Managed in cooperation with
Florida Division of Forestry |
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Anne Malatesta, Florida Division of
Forestry |
Walk-In-The-Water WMA consists of nearly 6,000 acres on CR 630,
2 miles east of Frostproof in Polk County. Part of the Lake
Wales Ridge State Forest, the area was purchased under Florida’s
Conservation and Recreation Lands program to protect fast
disappearing scrub communities, which are home to many rare
plants and animals. Pictured is the endangered scrub plum, one
of the first scrub plants to bloom, flowering in January or
February before its leaves open. Access to this area is by foot only. Parking
is available at most trailhead locations around the perimeter of
the tract. The trail leading from the entrance at King
Trail Gate is a good place to see
scrub-jays and some visitors may be fortunate enough to see
short-tailed hawks. On this area, quota hunt permits are
required for all hunts except for the small game hunt. The area is part of the
Great
Florida Birding Trail. Camping is
permitted at designated campgrounds. Camping is permitted at
other sites by special-use permit issued by the Division of
Forestry. A daily fee is required. For information, call the
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest at (863) 635-7801. There are
no interior roads open for vehicular use. Horses may be ridden
on firebreaks, named or numbered roads, or designated horse
trails. Horses are prohibited on hiking trails and during
hunting seasons, except during the Small Game
Season. |
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