Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area is located in northern Florida and covers over 11,000 acres of land.
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Summary
It is known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Some good reasons to visit Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area include its vast array of wildlife, which includes various species of birds, deer, alligators, and more. The area is also home to several hiking trails and fishing areas, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities.
Specific points of interest to see in Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area include the Lochloosa Creek Trail, which is a popular hiking trail that runs along the creek and offers scenic views of the surrounding area. The area is also home to several fishing spots, including Lochloosa Lake, which is known for its abundance of bass and catfish.
Interesting facts about the area include its history as a major hunting and fishing destination for Native Americans and early settlers, as well as its role in preserving the natural habitat of the Florida scrub-jay, a threatened species of bird that is native to the area.
The best time of year to visit Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area is during the fall and winter months when the weather is cooler and the wildlife is more active. Visitors should be aware that the area can become crowded during peak season, so it is recommended to plan ahead and arrive early to ensure a good spot for fishing or hiking.
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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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Grove Park Wildlife Management Area
Bird Island Audubon Society Sanctuary or Preserve
Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve
Little Orange Creek Nature Park
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Deer Back Lake
Redwater Lake
Lake Ocklawaha