The
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve covers 110,000 acres of east Pasco and west
Sumpter County. The Green Swamp West Tract is a 37,350 acre portion of the
Preserve located entirely in Pasco County. The Withlacoochee River, whose
headwaters originate in the Green Swamp, flows for 36 miles through the Preserve
on its 110 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Three other rivers originate from
this area ... the Oklawaha River, the Hillsborough River, and the Peace River.
The Green Swamp West Tract is also a wildlife management area that permits
limited hunting.
It might come as a surprise that most of the area covered by the "Green Swamp"
is not really swamp land. Although portions are subject to seasonal flooding, a
large part of the preserve is upland hardwoods, pine flatwoods, and open prairie
land. Cypress and floodplain swamps do, of course, play a large role here - but
don't let the name deter you from coming to explore this vast mosaic of natural
communities.
The Green Swamp West Tract is probable most popular with three groups of people
... hikers, kayakers, and hunters. Hikers will appreciate the many miles of
marked trails, including the 20 mile long Green Swamp Trail - 13 miles of which
are part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Kayakers can launch near the
entrance off River Road and paddle the Withlacoochee either direction. And
hunters have a seasonal schedule of hunts for white-tailed deer, wild turkey and
wild hogs.
The main entrance to the Tract is from River Road east of Dade City. A
pass-through is provided at the parking area for pedestrians, horseback riders
and bicyclists. Campers and hunters with vehicles must register and obtain a
gate code to enter. Four backcountry campsites are available - all located along
the Florida National Scenic Trail. Equestrian camping is also available.
Activities & Facilities
Picnic shelter
Dogs allowed
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails
Paved bike trails
Mountain bike trails
Horse trails
River or lake kayaking
Motor boating
Tent camping
Hunting
Fishing