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Seminole
State Forest
Total Acreage: 25,812
Counties: Lake |
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Please note: In the spring of 2007, wildfires on Seminole State Forest caused several trails to sustain significant damage which required the closure of all recreational areas and trails between SR44 and SR46.
On June 22, the Seminole Tract reopened for all recreational activities and permits will be issued for drive-in access. The trails between SR44 and SR46 have been re-marked and trails impacted from fire lines have been rehabilitated.
The portion of the Florida National Scenic Trial between SR44 and Maggie Jones Road has not been rehabilitated and several miles of re-marking must be completed. The Florida Trail Association is assessing the re-marking needs and DOF will soon be initiating rehabilitation of fire lines.
Contact us for more information.
Seminole State Forest is one of many public properties in the scenic Wekiva River Basin. The forest was purchased by the State of Florida's Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) program.
Since 1990, Seminole State Forest has been managed by the Florida Division of Forestry, with the goal of protecting and maintaining the native biological diversity of the many ecosystems that comprise the state forest, while integrating public use of the resources. Multiple-use management promotes recreation, timber, wildlife, endangered species, environmental education and many other values that benefit Florida's citizens and visitors.
Location
The first entrance is located off of SR 46 approximately 14 miles west of the town of Sanford. Parking areas, entrance gates and trailheads are located at the second entrance which is located west of the Wekiva River on SR 44 in Cassia, approximately 12 miles east of the town of Eustis.
Natural Features
 Florida Scrub Jay |
The distinctive character of Seminole State Forest is it's ecological diversity which includes almost all of the naturally occurring vegetative communities found in Central Florida. There are more than 13 different natural communities, each with unique plants, animals and physical characteristics. A few examples are flatwoods, scrub, blackwater streams and bottomland forests. The forest contained approximately 1,725 acres of sand pine scrub, a rapidly disappearing biological community found predominately in Florida. The scrub provides important habitat for many rare and threatened species such as the Florida Black Bear and Scrub Jay. Other important species include the eastern indigo snake, hooded pitcher plant (Sarracenia minor), scrub bay (Persea humilis) and scrub holly (Ilex opaca var. arenicola).
The Wekiva River, designated an Outstanding Florida Water, creates the forest's eastern boundary. Numerous small streams and springs meander throughout Seminole State Forest before joining Blackwater Creek.
Three named springs, Palm, Moccasin, and Shark's Tooth,
exist on the property.
Recreation
Seminole State Forest offers many recreational opportunities for both the outdoor enthusiast or casual visitor. Parking is available off of SR 44 and SR 46, however, a State Forest Use Permit is required for drive-in access. Permits can be obtained by telephoning or visiting Lake Forest Station. Day use entrance fees are collected at self-service pay stations near the entrance gates.
Single and multiple-use trails provide vast areas for exploration of the varied natural communities and provide connections to approximately 20 miles of multiple-use trails located on the adjacent Lower Wekiva River State Preserve. On Seminole State Forest, over 21 miles of hiking trails have been developed and are maintained by the Florida Trail Association. A 7.5 mile portion of the main Florida Trail begins at SR 46, and crosses the forest to SR 44. Other trails include the 10.6 mile Lower Wekiva Loop and the 3.7 mile Sulphur Island Loop. The Sulphur Island Loop Trail departs from the main Florida Trail. A series of spur trails provide connections to trailheads and parking areas and the adjacent trails on the Lower Wekiva River State Preserve. Four overnight primitive campsites along the trails are for hiking trail users only. Hiking is also permitted on all open roads, unless otherwise posted.
Seminole State Forest contains 2 hiking trails (Lower Wekiva and Sulphur Island) that are included in the Florida Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Hiking Program. Information on this hiking program can be obtained at the trail kiosk by each parking area or by contacting the Florida Division of Forestry.
Twenty-three miles of horse trails are available for day use. Spur trails provide connections between parking areas, three loop trails and the adjacent trails on the Lower Wekiva River State Preserve. Loop trails include the 6.9 mile River Creek Loop, the 7.4 mile Sulphur Island Loop and the 4.5 mile Paola Loop. Access to the trails is provided by step-over gates located at the main entrances. Horse trailer parking areas are also available. Proof of a current negative coggins test is required for all horses. Horseback riding is restricted to trails designated for that use.
Off-road bicycles are permitted on over 25 miles of designated open roads (named roads) and bike trails. Access to the designated open roads is provided by step-over gates located at the main entrances. The open roads system contains areas of packed and sandy roads, to check the current road condition contact the Lake Forestry Station. This woods road system provides a 7 mile connection between the two parking areas and a series of loop and spur roads, access is also provided to the adjacent trails on the Lower Wekiva River State Preserve.
Canoeing on Blackwater Creek provides a glimpse of an undisturbed blackwater stream. Hand launched watercraft are permitted to access Blackwater Creek, north of the concrete bridge on Sand Road. Petroleum fuel motors are prohibited. A picnic table is provided for day use at the canoe launch.
Three primitive campsites with fire rings and picnic tables are available for use by reservation only. Use of these sites requires a user fee and a State Forest Use Authorization. Moccasin Springs Camp will accommodate five people and is located on the bank of Blackwater Creek. Oaks Camp and Jumper Camp are adjacent to open fields and will accommodate up to 20 people.
Hunting and Fishing: Portions of Seminole State Forest are managed as a Wildlife Management Area through the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Visit MyFWC.com/hunting for information.
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. READ MORE
Trails |
Campsites
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Other
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Hike |
Bike |
Horse |
Canoe |
Camp
sites |
with
Electric |
Leashed
Pets OK |
More Activities |
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 * |
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none |
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Picnicking, Fishing, Hunting, Picnic Shelter |
* State Forest Use Permit Required
Contact Us:
Division of Forestry
Leesburg Forestry Station
9610 CR 44
Leesburg, FL 34788
Telephone: 352/ 360-6675 or
352/ 360-6677 or Email Seminole State Forest |
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