The Big Bend Wildlife Management Area consists of five units spanning 60 miles of coastline and 90,000 acres. Managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the area is open to hunting, fishing, hiking and a variety of other recreational uses. The five units are, from north to south ... Snipe Island, Hickory Mound, Spring Creek, Tide Swamp and Jena - extending roughly from just south of Econfina River State Park to Horsehoe Beach, south of the Steinhatchee River.

Hunting and fishing is one of the primary public uses of the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area. A variety of hunting seasons have been established for deer, dove, quail, wild turkey, ducks, wild hog and other wild game. Fishing along the creeks and streams as well as in the Gulf of Mexico is also popular. Hunters and fishermen must have the apropriate licenses. All units except Snipe Island have boat ramps providing access to the Gulf.

Hikers and off-road bikers will find over 300 miles of roads, old logging trams, and trails to explore. Marked hiking trails include those to Hagen's Cove and Dallus Creek in the Tide Swamp Unit. There are also marked trails in the Snipe Island Unit. Horseback riding is allowed on the forest roads, but not on the marked hiking trails. All hikers and bicyclists should be aware of the various hunting seasons, and be sure to wear bright orange during these seasons.

Kayakers and canoists can explore the creeks and ponds within the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area. Sea kayakers will want to explore the salt marshes and hammocks along the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail. There are seven desgnated overnight campsites along the trail that are available by permit only - so plan your trip in advance. Other than the seven campsites desgnated for use by permitted sea kayakers, camping is not allowed within the wildlife management area.

The place marker and navigation instructions on the map below will take you to the entrance to Hagen's Cove ... which has a terrific beach, lookout tower, and picnic shelters.Activities & Facilities

Dogs allowedShort hiking trailsLong hiking trailsPaved bike trailsMountain bike trailsHorse trailsOpen gulf kayakingRiver or lake kayakingMotor boatingHuntingFishing

• FFWCC webpage for Big Bend Wildlife Management Area
• Trail map
• Hunting regulations and map
• Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail Guide (available for purchase from FFWCC)
• Camping permits