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Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner - James R. Karels, Director |
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Total Acreage: 202,437
Counties:
Franklin, Liberty, Wakulla
Tate's Hell State ForestTate's Hell State Forest is one continuous tract of land comprising over 202,000 acres. Conquering this wet and seemingly unproductive area for timber production was the focus of the timber industry from the 1950's to early 1990's. During the 1960's and 1970's, the hydrology was substantially altered in an attempt to establish extensive tracts of pine plantations and to enhance the production of pine timber. These alterations involved the construction of roads and associated ditches, followed by the planting of large dense stands of slash pine that were fertilized with phosphorus and nitrogen. The network of roads has increased public access to the area, making it a popular location for local residents to hunt and fish. To protect the Apalachicola Bay from severe freshwater run-off, the state began purchasing the majority of the property with Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) Program funds in 1994 and has continued to purchase additional lands. LocationTate's Hell State Forest is located in Franklin County, between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee Rivers. The forest extends into the southeast corner of Liberty County, south of the Apalachicola National Forest and 1.5 miles northwest of the town of Carrabelle. Access Tate's Hell State Forest from U.S. Highway 98, County Road 67, or State Highway 65.
Natural FeaturesThe natural resources found on Tate's Hell State Forest are very diverse due to the unique and various natural community types. At one time Tate's Hell State Forest supported at least 12 major community types which included: wet flatwoods, wet prairie, seepage slope, baygall, floodplain forest, floodplain swamp, basin swamp, upland hardwood forest, sandhill, pine ridges, dense titi thickets and scrub. Currently, the forest contains approximately 107,300 acres of hydric communities such as wet prairie (contains a vast diversity of plant species), wet flatwoods, strand swamp, bottomland forest, baygall, and floodplain swamp. Past management practices have disrupted the function of the natural ecosystems on Tate's Hell State Forest. The restoration of these ecosystems is a primary objective of the Division of Forestry.
The predominant hydrologic feature within the state forest is Tate's Hell Swamp, which drains toward Apalachicola River and Bay. The River and Bay are designated as Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWS), and are the highest priority water bodies under the Northwest Florida Water Management District's SWIM Program. The Apalachicola River is designated for recreation and propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well balanced population of fish and wildlife.
Apalachicola Bay is a State Aquatic Preserve
with designated uses such as shellfish propagation and
harvesting. Tate's Hell Swamp plays an important role
in the function of the marshes in the upper bays south
of the forest that serve as nursery areas for Apalachicola
Bay. The Tate's Hell Swamp tributaries to East Bay include
Cash Creek, High Bluff Creek, Rake Creek, Whiskey George
Creek, Juniper Creek and Doyle Creek. The New, Ochlockonee
and Crooked Rivers are the major rivers that adjoin
the state forest. Numerous other creeks flow throughout
the forest including such named creeks as: Alligator,
Bear, Cow, Deep, Fish, Gully Branch, Graham, Sunday
Rollaway, Pine Log, Roberts, Sanborn, Sandbank, Trout,
Womack, and two Juniper Creeks. There are no lakes,
however several ponds have formed in old pits and numerous
natural shallow ponds occur throughout the forest.
RecreationRecreation Trails
Primitive campsites are dispersed throughout the forest. Most sites are on the river banks with canoe/kayak/small boat access and fishing. All sites are $8.00 per night, per site. A special use permit is required for all campsites except the Womack Creek Camping Area. Womack Creek is first come- first serve, with fees deposited in an iron ranger. All stays are restricted to 14 consecutive days in any 30 day period. Camping special use permits and reservations are available at the Carrabelle Office and the Tallahassee Field Office. The entire state forest is a Wildlife Management Area and is open to regulated hunting under the direction of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. During general gun and muzzle loading gun hunting season a State Forest Use Permit is required for primitive camping and is available at the Division of Forestry office in Carrabelle for a fee. Special permits that allows hunt camps for the duration of the hunting season are also available for a fee. Visit MyFWC.com/Recreation for information. In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Division of Forestry has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about state forest fees and rules.
Contact UsCarrabelle Office:
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm- 5:00 pm
Tallahassee Field Office:
Open seven days a week, 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
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