Main Grade

Trail Overview

This trail is located within the Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA), also known as Green Swamp East. Access is limited to specific periods of the year. Some of those periods require special quota permits issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). Public access is limited to periods open for scouting or hunting, and during fishing and frogging season. Verify those dates with the FWC, as they may change each year or season. The area is also accessible during periods open to camping. Again, verify with the FWC website regarding those dates, as they are subject to change. Utilizing the area requires a WMA permit, which currently is $50 per individual. This permit is applied for and is obtained through the FWC. In addition to the WMA permit, certain periods, as mentioned above, may require the possession of a limited-entry quota permit. Only registered street-legal vehicles are permitted access when opened for vehicular traffic. Main Grade is a scenic, hard-packed limerock road through the deeply forested area. Many mature oak and hardwood trees line the trail and provide a shaded canopy drive for the majority of the trail. The trail travels through a variety of ecosystems, ranging from longleaf pine sandhills, upland hardwoods, herbaceous wetlands, pine flatwoods, hardwood swamps, and floodplain marsh areas. The trail may have segments that may have washboard effects, potholes, rutting, or loose rock. Some minor standing water may be encountered following rain events. The trail is two vehicle wide. Pull-offs along the road to explore many of the crisscrossing trails may be soft and yielding, which could stick a low-clearance or 2WD vehicle.

Photos of Main Grade

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Difficulty

Mostly a hard-pack rock Forest Service road, typically unmaintained after rain or storm events. May encounter shallow water crossings and obstacles less than 12 inches, including small ledges. Trails are typically one to two vehicles wide.

Technical Rating

Main Grade can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV