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Total Acreage: 26,579
Counties: Polk
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest consists of four separate tracts which contain outstanding examples of
naturally-functioning ecosystems. Since 1984
portions of the forest have been purchased with Florida's
Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) Program funds.
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,
Florida Forest Service, utilizes a multiple use management
system which allows outdoor recreation pursuits while
managing the forest resources. Also considered are protection
and enhancement of endangered and threatened species,
and the maintenance of the natural communities found
in the forest. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is a unique,
beautiful place where many of Florida's rare and endangered
plants and animals flourish.
Location
The Walk in the Water Tract is located 2 miles east
of the town of Frostproof on County Road 630. Access
to the Walk in the Water Tract is obtainable on foot
only. Parking is available at most of the trailhead
locations which can be found at various points around
the perimeter of the tract.
The Arbuckle Tract is located 5 miles south of the town
of Frostproof on Lake Arbuckle Road. Access to the Arbuckle
Tract is through the main entrance on Lake Arbuckle
Road.
Natural Features
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest derives its name from the narrow ridge which runs north and south through the Florida Peninsula. Many years ago ancient ocean levels rose and covered nearly all of the present-day Florida peninsula isolating the Ridge as an island upon which the plants and animals on this ridge continued to evolve in isolation. Today the scrub ecosystem that thrives on the ridge may have the highest concentration of rare and endangered plants in the continental United States.
PHOTO: The threatened scrub lizard is common to the scrubs and sandhills at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, but only found in 10 other counties in Florida.
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest provides a habitat for 24 plants and 19 animals currently having federal or state status as threatened or endangered. This list includes: the scrub jay (a bird found only in Florida's rare scrub areas) and the sand skink (found on high-elevation ridges, they swim through the sand leaving an S-shaped trail). Rare and endangered plants include the pygmy fringe tree, scrub plum, Carter's mustard, scrub-blazing star, and bear grass. Many lakes are accessible from Lake Wales State Forest, Lake Godwin is located in the forest, Lake Arbuckle and Lake Weohyakapka (Walk-In-The-Water) adjoin the forest, and Lake Reedy is located nearby. Recreation
The forest offers many recreational opportunities for the rugged outdoor enthusiast as well as the occasional visitor. Hiking trails cross a variety of terrains from forest wetlands to ancient, dry scrub communities. The State Forest contains 4 hiking trails that are included in the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program. Hikers can take advantage of the numerous hiking trails, which include 20 miles of the Florida Trail. Primitive camping is allowed at two designated sites on the trail, groups require a State Forest Use Permit which can be obtained from the forest office. Be sure to carry enough water, as there is no drinking water available on Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. Polk County operates a public, full facility campground on Lake Arbuckle at the end of Lake Arbuckle Road.
The Reedy Creek Primitive Campground located on the Arbuckle Tract and the Walk-in-Water Primitive Campground located on the Walk-in-Water Tract are open to the public year round but large groups should get a special use permit. Fishing and canoeing are available year round on the lakes as well as the numerous streams and creeks. Bird watchers might catch a glimpse of a rare or endangered species. Horseback riding is allowed on all roads and fire breaks.
In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about state forest fees and rules.
Hunting and Fishing: Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) are open to regulated hunting under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and permitted only during designated periods. We encourage non-hunting recreationists to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting Lake Wales Ridge State Forest.
July, 2012- June, 2013 Hunting Dates for Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
| Season |
Arbuckle WMA |
Walk-In-Water WMA |
| Archery |
Oct. 13 - Nov. 2, 2012 |
Sep. 29 - 30, 2012 and
Oct. 1 - 14, 2012 |
| Muzzleloading Gun |
Dec. 8 - Dec. 16, 2012 |
Dec. 1 - Dec. 9, 2012 |
| Wild Hog - Still Season |
n/a |
Jan. 12 - Jan. 20, 2013 |
| Small Game |
Jan. 5 - 6, 2013 and
Jan. 26 - 27, 2013 |
Feb. 2 - 10, 2013 and
Feb. 23 - Mar. 3, 2013 |
| Spring Turkey |
Mar. 19 - 21, 2013 and
Apr. 2 - 4, 2013 |
Mar. 26 - 28, 2013 |
FWC's Hunting Regulations and Season Dates
Recreational Activities at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
| Trails |
Campsites
|
Other
|
Hike |
Bike |
Horse |
Canoe |
Camp
sites |
with
Electric |
Leashed
Pets OK |
More Activities |
 Nature Trail |
none |
|
|
Primitive for
Youth Groups* |
none |
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Picnicking, Hunting |
* State Forest Use Permit Required
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Florida Forest Service