Osceola National Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Osceola National Forest |
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 Osceola National Forest
Location in the United States
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| Location | Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Olustee, FL |
| Area | 190,932 acres (772.67 km2) |
| Max. elevation | 198 ft. (60 m): 30.1910, -82.5915 |
| Established | July 10, 1931 |
| Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
| Website | Osceola National Forest |
The Osceola National Forest is a special natural area in northeast Florida, United States. It's like a huge outdoor classroom and playground!
This forest was created by President Herbert Hoover on July 10, 1931. It was named to honor Osceola, a famous Seminole warrior.
The Osceola National Forest covers about 200,000 acres (809 square kilometers). That's a really big space! It's filled with tall pine trees in areas called flatwoods and wet swamps with cypress trees. The forest is located about 50 miles (80 km) west of Jacksonville. You can find parts of it in Columbia, Baker, Bradford, and Hamilton counties.
The main offices for the forest are in Tallahassee. Local ranger offices are in Olustee. Inside the forest, there's a special protected area called the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness. It covers about 13,660 acres (55 square kilometers).
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Discovering Osceola's Nature
The Osceola National Forest is a fantastic place to learn about nature. It has a special spot called the Osceola Research Natural Area. This area was named a National Natural Landmark in 1974. It's a protected place where scientists can study plants and animals.
Amazing Animals of the Forest
This forest is home to many different kinds of animals. You might spot:
- The alligator
- The eastern indigo snake
- Two kinds of skunks
- Muskrats
- The black bear
- Coyotes
- Raccoons
- The gopher tortoise
- Bobcats
- Two kinds of foxes
- Opossums
- The cougar
- Fox squirrels
It's also a very important home for the red-cockaded woodpecker. This bird is an endangered species, which means it's very rare and needs our help to survive.
Fun Things to Do in Osceola
There are many exciting activities you can do in the Osceola National Forest!
Hiking Adventures
A 28-mile (45 km) part of the Florida National Scenic Trail goes right through the forest. This is a great way to explore on foot! Other fun hiking trails include:
- The Olustee Battlefield Trail: This trail takes you to a historic site from the American Civil War.
- Trampled Track Trail
- Mt. Carrie Trail
Horseback Riding
If you love horses, you're in luck! Two horseback riding trails wind through the open pine flatwoods and past pretty bays.
Hunting and Fishing
The forest is also open for hunting and fishing, but you need to have the right permits.
Camping in Osceola
Want to spend a night under the stars? The Osceola National Forest has several camping spots.
Ocean Pond Campground
This campground is on the north side of Ocean Pond. Ocean Pond is a large, natural lake that covers 1,760 acres (7.1 square kilometers).
- There are 67 campsites for tents, trailers, or motor homes.
- You can go fishing, boating, and water skiing on the pond.
- The campground has a beach area, a boat ramp, drinking water, hot showers, and flush toilets.
The Landing Group Area
This area is perfect for larger groups, like school trips or family reunions.
- You need to reserve it ahead of time.
- It can hold up to 50 people.
- Activities include swimming, boating, camping, and picnicking.
- It has a sand beach, a boat launch for small boats, a picnic shelter, a big grill for cooking, and restrooms with showers.
Primitive Hunt Camps
For a more rustic camping experience, there are primitive hunt camps. These include:
- Hog Pen Landing
- Cobb
- Wiggins
- West Tower
- East Tower
These spots are very basic, offering a true wilderness feel.
