News of the Nature Coast of Florida

The main area of Goethe State Forest is located in the southeastern portion of Levy County near the Gulf of Mexico.

A smaller area of Goethe State Forest, called Watermelon Pond Unit, is separate from the main tract and is located in both Levy and Alachua counties.

The Goethe Trail System extends throughout the forest with access available at three separate trailheads. The forest is open during daylight hours for visitors to enjoy picnicking, hiking, bicycling, fishing, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.

Overnight camping is allowed by permit only. However, private campgrounds are located near the forest. Goethe State Forest contains 2 hiking trails (Tidewater and Black Prong) that are included in the Florida Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Hiking Program.

Goethe State Forest is open to regulated hunting and fishing under the direction of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. We encourage non-hunting recreationists to check the Wildlife Management Area regulations and season dates before visiting Goethe State Forest. Visit MyFWC.com/hunting for information.

In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Division of Forestry has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors.

Web site: http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/goethe.html