Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

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Parks

Florida

Nearby: Arbuckle Wildlife Management Area Walk-In-The-Water Wildlife Management Area

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is a protected area spanning over 27,000 acres and located in central Florida.

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Summary

It is a unique area in terms of its geography and diverse range of wildlife, with over 20 natural plant communities and over 60 threatened and endangered species found within the forest. The forest is home to several scenic trails, including the popular Arbuckle Tract Trail, which offers stunning views of the forest's landscape.

There are several compelling reasons to visit Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, including its abundant wildlife, beautiful scenic views, and numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, birdwatching, and fishing, among other activities. One of the most popular activities in the forest is birdwatching, with over 180 bird species spotted within the area.

Some of the most notable points of interest in Lake Wales Ridge State Forest include Crooked Lake Prairie, one of the last remaining tracts of dry prairie in central Florida, and the Arbuckle Tract, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the forest's numerous trails, including the Buck Island Trail, which is a great place to spot rare and endangered species such as the Florida scrub-jay.

Interesting facts about Lake Wales Ridge State Forest include its designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, thanks to its unique ecological landscape. The forest is also home to several endangered species, including the Florida panther, gopher tortoise, and eastern indigo snake.

The best time to visit Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is during the cooler months of the year, typically from November to April, when the weather is milder and more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, the forest is open year-round and offers a unique experience for visitors in every season.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.

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