Throughout the course of its work, the District buys land to protect and preserve water resources. Approximately 430,000 acres of land are managed by its Bureau of Land Resources and the many diverse conservation areas cover a wide range of landscapes, from coastal marshes, lakes, rivers and isolated wetlands to maritime forests, pine flatwoods, sandhills, live oak hammocks and open fields. These properties all play a vital role in the protection of our water resources, but they also help to conserve our natural ecological communities, protect critical wildlife habitats and provide outdoor spaces for public recreation and environmental education.
February and March provide mild weather, which makes it the perfect time to discover the outdoors, and with 42 properties containing over 530 miles of multi-use trails spread throughout the District’s 18-county service area, a prime hiking spot is just a short drive away. Each property offers passive recreational activities where visitors can experience a piece of undeveloped Florida. Users can dedicate as much time as they want, whether that’s an hour or two strolling on a short trail or a couple of days hiking and camping at a primitive tent campsite. The best part is District lands are free to enter, and the majority are open for non-vehicular recreational activities 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Whether you’re new to hiking or an outdoors enthusiast, you should plan accordingly before visiting a District property. Drinking water, sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable shoes are all essentials. Most District lands are remote, open areas, and while they are popular, they aren’t typically crowded. This means you’re more likely to see wildlife such as birds, turtles, alligators or even black bears or bobcats, depending on the time of year and location. Properties are maintained to preserve their natural environment, allowing for solitude and tranquility with limited facilities and infrastructure.
The biggest question is, where should you hike first? You can see which properties are close to you by viewing the District lands map. Once you’ve decided on a location, check out the recreation website, where you’ll find information such as property descriptions, driving directions, and downloadable trail maps. You can even see your exact location on the property while you explore by downloading a PDF mapping app of your choice, such as Avenza, to your smartphone.
Still looking for inspiration? Check out these suggestions from the District’s land managers:
North Region Land Manager Tyler Mosteller recommends the white and red trails at Black Creek Ravines Conservation Area in Clay County. The white trail overlooks one of the ravines that traverses the property, which is unique to north Florida. The red trail ends at a bluff along Black Creek, which is about 30 feet above the creek, providing a breathtaking view.
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