Okaloacoochee Slough

Trail Overview

This is a great beginner's trail or a trail for adventurers who may not be equipped for extreme trails. The trail is within the 32,000+ acre State Forest located between Labelle and Felda off Henry County Road 832. The trails through Okloacoochee Slough wind through a variety of pine/oak hammocks and wetland/marsh areas. The well-maintained and evenly graded trail can be navigated by most street-legal 2WD vehicles. Note that the trail is only open to registered and properly licensed vehicles; unregistered/unlicensed motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, UTVs, etc. are not permitted. There are a few places to stop along the trail to enjoy a break and a picnic. There are also hiking trails to explore if you're up to taking a walk out to the boardwalk overlooking the slough or adventuring into some of the backcountry areas of the forest. There is a daily usage fee of $2 per person. There are no fee drop boxes onsite and you will be required to pay online through the forest website: https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Okaloacoochee-Slough-State-Forest. There is a good chance of observing wildlife along the trails.

Photos of Okaloacoochee Slough

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Difficulty

This is an ideal trail for beginners or those who are not looking to test the limit of their rigs. The road is well-maintained and has wide enough shoulders to allow two vehicles to pass. The road is evenly graded with no deep depressions or wheel ruts. However, during rainy season (typically mid-June through September), some areas near marsh/wetland areas may have some shallow standing water on the hard rock roadway. Also during those months, the shoulders may become soft, so extra care should be taken when pulling onto shoulder areas.

History

The following is from the Forest Pamphlet/Brochure published by the FDACS: "Native American history, logging, rail transport, farming, hunting, and cattle grazing all make up the historical character of Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest. The Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest was purchased with Conservation and Recreation Lands, Save Our Rivers, and Preservation 2000 acquisition funds. The forest offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. There are 38 miles of forest roads open to vehicular traffic, hiking, and bicycling. Other recreational features include hiking trails, an equestrian trail, primitive camping areas, picnic areas, a boardwalk, and an off-road bike trail. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant and the State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Fishing opportunities exist in canals and ponds. This unique assemblage of natural ecosystems across the landscape provides for significant plant and animal diversity. Several threatened and endangered species of wildlife can be found in the State Forest. These include Florida panther, Florida black bear, Everglade snail kite, eastern indigo snake, crested caracara, gopher tortoise, sandhill crane, and wood stork. Many species of upland and wetland plants occur in Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, including several epiphytic (air plant) species. Wildflower viewing opportunities are plentiful."

Technical Rating