Seminole State Forest
Lake County, Florida
The Seminole State Forest is located in Lake County within the Wekiva River Basin. The 12,098 acres, formerly slash pine plantations and cattle ranches were purchased with State CARL Funds. The Forest contains many different ecosystems including 1,725 acres of the rapidly disappearing sand scrub community, which is natural habitat for the threatened Florida Black Bear and Scrub Jay.
The forest is managed by the Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry. The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission is a cooperating agency and is responsible for wildlife management. The orange, blue and white hiking trails are maintained by The Florida Trail Association volunteer members.
TRAILHEADS: Entrance gates with parking and self-pay stations are located at the south end just east of the Wekiva River bridge off SR 46 and at the north end just off SR 44 on Brantley Branch Road (turn at the Boggy Creek Camp sign)
ACCESS: Day use is from sunrise to sunset. The forest utilizes the multiple-use concept with designated hiking trails and horse trails. Bicycles are permitted only on designated roads. Canoeing, hunting, and camping require permits. Swimming, ATV’s, and motorcycles are not allowed in the forest. Pets must be on a leash.
HIKING TRAILS: The North-South Thru-Trail from SR 46 to SR 44 is 7 miles and blazed orange. The Lower Wekiva Loop is 9 miles with white blazes. The Sulfur Hill Loop is 3 miles with blue blazes. The NW Spur has been reclaimed and is now accessible. It is blazed yellow. This portion of the trail finishes at SR 44. Parking is available in the grassy triangle at the intersection of 44 & 44A.
For further information about the Forest contact:
Lake Forestry Station (352) 360-6675
To FTA Highlanders Chapter Officers
To Photo Galleries: Activities John Weary Memorial