Recreation (updated
yearly)
In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the
area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following
recreation activities are allowed.
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Jenny Novak
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The Small Game Hunt Area south of U.S. 98 and the Western Sloughs are popular
with squirrel hunters, and many squirrels are harvested in both locations
each year. Hogs are abundant on the area, particularly on the central
portion west of the Wacissa River. Turkey hunters can find good opportunities
on some of the higher areas in the Western Sloughs and along the Aucilla
River sinks south of Goose Pasture Road. Deer are common throughout
the area, but recent census results suggest that they are most numerous
east of the Wacissa River. Some of the areas popular with turkey hunters
should also be productive for deer, due to the abundance of mast producing
tree species.
Jenny Novak
Fishing Hole at Western Slough
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Aucilla WMA offers several different fishing opportunities. The Western
Sloughs are popular with bank fishermen who target redbreast sunfish,
redear sunfish (shellcracker), spotted sunfish (stumpknocker), bluegill
and largemouth bass. The Aucilla River Sinks is a good place to combine
hiking along the
Florida
National Scenic Trail with fishing the numerous sinkholes and river
rises for bream and catfish. The Wacissa River offers many angling opportunities
for various species of bream. Early mornings out of Goose Pasture campground
can be productive for largemouth bass. The Wacissa is one of only a
handful of rivers in north Florida with Suwannee bass, a smaller cousin
to the largemouth bass. This small bass can be distinguished from the
largemouth by its tan coloration with dark brown markings, red eye,
and absence of a notch separating the two sections of the dorsal fin.
Reference the map of Aucilla
(pdf file) for boat ramp locations. Fishing
license information.
The best way to see wildlife on the area is by canoe or kayak early
in the morning or evening or by walking quietly along the Aucilla Sinks
Trail or the trams accessed from Highway 98. This area is part of the Great
Florida Birding Trail. Visit the Wildlife
page for more information about the area's wildlife. You may
also
request a copy or download or print the
Aucilla Bird List -
pdf file.
Ann F. Johnson
Jenny Novak
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According to Elizabeth F. Carter in A Hiking Guide to Florida,
“Searching for the sinkholes makes for a fascinating hike since
the woods are heavily forested with beautiful magnolia, oaks and other
hardwoods.” Along the trail are Chocolate, New, Mosquito Slap,
Hurry Up, Kitchen, Long Suffering, Watts, Frink, Sunshine, Long, and
Break-down Sinks. If you cross Goose Pasture Road and walk .2 miles,
you’ll see Roadside, Overflow Sinks, and the Silver Blaze Tree,
a 1984 commemoration of the completion of a major connection of the
Florida Trail.
For 7.1 miles, from Goose Pasture Road to just short of Walker Springs
bridge, this trail follows the east bank of the Aucilla River. The banks
are high and heavily wooded and the steep gradient and rocky outcrops
produce a number of shoals and ledges.
There are bicycling opportunities along approximately 10 miles of trams within the Western Sloughs area,
accessible from Highway 98.
Harley Means
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View a map of the springs along
the Wacissa.
Twelve major springs feed the Wacissa River as it winds its way through
swampy lowlands. Water is generally clear and the springs may be explored
with snorkel equipment. Access to the springs is by boat. The suggested
trail is 14 miles long, and begins one mile south of Wacissa on SR 59.
More
information and map. Reference the
map
of Aucilla (pdf file) for boat ramp locations.
Doug Alderson
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The dark, clear waters of the Aucilla pass between high limestone banks
and dense hardwood forests in some sections, and swampy areas of cypress
and gums in others. Some rocky shoals and whitewater make this 19-mile
trip moderately strenuous. The "Big Rapid" is a rock-strewn drop of
8-10 feet over about 30 yards. The trail starts one mile south of Lamont
on U.S. Highway 19/27. More
information and map.
Harley Means
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Camping is allowed only along the Wacissa at Goose Pasture campground
except during the General Gun Season. For information contact the Suwannee
River Water Management District (800) 226-1066 (good in Florida
only) or (386) 362-1001. Primitive camping (tents only) is allowed at
designated sites along the Florida Trail.
