Summary
The area spreads over 3,500 acres and is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including alligators, black bears, bald eagles, and white-tailed deer. The management area is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching.
One of the most popular activities at Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area is hiking, with several trails available for visitors of varying skill levels. The trails lead through lush forests, wetlands, and prairies, offering hikers the opportunity to spot wildlife and enjoy the peaceful scenery. There are also designated fishing areas for anglers looking to catch largemouth bass and other fish species.
Visitors to the area can also take part in hunting activities during the designated hunting season. The wildlife management area is known for its abundant deer and turkey populations, making it a popular destination for hunters.
Interesting facts about Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area include its location on the eastern edge of the Green Swamp, which is one of the largest wetland areas in the state of Florida. The management area is also home to several rare plant species, including the Florida golden aster and the scrub holly.
The best time of year to visit Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area is during the fall and winter months when the weather is cooler and the wildlife is more active. Spring is also a great time to visit, as the area is filled with blooming wildflowers and migratory birds.
In summary, Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful and diverse wetland area in Florida, offering visitors an array of outdoor activities and opportunities to experience Florida's unique wildlife. With its beautiful hiking trails, fishing areas, and hunting opportunities, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Chandler Slough East Campsite
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Yates Marsh North
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Yates Marsh South
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