Steinhatchee Springs Wildlife Management Area occupies 20,909 acres along the
Steinhatchee River that is owned by the Suwannee River Water Management District
and jointly managed with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The Steinhatchee River flows 28 miles from Mallory Swamp in Lafayette County,
through Taylor and Dixie counties to the Gulf of Mexico. Just north of the town
of Tennille, at the south portion of the Steinhatchee Springs WMA, the river
goes underground and re-emerges about a half mile further south.
The Steinhatchee hiking trail runs south of Tennille along the river for 3.3
miles through oak hammocks, flatwoods and forested areas before ending at
Steinhatchee Falls - claimed to be the widest falls in Florida. Even though the
falls have a small drop over limestone ledges, they are still very impressive.
There are restroom facilities at the trailheads at both ends of the trail. And a
kayak/canoe launch is available near the falls.
Hunting is permitted within Steinhatchee Springs Wildlife Management Area, so
it's important to check the dates for hunting seasons before venturing into the
area off the marked trails. Some trails are suitable for off-road cycling as
well as hiking. You may bring your dog on a leash. Horses must stay on the named
or numbered roads.
There are numerous access points to the Steinhatchee Wildlife Management Area,
primarily along SR51 between Mayo and Tennile. Other points of entry are
available along CR357 and L.A. Bennett Grade in Lafayette County. Note that this
wildlife management area is considered to be a "primitive tract" ... so there is
no official visitor center. Our map and "Navigate" button below will take you to
the spot just south of Tennille where the northern trailhead of the Steinhatchee
Trail is located.