Hutton Unit - Blackwater Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Hutton Unit of Blackwater Wildlife Management Area is located in the state of Florida and offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature.
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Summary
There are a number of good reasons to visit this area, including the chance to see a variety of wildlife, such as deer, wild turkeys, and alligators, as well as several bird species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. The Hutton Unit also features a number of hiking trails and fishing spots, allowing visitors to explore the area and enjoy the outdoors.
Specific points of interest in the Hutton Unit include the Pitcher Plant Bog, a unique wetland ecosystem that is home to a variety of carnivorous plants, as well as the Blackwater River, which provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Other notable features of the area include the historic Jackson Cabin, which dates back to the early 1900s, and the Hutton Ranch, which offers visitors a glimpse into the area's ranching history.
Interesting facts about the Hutton Unit include the fact that it is named after the Hutton family, who owned the land for many years before it was acquired by the state of Florida for conservation purposes. The area is also home to a number of threatened and endangered species, including the gopher tortoise and the eastern indigo snake.
The best time of year to visit the Hutton Unit depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and fall are typically the most popular times to visit, as the weather is mild and there are fewer insects. However, summer offers the chance to see a variety of migratory birds, while winter visitors may be treated to the sight of bald eagles and other wintering species.
Overall, the Hutton Unit of Blackwater Wildlife Management Area is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes and wildlife.
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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
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