Fort White - Visitor Information

Fees

No Daily-Use Permit currently required.

Facilities

Amenities at Fort White include a small parking area, interpretive kiosk, and approximately three miles of trails.

Recreation

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:

Hunting

Archery, small game and spring turkey hunts are available on the area. The archery and spring turkey hunts require quota permits, but small game does not. Temporary parking lots will be available to hunters on the area to make the more remote portions of the area within easier walking distance. Deer and turkey hunting is fair, but portions of the area that border the Santa Fe River provide excellent habitat for gray squirrels.

Fishing

Bank fishing is permitted in the Santa Fe River; access is provided just south of the parking area. Expect catches of Suwannee and black bass, redbreast and spotted sunfish. Canoes and kayaks may be launched here. Motorboat access is available at many public boat ramps in the area. To fish, you must possess the appropriate license and permit.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is most productive along the three miles of marked trails that loop through the sandhills and along the floodplain of the Santa Fe River. Look for gopher tortoises and Sherman's fox squirrels in the oak and pine dominated sandhills. Barred owls, red shouldered hawks and migratory warblers frequent the cypress, gum and red maples found in the floodplain forest.

Hiking
Hikers may follow three miles of marked trails through the upland sandhills community and forested floodplain of the Santa Fe River. Trail brochures are available at the entrance kiosk.

Paddling

The spring-fed Santa Fe River is a popular paddling route suitable for beginners. There are many public boat ramps and canoe launches along its journey through surrounding counties. At Fort White, river access for canoes and kayaks is available near the parking area.

Public Access

The area is open to public access year round from 1 1/2 hours before sunrise until 1 1/2 hours after sunset, except during archery and spring turkey seasons, when only persons participating in the hunt are allowed. All persons must enter and exit through a designated entrance.

Hunting Regulations and Maps 

• Motorized vehicular access is prohibited except when allowed in the designated parking areas during hunting seasons.
• Horses are prohibited.
• Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
• Bicycles may only be ridden on well-defined roads, trails and firebreaks.

Rules Regarding Dogs

• For purposes other than hunting, dogs are prohibited.
• Hunting dogs are prohibited, except that bird dogs are allowed during the small game seasons and dogs on a leash may be used for trailing wounded game. Dogs are prohibited in areas posted as "Closed to Public Access" by FWC administrative action. No person shall allow any dog to pursue or molest any wildlife during any period in which the taking of wildlife by the use of dogs is prohibited.

Location

Located 24 miles west of High Springs off CR 138 and NE 2nd Way in Gilchrist County. From Fort White, travel south on SR 47 for about 5 miles to CR 138. Turn right (west) and go 4.5 miles to a right hand turn on NE 2nd Way. Follow this road about 4 miles to its end in Fort White at the Santa Fe River.

View a location map

Nearest Cities/Towns

High Springs (24 miles southeast), Fort White (13.5 miles east), Branford (15 miles northwest).