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

Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

NOTE:
Walk-in-the-Water tract trail changes...
- Portions of Big Bay Hiking Trail are under development and hikers should check informational kiosks for temporary maps and brochures that show current open trail segments.

- Work to repair designated horse trails damaged by the 2004 hurricane season continues.  Horseback riding is still allowed on the Walk-in-the-Water Tract but riders are advised not to try following "designated," or "blazed" riding trails until the trail restoration is completed in the spring of 2007.  Of course, as always, riders may use any "travel-way" such as two trails, service roads, disc lines, or fire control lines.  Riding cross country, on game trails, or on portions of designated hiking trails is prohibited unless those hiking trail segments overlap service roads.

Lake Wales Ridge State Forest consists of four separate tracts which contain outstanding examples of naturally-functioning ecosystems. Since 1984 portions of the forest have been purchased with Florida's Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) Program funds. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, utilizes a multiple use management system which allows outdoor recreation pursuits while managing the forest resources. Also considered are protection and enhancement of endangered and threatened species, and the maintenance of the natural communities found in the forest. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is a unique, beautiful place where many of Florida's rare and endangered plants and animals flourish.

Location

Natural Features

PHOTO: The threatened scrub lizard is common to the scrubs and sandhills at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, but only found in 10 other counties in Florida.

Lake Wales Ridge State Forest provides a habitat for 24 plants and 19 animals currently having federal or state status as threatened or endangered. This list includes: the scrub jay (a bird found only in Florida's rare scrub areas) and the sand skink (found on high-elevation ridges, they swim through the sand leaving an S-shaped trail). Rare and endangered plants include the pygmy fringe tree, scrub plum, Carter's mustard, scrub-blazing star, and bear grass. Many lakes are accessible from Lake Wales State Forest, Lake Godwin is located in the forest, Lake Arbuckle and Lake Weohyakapka (Walk-In-The-Water) adjoin the forest, and Lake Reedy is located nearby.

Recreation

The Reedy Creek Primitive Campground located on the Arbuckle Tract and the Walk-in-Water Primitive Campground located on the Walk-in-Water Tract are open to the public year round but large groups should get a special use permit. Fishing and canoeing are available year round on the lakes as well as the numerous streams and creeks. Bird watchers might catch a glimpse of a rare or endangered species. Horseback riding is allowed on all roads and fire breaks.

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. We encourage non-hunting recreationists to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting Lake Wales Ridge State Forest.

Wildlife Management Areas are open to regulated Hunting under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and permitted only during designated periods. Visit MyFWC.com/hunting for information. WMA information can be found for the Walk-in-Water WMA and Arbuckle WMA tracts of Lake Wales Ridge State Forest.

Recreational Activities at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

Trails				Campsites		Other
Hike	Bike	Horse	Canoe	Camp sites	with Electric	Leashed Pets OK	More Activities
Nature Trail	none			Primitive for Youth Groups*	none		Picnicking, Hunting

Trailtrotter Program... Explore the forest on horseback.

Trailwalker Hiking Program

This state forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Contact Us