Total Acreage: 202,437
Counties:
Franklin, Liberty, Wakulla
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Tate's Hell State Forest
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Tate'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.
Location
Tate'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 Features
The 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.
PHOTO: Bald Eagle |
Many species of wildlife make their home
on the forest. Those with confirmed sightings on Tate's
Hell State Forest that are currently listed as threatened,
endangered or species of special concern are: bald eagle,
Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and red-cockaded
woodpecker. Rare plant species living on the forest
include: Thick-leaved Water-willow (Justicia crassifolia),
White Birds-in-a-nest (Macbridea alba), Florida Bear
grass (Nolina atopocarpa), Chapman's Butterwort (Pinguicula
planifolia), and Small-flowered Meadow beauty (Rhexia
parviflora).
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.
Several unique stands of cypress wetlands are located within the forest. These cypress trees are documented to be over 150 years old but only reach a mature height of approximately 15 feet, hence the name "dwarf cypress". They are also referred to as "miniature" or "hat-rack" cypress. The Ralph G. Kendrick Boardwalk offers an observation tower overlooking one of the most prolific areas. |
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.
The Legend of TATE'S
HELL...
A tale that has been told for many years
recounts how Tate's Hell Swamp got its name. Local legend has it that a farmer by the name of
Cebe Tate, armed with only a shotgun and accompanied
by his hunting dogs, journeyed into the swamp in
search of a panther that was killing his livestock.
Although there are several versions of this story,
the most common describes Tate as being lost in
the swamp for seven days and nights, bitten by a
snake, and drinking from the murky waters to curb
his thirst. Finally he came to a clearing near Carrabelle,
living only long enough to murmur the words, "My
name is Cebe Tate, and I just came from Hell!" Cebe Tate's adventure took place in 1875 and ever
since, the area has been known as Tate's Hell, the
legendary and forbidden swamp. |
Recreation
Tate's Hell State Forest offers a variety
of recreation activities for the outdoor enthusiast. There
are 35 miles of rivers, streams and creeks available for
canoeing, boating and fishing. A concrete boat launch
site is located at Cash Creek, with additional launch
sites available at locations throughout the forest. Fishing
requires a valid license and is regulated under the direction
of the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Picnicking at one of the many day use areas is a popular activity on the forest.
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/hunting 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.
Trails |
Campsites |
Other |
Hike |
Bike |
Horse |
Canoe |
Camp
sites |
with
Electric |
Leashed
Pets OK |
More Activities |
 Nature |
none |
none |
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Primitive*
Youth Groups* |
none |
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Picnicking, Fishing, Swimming, Hunting,
OHV Trails |
* State Forest Use Permit Required
Contact Us
Carrabelle Office:
Open Monday through Friday,
8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm- 5:00 pm
- Division of Forestry
Tate's Hell State Forest
290 Airport Road
Carrabelle, FL 32322
Telephone: 850/ 697-3734 - Fax: 850/ 697-2892 or
Email Tate's Hell State Forest
Tallahassee Field Office:
Open seven days a week,
7:30 am – 7:00 pm
- Division of Forestry
- Lake Talquin State Forest
865 Geddie Road
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Telephone: 850/ 488-1871
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