Goethe State Forest occupies 53,587 acres in Levy County, with a small
disconnected tract (the Watermelon Pond unit) that extends into Alachua County.
There are a number of natural communities in the forest, including mesic
flatwoods, dome swamp, sandhill, and hydric hammock. Threatened animals such as
the black bear, gopher tortoise, bald eagle and red cockaded woodpecker call the
forest home.
Old growth longleaf pines and bald cypress
are prevalent in the area - the most famous of which is the "Goethe Giant", an
immense nine foot diameter bald cypress tree located in the Cow Creek tract.
Access is provided by a trailhead along Cow Creek Road that leads to a 1/4 mile
trail and boardwalk. There are also picnic tables at this location.
A variety of trails are available for hikers, off-road bicyclists, and horseback
riding. Whether you are looking for a short hike with the family, or a strenuous
back-packing trip, Goethe State Forest has well marked trails for you to
explore. Detailed trail maps are available for the most popular routes - see our
Maps page for details. Primitive camping is permitted
in the forest, but you'll need a permit from the State Forest Service - which
can be obtained at the forest headquarters, 3/4 miles south of SR121 on CR337
(see naviagtion link below).
Hunting and fishing is allowed in Goethe State Forest with the appropriate
permits. The majority (48,000 acres) of Goethe State Forest is also included in
the Goethe Wildlife Management Area, which is managed for hunting purposes by
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Hikers and other visitors
should always be aware of the various hunting seasons and use caution in areas
where hunting is permitted. Off-road bicycling and horseback riding is allowed
on most - but not all - of the trails. Motorcycles and ATVs may not be ridden
off the named or numbered forest roads.
Activities & Facilities
Picnic shelter
Short hiking trails
Long hiking trails
Paved bike trails
Mountain bike trails
Horse trails
Tent camping
Hunting
Fishing