Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area

Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area (CWMA) has much to offer with easy access to a variety of native habitats. Enter from Commercial Way (US Hwy. 19) and stop by the informational kiosks for maps and other info about CWMA. Cell service can be spotty once you leave the entrance, so download maps in advance. From the entrance, a series of single-lane, unpaved roads wind for over 23 miles through sandhills, flatwoods, hammocks, and one of the largest and most pristine hardwood swamps in Florida. Parking is allowed anywhere as long as roads and trails are not blocked. Don’t miss the Wild Turkey Trace and Cypress Circle Trails off Indigo Lane. Both are loop trails less than 1 mile long that offer a glimpse of habitats off the beaten path. Pine Warbler, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-shouldered Hawk, Wild Turkey, and Eastern Towhee are commonly observed throughout the year; other possibilities include Northern Bobwhite, Wood Duck, Wood Stork, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Bachman’s Sparrow, Great Crested Flycatcher, and Bald Eagle. Also look for gopher tortoises sunning at their burrow entrances or southern fox squirrels scurrying up an oak tree. A small population of Florida black bears reside in the area so keep a look out for them, or their more commonly seen tracks or scat. Slaty skimmer, phantom darner, and gray-green clubtail are among the dragonfly species recorded here, and summer and fall wildflower blooms attract a wide variety of butterflies and other pollinators. Note that a daily-use fee is required, and seasonal hunting takes place at CWMA. Please visit the website for more information.