Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve: West Tract

The 560,000-acre Green Swamp spans four counties, gives rise to four major river systems and provides much of central Florida’s drinking water supply. The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve’s West Tract (part of the Green Swamp Ecosystem Important Bird Area) is just one component of a 110,000-acre parcel safeguarding the portion of the swamp that gives rise to the Withlacoochee River. The West Tract also provides excellent recreational access to upland pasture, sandhills, cypress domes, riverfront and “Wildcat Swamp.” A series of roads and multi-use trails (more than 90 miles) fan out from the entrance; a bicycle makes the size of this site more manageable. A 1.5-mile connector trail leads to Withlacoochee River Park, and a small boat ramp is located on River Rd. for river exploration. Numerous camping options enable you to extend your visit. The diversity of ducks, wading birds, hawks, woodpeckers and songbirds found here is excellent; watch and listen for Wood Duck, Northern Bobwhite, Limpkin, Sandhill Crane, and Swallow-tailed Kite. Florida black bear live on the property as do numerous butterfly species such as little yellow, dainty sulphur, pearl crescent, and gemmed satyr. Seasonal hunting takes place in the area, Please click here for more information.