Otter Grade

Trail Overview

This trail is located within the Okaloacoochee Slough and Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The trail leads through the eastern side of Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, where there are a variety of pine/oak Hammocks and wetland/marsh areas. Otter Grade can be narrow and limited to one vehicle passable in some segments. Pull-offs/passing areas may require driving onto dirt/mud shoulders that parallel steep drop-offs into adjacent wetlands or drainage areas. The trail is dirt/gravel that has areas of minor rutting, washboard effects, loose rock, and/or ungraded sections. The trail maintenance levels may be less frequent than some of the more frequently and heavily traveled trails. Therefore following rains and or storms the trail may go unmaintained for some time. There is a daily usage fee of $2 per person. There are no fee drop boxes onsite and will be required to be paid online through the Fees are paid online through Forest website (see the below link). https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Okaloacoochee-Slough-State-ForestSome exceptions may apply to those who hold a current WMA Permit from FWC, check with FWC and download the specific WMA regulations posted on their website. Wildlife observation opportunities abound. This area is part of the Florida Panther habitat. There is a possibility of observing a variety of wildlife (e.g. Whitetail Deer, Wild Hogs, Panthers, Coyote, Bobcats, Cranes, Storks, Water Birds, Bald Eagles, snakes, etc.). There are also active agriculture and ranch operations along the management lands. Cattle may be seen on or along this trail. This is an active WMA, the area has several open hunting seasons starting late summer and extending through Spring.

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Difficulty

The trail is compacted rock and dirt. It is typically not maintained following rain or storms. Some areas of rutting and pond may be encountered. The trail can be narrow and limited to one vehicle wide for passage. Pull-off could be on ledges that drop off into swamp or marsh areas. Other areas may be soft dirt or sand shoulders which could stick 2WD or low clearance vehicles.

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: the 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