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Wakulla State Forest
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Total Acreage: 4,219
Counties: Wakulla, Leon |
Wakulla State Forest is composed of one main tract in Wakulla County and one smaller tract in Leon County. Since 1999, Wakulla State Forest has been managed by the Division of Forestry using the multiple-use concept, which balances environmental, recreational and resource use needs. Emphasis is given to preservation of water quality by protecting the conduits that lie below the state forest and supply Wakulla Springs, ecosystem restoration, and outdoor recreation.
Location
 The main body of Wakulla State Forest is located in the northeastern portion of Wakulla County, approximately five miles northeast of Crawfordville and six miles south of Tallahassee city limits. The Woodville Tract of the state forest is located in southern Leon County.
History
The majority of Wakulla State Forest's acreage was sold by the St. Joe Corporation to the State of Florida between the years 2001-2003. Approximately 187 acres were purchased from private landowners with state funds. State funds used to acquire Wakulla State Forest include Conservation and Recreation Lands, Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever Funds.
The 73 acre Woodville Tract of Wakulla State Forest was acquired by Tax Deed in 1946.
Prior to state ownership, much of the land's timber was removed in the mid-1980's and replanted. In the past the primary objective for the land was growing timber.
The primary purpose of acquisition by the State of Florida was to preserve the quality of Wakulla Springs by protecting the land above the ground conduits that supply the springs. Since taking management of Wakulla State Forest, the Division of Forestry has emphasized protecting water quality of Wakulla Springs, ecosystem restoration, and outdoor recreation.
Natural Features
 Wakulla is believed to be named after the Timucuan Indian word for “spring of water” or “mysterious water”. This is referenced to Wakulla County most famous natural attraction, Wakulla Springs. |
The natural resources found on Wakulla State Forest are very diverse due to the unique and various natural community types. At one time Wakulla State Forest supported at least 8 major community types which included: upland hardwood forest, upland mixed forest, sandhill, hydric hammock, floodplain swamp, basin swamp, dome swamp, and depression marsh.
Currently, the forest contains approximately 2,500 acres of pine plantation. Past management practices have disrupted the function of the natural ecosystems on Wakulla State Forest. The restoration of these ecosystems is a primary objective of the Division of Forestry. Many species of wildlife make their home on the forest. There have been no confirmed sightings on Wakulla State Forest of species that are currently listed as threatened or endangered however there have been confirmed sighting of species of special concern. The habitat of the gopher tortoise and Sherman’s fox squirrel, species of special concern, will be enhanced by sandhill restoration and regular prescribed burning. These practices may also benefit many other sandhill species which although not observed on Wakulla State Forest, may migrate in and increase the numbers as their habitat is restored.
McBride Slough is the major watershed drain through the forest. It combines with two small springs then flows under State Road 267 and joins the Wakulla River in just over a mile. Wakulla State Forest is within the Wakulla Springs aquifer. A portion of the forest is part of the watershed groundwater recharge area for Wakulla Springs, one of the largest single vent freshwater springs in the world.
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Springs and sinkholes can be found throughout Wakulla State Forest. A spring is a point where underground water emerges onto the Earth’s surface. A sinkhole is a landform created by subsidence of soils, sediment or rock as underlying strata is dissolved by groundwater. |
Recreation
A wide variety of recreational opportunities await visitors to Wakulla State Forest. Hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, birding and nature study can be enjoyed using existing service roads, old road beds and established trails.
Explore a range of different ecosystems and enjoy the stunning views of Wakulla State Forest on the Wakulla State Forest Trail System. This recreation area features one designated Trailwalker and one Trailtrotter trail.
• The Nemours Hiking Trail loop is a 1.75 mile trail which traverses through a mixed pine/hardwood forest, pine plantation, early succession wildlife clearing, and a hardwood/cypress slough. Get Directions
• The Double Springs Mulit-Use Trail loop is 4.5 miles in length. Riders and hikers should expect an amazing trail that will include low water crossings, inclines, and winding trails. Get Directions
For those hikers and riders who prefer exploring off the marked trails, nineteen miles of service roads transect the Wakulla Tract as well as a series of service roads located on the Woodville Tract.
Picnicking is available at the parking area pavilion located off of SR 267 and also at the parking area on the Woodville Tract off of highway 363.
Wakulla State Forest is open to regulated hunting under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. We encourage non-hunting recreationists to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting Wakulla State Forest. Hunting on Wakulla State Forest is limited to a primitive hunt and only archery/muzzle loading is allowed during deer season. Modern shotgun use is allowed during small game and spring turkey season. 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. Find about more about state forest fees and rules.
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Timber Management
Timber management practices on Wakulla State Forest are important to the restoration and maintenance of forest ecosystems and provide a variety of socio-economic benefits to Floridians. Harvesting activities follow the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services guide to Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Often tree planting occurs after a site has been harvested. Reforestation efforts provide a continuous supply of wood produce, aid in converting pine plantations into their natural community types, and promote wildlife habitat.
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, returns 15% of the revenue obtained from timber harvest, recreation, and other income producing services to Wakulla and Leon Counties.
Wildlife and Game Management
Wildlife habitat management is of crucial importance on Wakulla State Forest and is an important consideration whenever other management decisions are made. Prescribed burning is an important wildlife management tool and is used on portions of the forest between a 3 to 5 year rotation. Prescribed burning management mimics natural fires, keeping the ecosystem healthy and benefiting wildlife by encouraging the growth of wildlife food producing plants.
Wakulla State Forest is currently a Wildlife Management Area and is open to regulated hunting under the direction of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Hunting on Wakulla State Forest is limited to a primitive hunt and only archery/muzzle loading is allowed during regular deer season. Modern shotgun use is allowed during spring turkey season. Only the Wakulla Tract is open to hunting. The Woodville Tract is closed to hunting. We encourage non-hunting recreationists to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting Wakulla State Forest.
Contact Us
Division of Forestry
Wakulla State Forest
3674 Bloxham Cutoff Road
Crawfordville, FL 32327
Telephone: 850/ 421-3101 or
Email Wakulla State Forest
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