Summary
This area spans over 10,000 acres and offers visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the diverse flora and fauna found in the region.
One of the main reasons to visit Spirit-Of-The-Wild Wildlife Management Area is the abundance of wildlife that can be observed in their natural habitat. The area is home to various species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcats, alligators, and numerous bird species, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography. The area also provides an opportunity for fishing, with lakes and marshes that are stocked with bass and panfish.
There are several specific points of interest within the Spirit-Of-The-Wild Wildlife Management Area. One notable attraction is the Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail, a 7.1-mile hiking trail that winds through pristine wetlands, offering picturesque views and the chance to spot wildlife. The trail is known for its wooden boardwalks, which provide access to otherwise impassable areas.
Interesting facts about the Spirit-Of-The-Wild Wildlife Management Area include its historical significance. The area was once part of a ranch owned by cattleman Jacob Summerlin, who was renowned for his role in shaping the livestock industry in Florida. The Spirit-Of-The-Wild Wildlife Management Area was established in 1995 to preserve and protect the natural resources and wildlife in the region.
The best time of year to visit the Spirit-Of-The-Wild Wildlife Management Area is during the cooler months, between November and April when temperatures are more moderate. This time of year allows for enjoyable outdoor activities like hiking and photography, without the intense heat and humidity that Florida experiences during the summer.
In conclusion, Spirit-Of-The-Wild Wildlife Management Area is a captivating destination in Florida that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature. With its diverse wildlife, iconic hiking trails, and historical significance, it provides an enriching experience for anyone seeking to explore the natural beauty of the area.
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