Park Environs

The park offers visitors thousands of acres of swamp and upland habitats to explore. Take a hike in the woods to experience Florida nature at its best.

Wakulla Springs State Park offers several miles of improved trails to explore on horseback or on foot. Early morning hikes provide the opportunity to see wildlife including wild turkeys, deer, owls and possibly the elusive bobcat.

The park's management plan includes selective and controlled or prescribed burns to help restore natural habitats like this long-leaf pine forest.

Throughout the park, habitats like this floodplain swamp are host to swamp tupelo and bald cypress trees, unique orchids as well as frogs, snakes and the occasional wandering alligator.

Moss-covered bald cypress knees reach upward in the swamp. The knees are part of the bald cypress tree's root system and provide stability for the trees in the swamp environment.

Acquired by the State of Florida in 1999, Cherokee Sink is a popular swimming hole located within the Wakulla Springs State Park. Management plans for Cherokee Sink have included creation of walkways and restoration of the sink to a more natural state. Local volunteers have helped remove and clean up tons of debris that were dumped in the sink over the years.

Located near the park's main entrance, Sally Ward Spring is a large spring that flows into the Wakulla River. Sally Ward has been the site of several important research dives. Visitors can walk to Sally Ward but are cautioned to keep an eye open for alligators that frequent the spring.

No Name Spring is located at the edge of Wakulla River downstream from Wakulla Spring basin. No Name is one of several small springs located throughout the park and can be viewed during guided tours.

Spanish moss drapes the branches of a live oak tree. Spanish moss is an epiphyte, a non-parasitic plant that lives on another plant and absorbs water and food from the air.

During springtime, parts of Wakulla Springs State Park turn white with blooming southern magnolia trees.

Southern magnolia seed pods burst open with red seeds in late summer providing a food source for squirrels and birds in the park.

Some of the wonders at Wakulla Springs State Park are found in the details of colors and textures provided by nature. Seeds of a red maple tree hang against a backdrop of Spanish moss.

Blooming white milkweed is a source of food for monarch and other butterflies and just one example of diversity of flora found throughout the park.

The common blue violet provides a splash of color to the grounds at Wakulla Springs State Park.

A variety of orchids are found throughout the park including this rare Florida's adder's mouth orchid.

A black swallowtail butterfly finds nectar on a buttonbush plant, which grows primarily in swamp habitats within the park.

A large bracket fungus adds color to a decaying tree stump while also serving an important role in helping the forest recycle itself.

A green tree frog adds to the sounds of the forest and serves as an essential food source for snakes and other animals in the park.

The rarely seen cottonmouth is one of 20 species of snakes identified at Wakulla Springs State Park.

Wild turkeys can be found throughout the park deep in the woods as well as in the open near park buildings.

Herds of white-tailed deer can be found in a meadow along the Wakulla River and throughout the park.