Trail Overview
This trail is located within the Green Swamp West Wildlife Management Area. This trail and WMA are open to public access year-round, except during the special-opportunity archery, general gun, and spring turkey seasons. Access is limited to only registered motor vehicles. The use of all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles (side-by-sides), swamp buggies, tracked vehicles, or unlicensed or unregistered motorcycles is prohibited. Vehicles may only be operated on the named and numbered roads. Access during the special-opportunity archery, general gun, and spring turkey seasons requires specific permits purchased through the Florida Wildlife Commission. In addition to the special opportunity hunt permits, it is required to have a current wildlife management area permit as well. The trail is composed of dirt and sand, with some areas of exposed smooth/slick rock cap. Along the trail, areas of soft dirt or sand can be expected. Following rains, the trail can become heavily rutted with some muddy segments. Some narrow segments have steep sloping shoulders that drop off into drainage ditches. Most high-clearance 2WD vehicles could navigate the trail when conditions are dry. When rains are expected or following rain, it is recommended for 4WD only. The trail leads through a variety of landscapes, ranging from pine/oak Hammocks, hardwood swamps, and wetland/marsh areas. Maintenance along the northern end is not to be expected following rains and or storms.
History
These lands are rich with history. They were explored by Hernando De Soto in the 1500s, served as a battleground, base, and critical refuge for the Seminole Indians during the first and second Seminole Wars. This area later became a critical part of Florida’s timber, cattle, and turpentine industries before being declared an area of Critical Concern by the Florida legislature in 1974, which helped to preserve and protect this area.
