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.
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
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 (Mud
Spring and John's Landing) 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.
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.
