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Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner - James R. Karels, Director

Welaka State Forest:
•	Map: Welaka State Forest (pdf, 455k)
•	Bird List (pdf, 693k)

State Forests:
•	State Forests
•	Fees and Other Information
•	Recreation Programs
•	At-A-Glance Recreational Activities
•	Recreation Guide to Florida's State Forests (pdf, 5M)
•	Florida's State Forests Brochure (pdf, 623k )
•	Volunteer Opportunities

New: ‘Nicole's Law’ effective October 1st, 2009 for all state forest equestrian riders under 16 years of age.

Take an active role in protecting forests for future generations with the Friends of Florida State Forests

Wetland restoration is an integral part of the Division of Forestry’s management of state forest resources. Find out more about these projects in the Hydrological Restoration Activity Report.

Resource Management Plans guide management activities on state forests using a stewardship ethic that assures these resources will be available for the benefit and enjoyment of all people of the state, both present and future. Find out more.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Total Acreage: 2,287 Counties: Putnam

Featured:

Mud Springs Recreation Area

Forestry Home > Forest Management > State Forests >

Welaka State Forest

Location | Natural Features | Recreation | Contacts

Welaka State Forest is located along the east bank of the beautiful and historic St. Johns River. The Division of Forestry maintains the integrity of the natural systems while allowing limited outdoor recreation use and environmental education, especially in the areas of forestry, botany, soils and wildlife ecology. In 1935, under the Federal Resettlement Administration, the United States government started the Welaka Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Project. The Welaka property was later transferred to the University of Florida as a Florida Conservation Reserve for the study of forestry and outdoor wildlife, projects started in the 1940's are still being managed today. Welaka State Forest was acquired for management by the Florida Division of Forestry in 1992 through a transfer of lease from the University of Florida. Map of Welaka State Forest.

Location

Welaka State Forest is located in northeastern Florida, approximately 17 miles south of Palatka, off of U.S. Highway 17. The forest is on State Road 309, 1 mile south of the town of Welaka.

Natural Features

The assortment of functioning ecosystems include wetlands, flatwoods, hammocks, sandhills, and bayheads. A large variety of trees and plant life flourish along the river swamps of the St. Johns River. Mud Spring, empties 13,750 gallons per hour of clear, spring water into a half-mile spring run that flows into the St. John's River.

There are three kinds of flatwoods that grow at Welaka State Forest, you can find an abundance of longleaf pines, slash pines and pond pine. Hammocks (shady places) can be found in wet, moderately wet and dry areas throughout the forest. Sandhills are open habitats dominated by longleaf pines and wiregrass.

Recreation

PHOTO: Welaka State Forest trail.

A series of foot trails offers the public an opportunity to walk and observe wildlife. Mud Spring trail leads the visitor on a two mile self-guided looped walk to Mud Spring Picnic Area. John's Landing trail meanders along old road beds to the St. Johns River. Welaka State Forest contains 2 hiking trails that are included in the Florida Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Hiking Program.

The Sandhill Horse trail was established for equestrian use as well as hiking. All horses must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results when on state lands. Welaka State Forest also manages a 72-horse stable, training arenas and show horse arena, which are all available for rental. Pets are not allowed in the horse facility area or dorms.

PHOTO: Baby owls on Welaka State Forest.

The parking and trailhead for Mud Spring Nature Trail is located on the west side of State Road 309. Access to the Sandhill Horse Trail is from the road which passes the Welaka Training Facility on the east side of State Road 309, parking is located beyond the training facility.

In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Division of Forestry has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about state forest fees and rules.

Developed Trails				Campsites		Other
Hike	Bike	Horse	Canoe	Camp sites	with Electric	Leashed Pets OK	More Activities
Nature Trail	none	Horse Stable	none		none	Hiking trails only on the EAST SIDE of CR 309	Picnicking, Picnic Shelter, Dining Hall (by reservation)