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Home , Ocala National Forest, Osceola National Forest

for ATVs AND MOTORCYCLEs Apalachicola The Apalachicola National Forest now has designated OHV trails for ATV and off-road motorcycle National Forest enthusiasts. A free map is available, which shows the trailheads, trails, numbers and mixed-use roads. Passes are required to ride these trails. Each rider needs to purchase either an annual or a 3-day pass. Annual passes are available at local Forest Services offices (weekdays) and at Silver early 1.2 million acres in north Lake Recreation Area (Saturday mornings). The 3-day passes are available self service at the OHV and central have been set aside by trailheads. NCongress as national forests. In the early All ATV trails have two-way traffic and some sections are shared with full-sized vehicles. These 1900s, they were referred to as the lands FLORIDA’S Longest FOOTPATH SHORTER TRAILS ON trails are numbered and marked with yellow posts. Many ATV trails are on easy-to-ride old roads, that nobody wanted. The Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) APALACHICOLA NATIONAL FOREST although you can expect to encounter some wet areas. The passage of the Weeks Act in 1911 is more than just a 1,400-mile footpath Motorcycle-only trails are marked with white posts and are for motorcycle use (no ATVs). Many authorized the federal purchase of privately spanning the length of Florida. It’s an escape Munson Hills Mountain Bike Trail – 20 of these trails are on sandy soil and can be very challenging to ride. Access to the trails are from forested or cut over lands to protect streams. into nature where you can refresh, recharge miles, trailheads on SR 363 designated OHV trailheads only. As a result, three national forests were and relax. Roads are marked with brown posts. Only licensed vehicles are allowed on numbered roads (no created in Florida – the Apalachicola, the A 74-mile stretch of the FNST crosses Camel Lake Interpretive Trail – 1 mile, ATVs or off-road motorcycles). Mixed-use roads are roads which have sections which are shared with Osceola and the Ocala. Today these forests the Apalachicola National Forest. From the trailhead at Camel Lake Recreation Area the ATV or motorcycle trails. are very popular with visitors. haunting cypress trees in the Big Cypress Please drive carefully. Trails were not designed for high speed use. Stay on designated trails. National Preserve to the glittering white Trail of Lakes – 5 miles, trailhead at Camel The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits Modern-day national forests are managed for multiple Contact your local Forest Service office or website for a full list of riding regulations. discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis sand beaches of Gulf Islands National Lake Recreation Area uses, so people can recreate and enjoy the great outdoors OHV Information: (866) 607-2016 of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where Seashore, the trail provides glimpses into applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental while protection and care is given to the wildlife and natural Keep it safe Keep it legal Keep on trails Keep the privilege status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, Florida’s vast variety of habitats. From Fort Gadsden Interpretive Trail – ½ mile, resources of the forest. Riding on national forest land is a privilege, not a right. political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an the FNST you can admire longleaf pines trailhead at Fort Gadsden Historical Site individual’s income is derived from any public assistance Camping, boating, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, scenic driving and trail riding are popular By being a responsible rider you are allowing others to ride program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) reaching to the clear blue sky, their scent recreation activities on the Florida forests. Recreational trails are available for hiking, biking, horse here in the future and you are minimizing the impacts on Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for rising from the damp needles under your Leon Sinks Interpretive Trail – 5 miles, communication of program information (Braille, large print, riding, ATV riding and motorcycle riding. the environment. For more information on how you can audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center feet. Relax with the chirp of birds and the trailhead at Leon Sinks Geological Area THE APALACHICOLA NATIONAL FOREST help the environment by riding responsibly, visit www.treadlightly.org at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint knock of a red-cockaded woodpecker on a of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Florida’s largest national forest, the Apalachicola, consists of 567,742 acres just southwest of Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. tall tree. Silver Lake Interpretive Trail – 1 mile, Tallahassee. Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed the Apalachicola a national forest on May 13, 1936. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 The trail is expanding. Throughout trailhead at Silver Lake Recreation Area (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Turpentining and timbering were major industries in the forest at this time. When the U.S. Forest Florida, the Forest Service is actively Service acquired the land, most of the trees had been cut. pursuing the acquisition of land in order Wright Lake Interpretive Trail – 5 miles, O Today the forest abounds with cypress, oak and magnolias in wet, lowland areas. Stands of slash E N TR V A A C to enhance the connectivity of the trail, trailhead at Wright Lake Recreation Area E E and longleaf pines cover the sandhills and flatwoods. The Apalachicola’s rivers and streams provide a L in collaboration with the steady freshwater flow to some of the most productive coastal bays and estuaries known for shellfish and Association. More than 1,000 miles SCENIC BYWAYS for O S U Recreation Guide commercial seafood. C T I D of certified trail have been completed, Automobiles O T H The Apalachicola National Forest is also home to unique savannahs. Savannahs are subtropical O R E and more than 1,000 acres of land have Apalachicola Savannahs Forest Service grasslands scattered with an open canopy of trees and a floor of wiregrass. The forest is Florida 2010 been added to the trail system under the Scenic Byway – 31 miles in Liberty and home to one of the last remaining longleaf pine/wiregrass communities in existence. management of the Forest Service. For more Franklin Counties Longleaf forests were once part of the southeastern landscape from Texas to Virginia, and were very information about the Florida National important to the ecology. Today, the combined acreage of what remains of the longleaf community Scenic Trail, visit www.floridatrail.org or Big Bend State Scenic Byway – 220 miles in Forest Service would only fill an area the size of Virginia. Most of the remaining longleaf can be found in northern call 1-877-HIKE-FLA. Leon, Wakulla, and Franklin Counties Florida and southern Georgia. Recreation Guide R8-RG354 January 2010 Department of Agriculture

leON SINKS Geological Area SAFETY Wildlife Viewing need to be treated and administered Food Storage Come to the fascinating world of Your safety is your responsibility. Before you The Apalachicola National Forest is home antivenin. Stay calm and seek immediate In order to protect the at Leon Sinks Geological Area, located on come: to abundant wildlife from large to small, medical attention at the nearest hospital and other wildlife species, and to promote US 319 in southern Leon County. n Check the weather. Hurricanes, tornadoes common to rare. Alligators, black bears and or medical facility. safe camping in bear country, the U.S. Sinkholes, swales, caverns, natural and flooding do happen on occasion. white-tailed deer are some of the larger Mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects Forest Service implemented a Food Storage bridges, circular depressions and water table n Dress for your sport and for the weather, species. Fox squirrels, armadillos, tortoises are common on the forest. Some insects, Order requiring proper storage and disposal ponds all indicate karst. This term is applied and be prepared for the weather to change. and turtles are some of the smaller species. such as ticks, can transmit diseases. Insect procedures for food, garbage and other to terrain that groundwater and rain have For water activities, wear a life vest. During Birds of all kinds may be found – wild repellent is a must in the summer months. attractants. Attractants include anything changed by dissolving underlying limestone general gun season, wear blaze orange. turkeys, hawks, bald eagles, herons, kites, For restful sleep during mosquito season, having an odor that may attract bears: bedrock. n Participate in your activity with others, warblers and the red-cockaded woodpecker. bring a screened tent. food, beverages, cooking grease, toothpaste, The power of raindrops can change if possible. Tell someone where you will be The many water bodies are home to a toiletries, soap, game meat, pet food, the land dramatically. Visit Leon Sinks and when you are expected back. diverse group of amphibians and reptiles, Be Aware livestock feed or garbage. Geological Area and discover a new SILVER LAKE Recreation Area TRAIL AT TROUT POND n Bring maps, a first aid kit, water, food, including alligators, and a large population Many animals have the ability to inflict As outlined in the order, these items or watch a soaring red shouldered Come visit the largest recreation area on the The GF&A Trail has recently been opened sunscreen and insect repellent. of sport fish like bass, bream serious injury on people, and some, like must be stored in approved bear-resistant hawk glide across a blue sky. Listen carefully Apalachicola National Forest. Silver Lake for use. This 2.4 mile paved bicycle trail n Call your local Forest Service office and catfish. alligators and bears, have the potential to containers, hard-topped vehicles or in for the mournful call of the yellow-billed Recreation Area is located off State Route is located on State Route 363 (Springhill or visit their website to review the rules, Do not disturb wild animals. National kill. Slowly back away from an animal that “food hangs” when not in use. The cuckoo. It is commonly believed this bird 20 on Forest Road 358 in Leon County – Road) in south Leon County. Popular with regulations, fees and permits for the forests are a refuge for wild animals, is a potential threat. Do not swim outside suspension method should be at least call predicts the approach of bad weather. a quiet retreat not far from the bustle of bike riders, joggers, skaters, and dog walkers, activities in which you plan to participate. including dangerous animals like bears of posted swimming areas. 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from An emerald world of plants and trees Tallahassee. A volunteer host lives on site. this trail departs from the newly reopened and venomous snakes. Wild animals can any vertical support. greets you at Leon Sinks. The observation This day use area is open from 8 a.m. to Trout Pond Trailhead. A new flush toilet While you are visiting the forest: be upset by human presence and can Preparations A bear resistant container is a CAMEL LAKE Recreation Area platform at Big Dismal Sink offers a breath- 8 p.m. (6 p.m. in winter). This is a fee area. restroom, water fountain, picnic shelter, n Lock your car. Leave valuables at home. unexpectedly become aggressive. Do not One of the most important preparations securable container constructed of solid, This natural retreat on the shores of Camel taking view of more than 75 different plants Silver Lake has all the elements of a picnic tables, and refurbished fishing dock n Use fire rings, grills or camping stoves. give them a reason or an opportunity to before any forest outing is to learn about non-pliable material capable of withstanding Lake has recreation opportunities for both cascading down the sink’s steep walls. Allow perfect day trip. Three picnic pavilions are available for your enjoyment. A Open fires are not allowed in drought attack. Always keep your distance. your destination. You can visit the forest 200 foot-pounds of energy. When secured day users and camping enthusiasts. It is time for a leisurely stroll in this unique, provide ample space for picnickers looking volunteer host lives on site. This is a conditions. Make sure your fire is out before Do not feed the animals, especially website at http://fs.usda.gov/apalachicola and under stress the container will not have located approximately 12 miles south of natural showcase that offers so many to enjoy the tranquility of the great day use area. There is no fee. you leave. Fireworks are prohibited. alligators and bears. Wild animals should or call a district office or visitor center. any cracks, openings or hinges that would Bristol, off of State Highway 12, on Forest pleasant sights and sounds. outdoors. Tables and grills are provided for n Pack it in, pack it out. Please keep your never be allowed to obtain human food or Forest Service personnel and volunteers can allow a bear to gain entry by biting or Road 105 in Liberty County. For your personal safety and the your cooking convenience. The large WRIGHT LAKE Recreation Area forest litter free. garbage. Wild animals that receive these provide current and site specific information. pulling with its claws. Ice chests, coolers Campers can choose from one of preservation of the sinkhole walls, bathhouse provides swimmers with a hot Wright Lake Recreation Area is a quiet, food rewards just once may become Before you leave make sure someone knows and wooden boxes without metal ten campsites, some with lake views and swimming is not allowed. Help maintain shower after spending time in Silver Lake lakefront retreat that offers a host of Camping aggressive toward humans. To protect where you are going and when you plan reinforcements are NOT bear resistant. electricity. The sites are enhanced with the beauty of Leon Sinks by packing out or lounging on the sandy beach. Hikers amenities and activities for campers and Dispersed camping is permitted throughout people and their property, these animals to return. It is often best to travel with a The forest provides bear-resistant trash fire pits, picnic tables and grills. Both the litter and staying outside of the sinkholes. looking for a short walk will appreciate the day visitors. Wright Lake can be found on the forest, except during general gun season. might have to be destroyed by wildlife companion in case of emergency situations. receptacles for garbage and used items that camping and day use areas have bathhouses A volunteer host lives on site. This is a mile-long interpretive trail, and might catch Forest Road 101, just off of State Route 65 General gun season is usually from mid- managers. You are required to keep human For minor cuts and bruises, bring along may attract animals. Please use these contain- with showers, flush toilets and drinking day use area and fees are collected. glimpses of turtles, alligators, bald eagles or in northern Franklin County. The clear, November through January. During this food and garbage away from wildlife by a first aid kit. Understand basic first aid and ers. Do not burn or bury any attractants, water. songbirds that call Silver Lake home. -fed lake is perfect for fishing and season, for your safety, camping is restricted storing attractants in an approved bear be able to identify the symptoms of heat rather pack out what you packed in. In the heat of summer, visitors will Looking to reel in largemouth bass, brim swimming. For visitors wishing to stay a to designated campgrounds. resistant container, inside a hard-topped exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. appreciate the white sandy beach with a or catfish? Then take to the water in a few days, there are 18 campsites with picnic vehicle or hanging from a tree when Make sure your physical condition meets roped off swimming area, large picnic non-motorized boat and cast your reel. tables, grills, tent pads and fire rings. not in use. the requirements for the activity you are pavilion, fishing opportunities and primitive New at Silver Lake is a trailhead for Restrooms with hot showers, water hook Snakes play a beneficial role in the planning. There is a big difference between boat ramp for non-motorized access to the the OHV trails. Included are a parking lot, ups and a dump station are located in the ecosystem by eating insects and rodents. a one-mile hike and a 10-mile hike. Check lake. trail access to both the ATV and motorcycle campground. Day visitors can enjoy In Florida, there are 45 snake species but the equipment you plan to use before you Camel Lake is open year round from trails and a safety training site (only picnicking under shady trees and the 5-mile only six are venomous. The six species of leave home to make sure it is in good 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (6 p.m. in winter). available for official safety training classes). interpretive trail surrounding the lake. venomous snakes are the southern copper- working order. Florida weather changes A volunteer host lives on-site. Wright Lake is open year round from head, cottonmouth, eastern diamondback constantly, so bring clothes that will with- This is a fee area. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (6 p.m. in winter). A rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, dusky pigmy stand the elements. Remember, rainstorms volunteer host lives on site. This is a fee area. rattlesnake and the eastern coral snake. If can creep up unexpectedly on summer you are bitten by a venomous snake, you afternoons.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL FOR more information Forest Supervisor’s Office INTERAGENCY PASS 325 John Knox Road Apalachicola Ranger District Suite F-100 If you are heading out for a relaxing, P.O. Box 579, Highway 20 Tallahassee, FL 32303 fun-filled vacation on a national forest, Bristol, FL 32321 Phone: (850) 523-8500 remember your Interagency Pass. The pass Phone: (850) 643-2282 Hours: Mon – Thurs 8:00 – 4:00; is good for discounted or free admission at Hours: Mon – Thurs 8:00 – 5:00; Fri 7:30 – 4:00 some Forest Service, Bureau of Land Fri 8:00 – 4:00 Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Wakulla Ranger District Phone: (386) 752-2577 Reclamation sites. 57 Taff Drive Crawfordville, FL 32327 Phone: (850) 926-3561 Phone: (352) 625-2520 Hours: Mon – Thurs 8:00 – 5:00; Fri 8:00 – 4:00 OHV RECORDED INFORMATION (866) 607-2016

WEBSITE: http://fs.usda.gov/apalachicola TDD Relay Service of Florida: 1-800-955-8770