Lochloosa Wildlife Conservation Area

The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission jointly manage this site, which protects the water quality and wildlife within the Orange Creek Basin. Cross Creek Trail is one of two main access points; hike the trail here to the marsh overlook, watching for Osceola Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite and Red-shouldered Hawk along the way. The marsh and Lochloosa Lake host Ring-necked and Wood Ducks, American Coots and a variety of wading birds (American Bittern, Snowy Egret and Tricolored Heron). To reach the Burnt Island parking area and the lake overlook, take the dirt entrance road off US 301, which leads west past cypress domes and hydric hammock. Listen for migrants like Red-eyed Vireo along the way; Bald Eagle and Osprey frequent the lake. Wood Stork, Sandhill Crane, Sherman’s Fox Squirrel and Florida Black Bear occur here as well. This site is also a wildlife management area; seasonal hunting takes place, please click here for more information.