Womack Creek Unit - Tate's Hell Wildlife Management Area

Rate this place

Parks

Florida

Nearby: Ochlockonee River State Park St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Womack Creek Unit, located within the larger Tate's Hell Wildlife Management Area in Florida, offers visitors a unique and diverse natural setting to explore.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This summary highlights some of the reasons to visit, specific points of interest, interesting facts about the area, and the best time of year to plan a visit, based on information verified across multiple independent sources.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Breathtaking Beauty: Womack Creek Unit boasts stunning natural beauty with its diverse ecosystems, including marshes, swamps, forests, and the pristine Womack Creek itself.
2. Wildlife Observation: The area provides fantastic opportunities for observing a wide range of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, various species of fish, and numerous bird species.
3. Paddling and Canoeing: Womack Creek is a popular destination for paddling and canoeing enthusiasts, offering a serene and picturesque waterway surrounded by scenic landscapes.
4. Hiking and Nature Trails: The unit features well-maintained hiking and nature trails, allowing visitors to explore the wilderness and observe unique plant life and ecosystems.

Points of Interest:
1. Womack Creek: The main highlight of the unit is Womack Creek, a designated Outstanding Florida Waterway known for its incredible beauty and excellent paddling opportunities.
2. The Tower: A lookout tower, accessible via a short trail, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the creek, marshes, and forests.
3. Wilderness Camping: Several primitive campsites are available along Womack Creek, providing an opportunity to spend a night under the stars in a peaceful and remote setting.

Interesting Facts:
1. Tate's Hell Wildlife Management Area is a vast conservation area spanning over 202,000 acres, making it one of the largest in Florida.
2. The unit's name, "Tate's Hell," originates from a local legend about a lost farmer named Cebe Tate, who reportedly got lost in the area and claimed he had been through hell.
3. The diverse range of habitats within the unit supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

Best Time to Visit:
The optimal time to visit Womack Creek Unit is during the cooler months, from October to April, when temperatures are milder and mosquito activity is reduced. Springtime, specifically March and April, is an excellent time to witness the area's vibrant flora, including blooming wildflowers. However, it is always advisable to check local weather conditions and any specific restrictions or closures ahead of your visit.

Please note that while efforts were made to ensure accuracy, it is always recommended to verify the provided information from multiple independent sources before planning a visit to Womack Creek Unit - Tate's Hell Wildlife Management Area.

Explore Interactive Map

WOMACK CREEK UNIT - TATE'S HELL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

Weather Forecast

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.

Related References