Tosohatchee consists 28,000 acres of pine flatwoods, palm hammocks, cypress swamps and freshwater marshes that border the St. Johns River for 19 miles in east Orange County, Florida. Visitors can come and see what is considered the largest stand of cypress forest still left uncut in the state of Florida. Over 900 acres of virgin cypress trees can be found growing along Jims Creek. Tosohatchee also has some of the oldest slash pines, some nearly 250 years old.
From Interstate 95, take exit 79 and head west on State Road 50 for about 10 miles. Turn left on Taylor Creek Road and follow the road for about 3 miles. The entrance to Tosohatchee WMA is located on your left just after you cross a wooden bridge.
Also from Interstate 95, you can take exit 75 and head west on State Road 520 for about 15 miles. Turn right on Taylor Creek Road and follow road for about 4 miles. The entrance will be on your right.
The area is open from 8:00 A.M. until sundown, 365 days of the year.
Self-pay (cash or personal check) at the entrance kiosk: $3 per vehicle.
For a laugh check out the notice that was posted at the entrance kiosk several years ago. I guess you can say the park ranger has heard of every excuse for not paying the entrance fee.
Tosohatchee is loaded with history. Everything from time lines, previous land owners, old buildings, abandoned timber railroads, military trails from the Second Seminole War and Indian mounds are covered below.
A 11.3 mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail passes through Tosohatchee. It starts at the end of St. Nicholas Road in Christmas and ends near SR 528 at Yates Road. There's also over 22 miles of white blazed trails, interconnecting yellow trails, blue spur/camp trails and interpretive trails through out Tosohatchee. More than enough to satisfy the avid hiker.
Some of the best places to hike include around Tosohatchee Creek, the Beehead Ranch area and south of SR 520.
Tosohatchee has 3 primitive campsites: Youth Camp, Tiger Branch Camp and Horse Camp. Each campsite is equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, benches and Port-o-lets. Only tent camping is permitted. Campers at the Tiger Branch campsite must leave their vehicles parked at the Youth Camp parking area and backpack in. Horseback riders must leave their trailers at the Horse Camp parking area.
Campers must contact the office at (407) 568-5893 at least 2 weeks in advance, no earlier than 60 days (90 days for the Youth Camp), to make reservations. Camping fees are $4.00 per night per person.
Now for those fisherman out there. Tosohatchee has several fishing spots. The most popular ones are the borrow pits just south of the SR 528. Alligators do hang around these man-made lakes, so swimming is not recommended. The picture on the left is of the borrow pit off of Long Bluff Road now called Lake Charlie. Another popular spot to go fishing is at the end of Power Line Road where it meets the St. Johns River. The picture on the right was taken from that location.
Hunting Schedule 2009 - 2010 Archery Oct. 1 - 4, 8 - 11 Muzzle Gun Oct. 15 - 18, 22 - 25 General Gun Nov. 19 - 22, 27 - 29 Hog Jan. 15 - 21, Feb 12 - 18 Spring Turkey Mar. 20 - 22, Apr. 2 - 4, 16 - 18
File Formats Downloads TopoGraphix ExpertGPS trails.gpx Garmin MapSource trails.mps Google Earth trails.kmz
Prairie Iris, Roundtop St. Johns Wort and Snowy Orchid
Scarlet Hibiscus, Small Butterwort and Bog White Violet
Last updated on 30-Aug-2009 at 8:37 A.M.
