Tate's Hell State Forest

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Quick Facts

Tate's Hell State Forest

Florida

(850) 697-3734

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Tate's Hell State Forest is one continuous tract of land comprising over 202,000 acres. Tate's Hell State Forest is located in Franklin County, between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee Rivers. The forest extends into the southeast corner of Liberty County, south of the Apalachicola National Forest and 1.5 miles northwest of the town of Carrabelle.

The natural resources found on Tate's Hell State Forest are very diverse due to the unique and various natural community types. At one time Tate's Hell State Forest supported at least 12 major community types which included: wet flatwoods, wet prairie, seepage slope, baygall, floodplain forest, floodplain swamp, basin swamp, upland hardwood forest, sandhill, pine ridges, dense titi thickets and scrub. Currently, the forest contains approximately 107,300 acres of hydric communities such as wet prairie (contains a vast diversity of plant species), wet flatwoods, strand swamp, bottomland forest, baygall, and floodplain swamp.

The predominant hydrologic feature within the state forest is Tate's Hell Swamp, which drains toward Apalachicola River and Bay. The River and Bay are designated as Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWS), and are the highest priority water bodies under the Northwest Florida Water Management District's SWIM Program. The Apalachicola River is designated for recreation and propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well balanced population of fish and wildlife.

Tate's Hell State Forest offers a variety of recreation activities for the outdoor enthusiast. There are 35 miles of rivers, streams and creeks available for canoeing, boating and fishing. A concrete boat launch site is located at Cash Creek, with additional launch sites available at locations throughout the forest. Fishing requires a valid license and is regulated under the direction of the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Picnicking at one of the many day use areas is a popular activity on the forest.

Map of Tate's Hell

Latitude, Longitude: 29.847500, -84.713910

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Activities

  • Boating

    There are 35 miles of rivers, streams and creeks available for canoeing, boating and fishing. A concrete boat launch site is located at Cash Creek, with additional launch sites available at locations throughout the forest. Fishing requires a valid license and is regulated under the direction of the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

  • Bicycling

    Bikes and Horses allowed on roads

  • Camping

    Primitive campsites are dispersed throughout the forest. Most sites are on the river banks with canoe/kayak/small boat access and fishing. A special use permit is required for all campsites except the Womack Creek Camping Area. Womack Creek is first come- first serve, with fees deposited in an iron ranger. All stays are restricted to 14 consecutive days in any 30 day period. Camping special use permits and reservations are available at the Carrabelle Office and the Tallahassee Field Office.

  • Fishing

    Fishing requires a valid license and is regulated under the direction of the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

  • Hiking

    Trails

    Tate's Hell State Forest is in Region B, Segment 5 of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail Tate's Hell State Forest is included in the Big Bend Scenic Byway

  • Hunting

    The entire state forest is a Wildlife Management Area and is open to regulated hunting under the direction of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. During general gun and muzzle loading gun hunting season a State Forest Use Permit is required for primitive camping and is available at the Florida Forest Service office in Carrabelle for a fee. Special permits that allows hunt camps for the duration of the hunting season are also available for a fee. Visit myfwc.com/hunting for information.

  • Picnicking

    Picnicking at one of the many day use areas is a popular activity on the forest

  • Wildlife Watching

    Many species of wildlife make their home on the forest. Those with confirmed sightings on Tate's Hell State Forest that are currently listed as threatened, endangered or species of special concern are: bald eagle, Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and red-cockaded woodpecker. Rare plant species living on the forest include: Thick-leaved Water-willow (Justicia crassifolia), White Birds-in-a-nest (Macbridea alba), Florida Bear grass (Nolina atopocarpa), Chapman's Butterwort (Pinguicula planifolia), and Small-flowered Meadow beauty (Rhexia parviflora).

Directions

Driving

Tate's Hell State Forest is located in Franklin County, between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee Rivers. The forest extends into the southeast corner of Liberty County, south of the Apalachicola National Forest and 1.5 miles northwest of the town of Carrabelle. Access Tate's Hell State Forest from U.S. Highway 98, County Road 67, or State Highway 65.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(850) 697-3734

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