. The canal Hiking
provides flood protection for the cities of Temple • Along grassy canal bank from designated access
Terrace and Tampa by diverting floodwaters from points.
the Hillsborough River. The canal is also a water Tampa Bypass/Harney Canal Park — 12 acres
supply source for the city of Tampa. 7171 North US 301 • (813) 989-7180
The TBC is a component of the Four River Basins, • Facilities include boat ramp, parking, fishing pier,
Florida Project, which was formulated in response portable toilets and picnic tables.
to the severe flooding that occurred in west- • Fishing pier and portable toilets universally
central Florida in the 1960s. accessible.
• Operated by Hillsborough County Parks,
Recreation and Conservation Department.
• No swimming allowed and no trespassing within
Temple Terrace Youth Sports Complex — 22 acres
barriers or fenced areas around water-control
10369 US 301 • (813) 989-7180
structures.
• Baseball and soccer complex open primarily for
• For your safety, observe all restricted areas.
scheduled activities.
Access and Parking • Restrooms and water fountains universally
• Various public access points as shown on map. accessible.
• Paved parking available at Veterans Memorial • Operated by Temple Terrace.
Park and Harney Canal Park. Veteran’s Memorial Park and Museum — 16 acres
• Parking at other access points are off the road or 36002 US 301 • (813) 744-5502
on grass. Do not block gates. • Open daily and on weekends. Call for more
• ADA access and facilities available. information.
Hours of Operation • Facilities include picnic shelters, tables, grills,
Daily from sunrise to sunset. restrooms and a 0.75-mile paved trail for
walking, bicycling and inline skating.
Restrooms and Water • ADA access at park.
Available at some developed park sites but not • Dogs allowed on leash no more than six feet in
along canal. length.
• Operated by Hillsborough County Parks,
Recreation and Conservation Department.
Bicycling and Inline Skating
• Allowed on canal bank and 0.75-mile paved trail Nearby Recreation Lands
at Veterans Memorial Park. • Bypass Park
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear • McKay Bay Bike Trail
helmets. • Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
Bird Watching For More Information
• Site 98 on western section of Great Florida For information about recreation along
Birding Trail. canal bank, please contact the Land Resources
• Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Department, Southwest Florida Water
Conservation Commission (FWC) for more Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL only) or
information. (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470.

130
River
581 ough
sbor 75 579
Hill
41
301
582A
275
582 Thonotosassa
581 Temple Terrace
Temple Terrace
Sports Complex
580
579
iver
gh R
orou
H illsb
583 75
Harney Canal
Park
301
92
92 41 4
600
TAMPA
Mango
574 Veteran’s
Memorial
Park
41
Bypass
Park 574
4
275
60
75
618
618

McKay
Greenway Trail
Brandon
McKay Bay
Bay 301
41 0 1 2
scale in miles
Tampa Bypass Canal

Legend
highway, major road walk-thru HILLSBOROUGH CO.
designated trail
property boundary (SWFWMD)
other public lands

county line
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

131
Terra Ceia Preserve Access and Parking
Access is available on Rock Payne Road (85th
Frog Creek Street East).
2519 85th Street East
Hours of Operation
Palmetto, FL 34221 Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Size Restrooms and Water
128 acres No restrooms or water available.
Location Recreational Opportunities
Northeast Manatee County on E. 85th Street
Fishing
About the Property • Bank fishing in lakes.
Prior to the District’s acquisition, the upland • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
portions of this property were used for cattle Commission for license requirements.
grazing. Former borrow pits used during
Hiking
construction of Interstate 275 formed the four
• Hiking is allowed on dirt trails around existing
large man-made lakes that occupy the property.
lakes.
The natural areas fall into the mesic temperate
hammock type with dominant plant species Nearby Recreation Lands
consisting of live oak, laurel oak and cabbage • Terra Ceia Park
palms. These areas provide the shade needed by • Emerson Point Park
wildlife on open grassy plains. Mesic temperate • Terra Ceia Preserve State Park
hammocks are important habitat for wildlife and For More Information
provide secondary habitat for a number of rare, Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
threatened and endangered plant and animal Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
species. only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470

132
Ellenton Gillette Rd. (36th Ave.)
41
Rock Payne Rd. (85th Street East)
ugh
Slo
e
ag
bb
Frog Cr Ca
ee
k 683
Exit 2
275

0 0.25 0.5
scale in miles
Terra Ceia Preserve Frog Creek

Legend
minor road MANATEE CO.
designated trail
property boundary
other public lands
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

133
Terra Ceia Preserve Recreational Opportunities
State Park • 3-mile Bishop Harbor Blueway trail circles Bishop
130 Terra Ceia Road Harbor and provides access to Manatee County
Terra Ceia, FL 34250 Terra Ceia paddling trail.
Size • Boat ramp and canoe and kayak launch located
1,932 acres on north side of Bishop Harbor Road.
Fishing
Location • All water bodies open for fishing, unless posted
Manatee County, north of Palmetto closed.
About the Property • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Jointly acquired between the District and Commission for license requirements.
the state to protect the water resources of Nearby Recreation Lands
Tampa Bay, the Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is • Terra Ceia Park
managed by the Florida State Parks system. The • Emerson Point Park
lands are mostly uplands of maritime hammocks • Terra Ceia Preserve Frog Creek
and mangrove fringe forests. Various wetland
communities such as freshwater creeks, freshwater For More Information
marshes, karst tidal ponds and estuarine marshes Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, (941) 721-2068
are interspersed within the preserve.
Access and Parking
• Primary access point on north side of Bishop
Harbor Road. Go north on US 41 or north from
I-75 and I-275 interchange to Bishop Harbor
Road and then go west.
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water

134
41
y
p a Ba
Tam
Bishop Harbor

Bishop Harbor Rd. 97th Street East
Bishop Harbor Rd.

Frog Rock Payne Rd.
Creek (85th Street East)
.
Rd
Terra Ceia Preserve
ore
Frog Creek
ysh
Ba
275
275 19 Exit 2 683
Rubonia
Terra Ceia
Miguel
Bay
19
ay
e ia B
C
Terra Ceia ra
Park Ter 41
Palm View

0 1 2
scale in miles
Terra Ceia Preserve State Park

Legend
minor road parking MANATEE CO.
designated trail canoe launch
property boundary boat ramp
other public lands

river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

135
Withlacoochee State Forest Hours of Operation
Two Mile Prairie
7160 N. Lecanto Highway Restrooms and Water
Hernando, FL 34442 Restrooms and water available at Bear Head
Hammock Trailhead.
Size
2,900 acres Recreational Opportunities
Location Bird Watching
• Site 59 on western section of Great Florida
Northern Citrus County, east of Dunnellon
Birding Trail.
About the Property • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
This property lies along the southern bank of Commission (FWC) for more information.
the Withlacoochee River at the northern end of Camping
the Tsala Apopka Lake system. The Withlacoochee • Primitive camp located at Oxbow Trailhead.
River is designated as an Outstanding Florida • Equestrian camp located at Bear Head
Water, which makes the river highly suitable for Hammock.
recreation, fishing and wildlife. This location on the
river is very attractive to recreation users seeking Equestrian Use
to experience a serene canoe ride or pleasurable • 8.3-mile marked trail, part of DOF’s Trailtrotter
hike along the riverbank. program located at CR 491 access point.
• Parking area large enough to accommodate
The property has a variety of natural upland and
horse trailers.
wetland plant communities. Of particular interest
• No water available at access point or along trail.
is the mosaic of sandhill and xeric hammock/
scrub communities and cypress swamps, which
are quality habitat for a variety of wildlife. The
wear helmets.
large sandhill community on the property is an
outstanding native landscape. Johnson Pond is Fishing
a 24-acre sandhill upland lake in the northeast • Allowed on Withlacoochee River and Johnson
portion of the property that offers a vista of natural Pond.
landscapes. • Contact FWC for license requirements.
Purchased jointly by the state of Florida and Hiking
the District, one of the primary purposes for • 2.8 mile marked trail, part of DOF’s Trailwalker
acquisition of the property is its ability to provide program, located at access point off CR 491.
significant water recharge and natural flood • Contact DOF for other possible hiking
control. The District completed a hydrologic opportunities.
restoration project that allows excess waters
from the Hernando Pool to be moved to storage
• Cross Florida Greenway State Recreation and
and recharge areas in the Two Mile Prairie marsh
Conservation Area
system. Ecosystem benefits include wetland
restoration, flood protection and increased
• Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve
groundwater recharge. The Division of Forestry
• Potts Preserve
(DOF) manages the property as a part of the
• Withlacoochee State Trail
Withlacoochee State Forest.
Access and Parking For More Information
Florida Division of Forestry, Withlacoochee State
• Primary access off CR 491 approximately one
Forest, (352) 754-6896
mile east of US 41. This entrance is for hiking,
nature study and horseback riding.
• Two additional access points located off each
side of CR 39. Access point on south side of road
provides access to trails to Johnson Pond.

136
MARION CO.
CITRUS CO. Oxbow
Recreation
Trailhead
P With
To US 4 la
1 coo
ch Hálpata Tastanaki
ee
Johnson Pond Preserve
Trailhead
River
Johnson
Pond
39
200
P
Bear Head
Hammock
Trailhead
Holder 491
To US 41
0 0.25 0.5
Hernando scale in miles
Two Mile Prairie

Legend
minor road E equestrian camping CITRUS CO.
designated trail P primitive camping

property boundary observation tower
other public lands restrooms General Location
county line
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

137
Access and Parking
Upper Hillsborough See following individual property descriptions
Preserve for access information.
(On following pages, see individual property Hours of Operation
descriptions for Alston and Upper Hillsborough Daily from sunrise to sunset.
tracts.)
Size • Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve
9,961 acres • Hillsborough County’s Blackwater Creek Preserve
Location For More Information
East of Zephyrhills Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
About the Property only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Protecting the upper reaches of the
Hillsborough River, the river’s floodplain provides
natural storage of floodwaters and acts as a
filtration system for runoff. The property also
serves as an important link in protecting wildlife
habitat in the Hillsborough River greenway
corridor. The property’s roads and trails meander
through pine flatwoods, consisting of both slash
and longleaf pine overstory, palmetto/gallberry
understory and hydric hammock and floodplain
swamp along the river.

138
e e River
Withlacooch
35A
Green Swamp
West Tract
301
98
54
PASCO CO.
POLK CO.
E
P
535 G
Upper
Hillsborough
Tract
Fox
Bra
nch
Zephyrhills
Upper
B Hillsborough
Tract B
Chancey Rd.
301
39
Alston
River Tract
ough
bor
Hills

Saunders Rd.
0 1 2 Deems Rd.
P
scale in miles County Line Rd. PASCO CO. E G POLK CO.
HILLSBOROUGH CO.
Upper Hillsborough Preserve

Legend
PASCO CO.
POLK CO.
county line B backcountry camping General Location

lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

139
Upper Hillsborough Preserve Equestrian Use
• 12 miles of woods roads marked for multiuse
Alston Tract recreation.
42144 Deems Road • Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
Zephyrhills, FL 33540 • Horse-drawn buggy riding only on marked trails;
Size requires a free reservation.
2,983 acres • Alston gate open year-round for equestrian use.
Location negative Coggins test.
East of Zephyrhills • Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to
wear helmets.
Access and Parking
Primary access point is on Deems Road off SR 39 Hiking
(via County Line Road and Saunders Road — see • 12 miles of multiuse trails.
Upper Hillsborough Preserve map for detail). • Prepare for wet hiking; some trails are
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset. Picnic Facilities
• Large pavilion with picnic tables and grills in
Restrooms and Water day-use area.
Nonpotable water and restrooms available at • Pavilion may be reserved at no cost for group
entrance. use by contacting the District.
Recreational Opportunities Nearby Recreation Lands
Bicycling • Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve
• 12 miles of woods roads marked for multiuse. • Hillsborough County’s Blackwater Creek
• Use only marked trails Preserve
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear For More Information
helmets. Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
Camping Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
• Equestrian, group and primitive campsites. only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
• A portable toilet and nonpotable water source
available.

140
Upper Hillsborough
Preserve —
Upper
Hillsborough Tract
CS
X
Ra
ilro
ad
Alston
Deems Rd. Gate
To SR 39 P
E G
PASCO CO. POLK CO.

HILLSBOROUGH CO.
0 0.5 1
scale in miles

Legend
Alston Tract
highway, major road access point & parking PASCO CO.
minor road E equestrian camping

designated trail G group camping
POLK CO.
property boundary P primitive camping
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp

141
Upper Hillsborough Preserve Fishing
• Fishing and frogging allowed throughout year.
Upper Hillsborough • Access to Hillsborough River by foot only.
Tract • Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
41404 CR 54 Commission (FWC) for license requirements.
Zephyrhills, FL 33540 Hiking
• Property north of CR 54 and the Alston Tract are
Size not included in the wildlife management area
6,978 acres
boundary and are open year-round.
Location • Florida Trail Association maintains 3.5 miles of
East of Zephyrhills hiking trails.
• Orange blaze symbols denote primary trail; blue
Access and Parking denotes side trails; double blaze denotes sharp
• Primary access point is on CR 54 (not available
turn.
during hunts), about 3 miles east of Zephyrhills;
• For more information, contact the Florida Trail
equestrian access available.
Association at 1-877-445-3352 (in FL) or (352)
• Additional access points are located off CR 35A
378-8823.
and CR 535.
• Additional 24 miles of interior roads available.
Hours of Operation • No bridges at Hillsborough River crossings. May
Daily from sunrise to sunset. be seasonally wet or flooded.
Restrooms and Water Hunting
No restrooms or water available. • FWC rules and regulations must be observed
Recreational Opportunities • Contact FWC for information regarding license
Bicycling requirements and permits.
• 12 miles of woods roads marked for multiuse.
• Hillsborough County’s Blackwater Creek
helmets.
Preserve
Camping
• Equestrian, group, primitive and backcountry
camping available.
• No amenities available.
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Equestrian Use
• 12 miles of woods roads marked for multiuse
recreation.
• Horse-drawn buggy riding only on marked trails;
requires a free reservation.
• Horseback riding allowed year-round on the
Alston Tract.
wear helmets.

142
e e River
Withlacooch
35A
Green Swamp
West Tract
98
54
PASCO CO.
POLK CO.
E
G
P
535
Flat
ord
F
Rd.
West oop Rd.
Fox
Bra
nch
L
iver
op Rd.
gh R
Zephyrhills
st Lo
borou
CS
B
X
Ea
B
Ra
Hills
ilro
ad
ed
C
ar F
ord
Chancey Rd.
il
Tra
un
R
Upper
r
Rive
Hillsborough
Preserve —
Alston Tract

39 0 1 2
scale in miles

Upper Hillsborough Tract
Legend
PASCO CO.
General Location
county line B backcountry camping
river, stream
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

143
Weekiwachee Preserve Hours of Operation
• Daily from sunrise to sunset.
2121 Osowaw Boulevard
• On second and fourth Saturday of each month,
Spring Hill, FL 34607
visitors may drive into preserve through the
Size Osowaw Boulevard entrance and park at end of
11,206 acres paved road.

Hernando County coast, west of Weeki Wachee Disabled access toilet available.

The Weekiwachee Preserve is part of a regional Bicycling
system of conservation lands that extend up • 5.5 miles of bicycling on dirt lanes and paved
to Crystal River Buffer Preserve, preserving the road.
southernmost coastal hardwood hammock in • 1.3-mile paved road adjoining the Osowaw
western Florida. The preserve provides a rich Boulevard entrance.
mosaic of habitats including several miles of • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear
Weeki Wachee River frontage, portions of the Mud helmets.
River, dense hardwood swamps, freshwater and
Bird Watching
saltwater marshes, and pine-covered sandhills. The
• Site 69 on west section of Great Florida Birding
preserve is best known for its Florida black bear
Trail.
population. The bears are shy, elusive and pose no
threat to people, spending most of their time deep
in the forest.
In 2001, the District purchased the property Boating and Paddling
surrounding the first-magnitude Weeki Wachee • Lakes open to hand-launched boats, canoes and
Spring from the city of St. Petersburg. The kayaks.
acquisition was in support of Governor Bush’s • Electric trolling motors allowed.
“Springs Initiative,” under which strategies were • Gas-powered outboards not allowed.
established for the protection and restoration • Use caution launching boats — banks can be
of Florida’s springs, including placing them in unstable. Do not back vehicles or trailers onto
public ownership. On November 1, 2008, the bank.
District entered into a lease agreement with the • Boats must be carried to the lake — there is no
Florida Parks Service for their management of the boat ramp.
property as a state park. Fishing
Public ownership protects the wetlands’ natural • Numerous lakes inhabited by both freshwater
functions of conveying spring water to the gulf, and saltwater species. Caution: banks can be
cleansing surface water and providing flood unstable.
protection, as well as buffering nearby residential • Contact FWC for license requirements.
communities from tropical storms. Hiking
Research/Limited Access Area • 5.5-mile unpaved trail and paved road.
This area has been reopened to visitors. Boats • 4.3 miles of marked, scenic woods roads.
are not allowed on the lakes in this area, but bank Picnic Facilities
fishing is permitted. Visitors are asked to take • Limited picnic facilities in park.
special care in this sensitive area as it has become a
significant bird roosting site. Hundreds of wading
• Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
birds roost here every night and some nesting
• Chassahowitzka River and Coastal Swamps
activity has been observed.
Access and Parking • Crystal River Buffer Preserve
• Enter on foot or bicycle from Shoal Line or
Osowaw Boulevard main entrance.
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470

144
Chassahowitzka
Wildlife
Management
Area
Cor (WMA)
Gulf tez
of Blvd
.
Mexico 597
550
Bayport
Park
Rogers Week Chassahowitzka
Park iW
Jenkins
Creek achee River WMA
Park
Chassahowitzka
WMA
Hernando
Beach Weeki Wachee Spring 50
Park
Weeki Wachee
State Park
19
.
wRd
Cla
r
Bea
Bur
nt
.
Rd
ay
W
al
Hernando
rci
Shoal Line Blvd.
Loop Rd.
me
Beach
m
Co
Rd.
d Pit
.
San
Rd
South Lake
597
Dead End Creek

Spring Hill
Spr
in

Blvd. gH
ill D
aw
r.
ow
Os
595 0 1 2
scale in miles
Weekiwachee Preserve
Legend
minor road parking HERNANDO CO.
paved trail small boat launch
designated trail picnic shelter
property boundary county park General Location
river, stream research/limited access area
lake, pond
forest
wetland/swamp
city boundary

145
Camping
Withlacoochee River • Primitive campsites available in various locations
Park around park; contact the Withlacoochee River
12449 Withlacoochee Boulevard Park for more information.
Dade City, FL 33525 • Free permit required to camp. Obtain from park
office.
Size
260 acres Fishing
• Fishing pier located adjacent to canoe launch.
Location • Contact FWC for license requirements.
Pasco County, east of Dade City
Hiking
About the Property • 5.2 miles of trail developed and maintained by
Pasco County operates this regional park near Florida Trail Association. Orange blaze symbols
the Withlacoochee River. The District provides denote primary trail. Blue blaze symbols denote
the county with the use of 146 acres of the Green side trails. Double blazes denote a sharp turn in
Swamp – West Tract to accommodate riverfront trail.
access for the canoe launch, dock and 1.5 miles of • For more information, contact Florida Trail
hiking trails. Association at 1-877-445-3352 (FL only) or (352)
The Withlacoochee River Park offers visitors 378-8823.
access to a wild and scenic portion of the river • Several additional miles of perimeter trails open
and a mosaic of habitat communities, from high for hiking.
sandhills to low riverine swamp. Paddling
Access and Parking Canoe launch (100-foot carry from parking area).
• From US 301 follow River Road east 5 miles. Park Facilities
Follow pavement onto Auton Road. Park • Park has playgrounds, 40-foot observation
entrance 0.25 miles on left. tower, boardwalks, recreation field and
• ADA access and facilities available. reconstructed 19th century fort.
• Authentic Native American villages constructed
Hours of Operation
by Native American volunteers.
Restrooms and Water Picnic Facilities
Three restrooms, a compost toilet and drinking • Picnic shelters and large pavilion available.
fountains available. • Reservations for southern shelter or pavilion
Dogs made through park office.
• Dogs must be on a leash no more than six feet in • Other shelters available on a first-come, first-
length. served basis.
• Owners are requested to pick up after dog. Nearby Recreation Lands
Recreational Opportunities Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve
Bicycling and Inline Skating For More Information
• Paved park road. • Withlacoochee River Park, (352) 567-0264.
• Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear • East Pasco Parks and Recreation Department,
helmets. (352) 521-4182
Bird Watching • Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department,
• Site 63 on western section of Great Florida (813) 929-1260
Birding Trail.

146
01 .
S 3 Rd
Wit
d U ver
hla
an o Ri
co o
T
che
eB
lvd.
W
Auton Rd.
ith
lac
ooc
he
e
Riv
er
Native
American
Village

pavilion
pavillion
Green Swamp
West Tract
CT

0 250 500
scale in feet
Withlacoochee River Park

Legend
minor road parking area
paved park road picnic shelter PASCO CO.
designated trail canoe launch

SWFWMD property boundary observation deck General Location
park boundary playground
river, stream county ranger
lake, pond CT compost toilet
forest P primitive camping
(telephone Withlacoochee River Park, 352-567-0264)
wetland/swamp

147
Wysong Park Recreational Opportunities
4790 NW 46th Road Boating and Paddling
Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 • Single-lane boat ramp and docking area built
and maintained by Florida Fish and Wildlife
Size Conservation Commission (FWC).
5 acres
Fishing
Location • Riverbank fishing.
Northwest Sumter County • Contact FWC for license requirements.
About the Property Nearby Recreation Lands
This property is situated on the Withlacoochee • Flying Eagle Preserve
River and is the site of the Wysong-Coogler Dam. • Lake Panasoffkee
• Potts Preserve
Please observe restricted areas, including the For More Information
old dam house. Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
Access and Parking only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Park entrance off CR 300 in Carlson.
Hours of Operation
Restrooms and Water

148
To SR 44
Carlson
300

Boat
Water-Control Lock
To
Structure
CR
47
0
W
ith
lac
oo
ch
ee
Riv
er
SU
M
TE
CI
R
TR

CO
U
S
.
CO
0 100 200
.
scale in feet
Wysong Park
Legend
minor roads access
property boundary parking
county line boat ramp SUMTER CO.
river
forest
wetland/swamps
navigation barrier
General Location

149
Recreation at a Glance
)
n
(ies
ce
Are reatio
eren
nty
e
a
Ref p
Cou
Pag
Rec
Ma
Match the 1
2
Alafia River Corridor
Alafia River Reserve
20
22
Hillsborough
Polk
Map Reference 3 Annutteliga Hammock 24 Hernando
4 Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve 26 Hillsborough
numbers in this 5 Brooker Creek Preserve 28 Pinellas
at-a-glance table 6 Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park 30 Charlotte
7 Chassahowitzka River and Coastal Swamps 32 Citrus
to locate 8 Chito Branch Reserve 34 Hillsborough
9 Circle B Bar Reserve 36 Polk
recreation areas 10 Cliff Stephens Park 38 Pinellas
on the District map 11 Conner Preserve 40 Pasco
12 Cypress Creek Preserve 42 Pasco
(last page). 13 Deep Creek Preserve 44 DeSoto
14 Edward Medard Park and Reservoir 46 Hillsborough
15 Edward W. Chance Reserve — Coker Prairie Tract 48 Manatee
16 Edward W. Chance Reserve — Gilley Creek Tract 50 Manatee
Flying Eagle Citrus
17 Flying Eagle Preserve 52 Citrus
18 McGregor Smith Boy Scout Reservation 54 Citrus
19 Withlapopka Community Park 56 Citrus
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve 58 Pasco/Sumter/Lake/Polk
20 Colt Creek State Park 60 Polk
21 East Tract 62 Sumter/Lake/Polk
22 Hampton Tract 64 Polk
23 Little Withlacoochee Tract (Withlacoochee State Forest) 66 Lake
24 West Tract 68 Pasco
25 Half Moon-Gum Slough 70 Sumter
26 Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve 72 Marion
27 Jack Creek 74 Highlands
28 Lake Marion Creek Horseshoe Scrub Tract 76 Polk
29 Lake Panasoffkee 78 Sumter
30 Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal 80 Pinellas
31 Little Manatee River Lower Tract 82 Hillsborough
32 Little Manatee River Southfork Tract 84 Manatee
33 Little Manatee River Upper Tract 86 Hillsborough
34 Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve 88 Hillsborough
Dead River Park 90 Hillsborough
Flatwoods Park 92 Hillsborough
Jefferson Equestrian Area 94 Hillsborough
John B. Sargeant Park 96 Hillsborough
Morris Bridge Park 98 Hillsborough
Oak Ridge Equestrian Area 100 Hillsborough
Off-Road Loop Trail 102 Hillsborough
Trout Creek Park 104 Hillsborough
35 Myakka River — Deer Prairie Creek Preserve 106 Sarasota
36 Myakka River — Flatford Swamp Preserve 108 Manatee
37 Myakka River State Park — Myakka Prairie Tract 110 Sarasota
38 Myakka State Forest 112 Sarasota
39 Panasoffkee Outlet 114 Sumter
40 Potts Preserve 116 Citrus
41 Prairie/Shell Creek 118 Charlotte
42 RV Griffin Reserve 120 DeSoto
43 Sawgrass Lake Park 122 Pinellas
Starkey Wilderness Preserve 124 Pasco
44 J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park 126 Pasco
45 Serenova Tract 128 Pasco
46 Tampa Bypass Canal 130 Hillsborough
47 Terra Ceia Preserve Frog Creek 132 Manatee
48 Terra Ceia Preserve State Park 134 Manatee
49 Two Mile Prairie (Withlacoochee State Forest) 136 Citrus
Upper Hillsborough Preserve 138 Pasco/Polk
50 Alston Tract 140 Pasco/Polk
51 Upper Hillsborough Tract 142 Pasco/Polk
52 Weekiwachee Preserve 144 Hernando
53 Withlacoochee River Park 146 Pasco
54 Wysong Park 148 Sumter

150
ing ida
pin ry
e/
il
ian
Cam ian
Tra
ms
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RV -Servic
le
Birdat Flor
g
g
g
g
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g
essib
s
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ting
ting
ting
pin
pin
dlin
pin
troo
estr
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ing
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ing
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Facnic
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Dog
Inlin
Hun
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Bicy
Boa
Equ
Fish
Pad
Equ
Bac
Full
Gre
Res
Hik
Gro
AD
Pic
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151
Recreation at a Glance
41 Match the
75 Map Reference
LEVY
numbers on this
27 District map to the
MARION at-a-glance table
on the preceding
26 page spread.
49
98
19 40
25 301 45 Map Reference
29 number
CITRUS 17 54
18 Recreation area
19 39
7 Southwest Florida
Water Management
41 SUMTER District boundary
3
98 75
HERNANDO
52
589
23 L A K E
19 24
53 21
PA S C O
45
11 27
20 22
44 12 51 92
301 50 98
17
4 41
4 28
5 275 34
30 589
46 92 9 POLK
10
75
P I N E L L A S 275 14 2
92 HILLSBOROUGH
43 1
8
301 98
41
19 31 33
275 17
48 47
32
16
HARDEE
M A N AT E E
301 15 HIGHLANDS
98
41 75 36
27
DESOTO 27
37
S A R A S OTA
42
41 35 17
13
38 41
6 CHARLOTTE 0 10 20
75 scale in miles
41

152

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Recreation Guide

Recreation At A Glance................................................................................................. 150

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Trails are primarily multiuse and are Hunting

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Reservations • Camping is allowed in designated

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

The District provides recreational

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Old Welcome Rd.

Alafia River Corridor

minor road access point & parking

designated trail fishing spot

property boundary picnic shelter

other public lands group camping

county line primitive camping General Location

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Willow Oak Rd.

Nor th P Indian Oak Dr.

Alafia River Reserve

county line General Location

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

About the Property Restrooms and Water

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

628 Centralia Rd.

minor road HERNANDO CO.

other public lands General Location

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Van Dyke Rd. 685A

Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve

minor road walk-thru

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Brooker Creek Preserve

property boundary disabled access toilet

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

other public lands General Location

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

Hours of Operation Nearby Recreation Lands

Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands

National Wildlife 480

zka CITRUS CO.

lake, pond park office