Osceola National Forest

Osceola National Forest
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources)
Location	Florida, USA
Nearest city	Olustee, FL
Area	190,932 acres (77,267 ha)
Established	July 10, 1931
Governing body	U.S. Forest Service
www.fs.usda.gov/florida

A Pine woods tree frog in the Osceola National Forest

Mushrooms in the Osceola National Forest

Osceola National Forest is an American National Forest located in Florida.

Osceola National Forest was created by President Herbert Hoover's proclamation, on July 10, 1931. It is named in honor of the Native American Seminole warrior, Osceola.

The forest is made up of approximately 200,000 acres (810 km²) of pine flatwoods and cypress-hardwood swamps in northeastern Florida and is about 50 miles (80 km) west of Jacksonville. It is located in parts of Columbia, Baker, Bradford, and Hamilton counties. The forest is headquartered in Tallahassee, as are all three National Forests in Florida, but there are local ranger district offices located in Olustee. There is one officially designated wilderness area in the forest, the 13,660 acres (55.3 km²) Big Gum Swamp Wilderness.

Geography and ecology

Within the forest is the Osceola Research Natural Area, designated a National Natural Landmark in December 1974.

Osceola National Forest is home to many species including the American Alligator, the Florida Black Bear and the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, an endangered species.

Activities

A 28-mile (45 km) section of the Florida National Scenic Trail is included in the park grounds. Other hiking trails in the Park include: Olustee Battlefield Trail (an American Civil War battlefield), Trampled Track Trail, and Mt. Carrie Trail. There are two horseback riding trails through open pine flatwoods and near scenic bays. The park is also open to hunters and fishermen with permits.

Campsites

• Ocean Pond Campground - Ocean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1,760-acre (7.1 km²) natural lake. Sixty-seven campsites are available for tents, trailers, or motor homes. Ocean Pond provides a variety of recreational experiences such as fishing, boating, water skiing and camping. A beach area, boat ramp, drinking water, hot showers, and flush toilets are located in the campground.

• The Landing Group Area - Available by reservation only, this is a 50 person private group area. Recreational activities include swimming, boating, camping, and picnicking. Facilities include a sand beach, boat launch for small boats, picnic shelter, large group grill, and restrooms with showers.

• Hunt Camps - Hunt camps include Hog Pen Landing, Cobb, Wiggins, West Tower, and East Tower. These are primitive camp sites.

See also

• Apalachicola National Forest
• Ocala National Forest

External links

• Osceola National Forest
• Florida Scenic Trail
• Great Florida Birding Trail