Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is named for the narrow ridge that runs north to south through the Florida Peninsula. Millions of years ago, rising ocean levels submerged much of the peninsula, leaving the ridge as isolated islands where plants and animals evolved in seclusion. Today, the scrub ecosystem on the ridge is home to one of the highest concentrations of rare and endangered plants in the continental United States. The forest provides critical habitat for 33 plant species and 36 animal species that are federally or state-listed as threatened or endangered. This includes the Florida Scrub-jay and the Sand Skink, a reptile known for swimming through the sand and leaving an S-shaped trail. Rare and endangered plants in the forest include the pygmy fringe tree, scrub plum, Carter’s mustard, scrub-blazing star and bear grass. We recommend two locations within the forest, Arbuckle Tract and Walk-in-the-Water Tract, which are separated by a 15 minute drive.
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Sites At This Location
Walk-in-the-Water Tract (King Trail)
The Walk-in-the Water Tract is a wild and remote location composed of sandhills, scrub, hardwood hammocks, freshwater swamp and depression marshes. A few sought-after species make birding here quite interesting.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Walk-in-the-Water Tract
The Walk-in-the Water Tract is a wild and remote location composed of sandhills, scrub, hardwood hammocks, freshwater swamp and depression marshes. A few sought-after species make birding here quite interesting. The main entrance at King Trail Gate is a good location for Florida Scrub-Jays; be alert for possible fly-overs of Short-tailed Hawks as well. The Scrub-Jay Trail (2.5 miles) and the Bay Loop Trail (3.6 miles), both of which start on CR 630, wind through scrub frequented by Florida Scrub-Jays, Northern Bobwhites, Great Crested Flycatchers, and Eastern Towhees; scattered wetland pockets here are good for migratory songbirds. Twelve miles of equestrian trails are also available for exploration. Check the boat ramp at Lake Weohyakapka for waterbirds. This property is beautiful, but has few amenities so come prepared.
Site Information
This Site is Free to Enter
View Seasonal Hunting Information
Managing Agency
FL Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service
Operational Hours: sunrise to sunset
Size: 7,021 acres
Entrances
Walk-in-the-Water Tract (Office)
Address: 851 CR 630 E, Frostproof, FL 33843
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Walk-in-the-Water Tract (King Trail)
Address: 851 CR 630 E, Frostproof, FL 33843
Arbuckle Tract
As you drive into this portion of the state forest, watch for Florida Scrub-Jays along the south side of Lake Arbuckle Rd. and along Rucks Dairy Rd. in areas of five-foot tall oak scrub. Stop at the entrance kiosk at the intersection of Rucks Dairy Rd. and School Bus Rd. to pick up a map and a bird list, and proceed to one of the several trailheads along School Bus Rd. On the left (east) side of the road, trails lead through migratory songbird habitat down to Lake Arbuckle, where you can see wading birds, Bald Eagles, Limpkins and migratory ducks. The 22-mile Reedy Creek Trail has two interconnecting loops and multiple trailheads which offer a chance for Short-tailed Hawks. The Lake Godwin flatwoods are a good location for Brown-headed Nuthatches, plus other pineland denizens like Hairy Woodpeckers and Bachman’s Sparrows.
Site Information
Admission Fee Required for Entry
View Seasonal Hunting Information
Managing Agency
FL Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service
Operational Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Size: 13,693 acres
