Southwest Florida Water Management District also offers this ...

Green Swamp —
West Tract
(See Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve for overall
information.)
Size
37,350 acres
Access and Parking
• From US 301 in Dade City, follow River Road east
five miles. Parking for river access and hiking trail
on left; equestrians and bicyclists park at main
gate.
• Additional parking off SR 471 at Cumpressco and
McNeil roads; do not block gates.
Hours of Operation
• Daily from sunrise to sunset, except during hunts.
• Property closed to general public during hunts,
except Florida Trail hikers.
Restrooms and Water
No restrooms or water available at entrances.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
• 46 miles of marked shared trails.
Bird Watching
• Site 64 on western section of Great Florida
Birding Trail.
• Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) for more information.
Camping
• Separate primitive camping areas available (see
map)
• Equestrian campsite has portable toilet, water
and 10 picnic tables and fire rings.
• McNeil group campsite —vehicle accessible;
limit of 10 campers; portable toilet.
• Free permit required to camp in all areas.
• Vehicles allowed in group and equestrian
campgrounds with permit.
Equestrian Use
• 60 miles of service roads; trails marked with
white diamonds.
• Well water for horses at barn by main entrance
and equestrian campsite.
• Horse-drawn buggy riding allowed on marked
trails. Permit required.
• Each rider must carry proof of current negative
Coggins test.
Fishing
• Along Withlacoochee River; access best from
River Road.
• Vehicle access from McNeil Road (SR 471)
available by permit.
• Access to other fishing by foot only.
• Fishing and frogging allowed year-round.
• Contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) for license requirements.
Hiking
• 13 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail
maintained by Florida Trail Association.
• 60 miles of additional marked trails.
• 1.5-mile side trail connects to Withlacoochee
River Park.
• Orange blazes denote through trail. Blue blazes
denote side trails. Double blazes denote sharp
turn in trail.
• Be prepared for wet hiking. Some parts of trail
are inundated in all but driest years.
• During hunts, hikers encouraged to wear 500
square inches of blaze orange clothing above
waist.
• For more information, contact Florida Trail
Association at 1-877-445-3352 (FL only), (352)
378-8823.
Hunting
• Special opportunity hunts conducted for archery,
general gun, hog-still, hog-dog and turkey. Also a
small game season.
• Contact FWC for information regarding license
requirements and permits.
• FWC rules and regulations must be observed
throughout year.
• Access during hunts limited to hikers on Florida
National Scenic Trail.
Paddling
• Withlacoochee River offers remote wilderness
experience.
• Canoe launches located at River Road and
Withlacoochee River Park. SR 471 is a more
challenging access point.
• Check water levels — travel is very difficult
during periods of low water. Aquatic vegetation
may impede travel in some areas.
• River campsite at Low Bluff. Primitive camping.
Permit required.
For More Information
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida
Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL
only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Recreation Guide to Southwest Florida Water Management District Lands
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