Goethe State Forest

Goethe State Forest is located in southeastern Levy County, with the Watermelon Pond Unit located within Levy and Alachua counties. It is named for Mr. J.T. Goethe, who sold most of the land to the people of Florida in 1992 under Florida’s Conservation and Recreation Lands program.

A 53,587-acre state forest, Goethe State Forest is managed for wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, timber production, and ecological restoration. There are 19 natural communities for you to enjoy including mesic flatwoods, dome swamps, sandhills, basin swamps, and the contiguous hydric hammock. Longleaf pine flatwoods and swamps dominate the forest. Be sure to look for the Goethe Giant among the old-growth cypress.

The Goethe trail system has seven trailheads that are open during daylight hours. Pack a picnic lunch, put your dog on a leash and enjoy hiking, bicycling, or horseback riding.

Black bears, gopher tortoises, Southern fox squirrels, and bald eagles are among the abundant wildlife who call Goethe State Forest home. You may even see an endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in one of Florida’s few remaining old-growth longleaf pine trees. Plant enthusiasts will enjoy searching for 34 different species of orchids! You may discover pitcher plant bogs!

Plan to get outside and enjoy a day at Goethe State Forest.

For more information: https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Goethe-State-Forest

Photo Credit- Andy Waldo