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Lake George Dexter/Mary Farms Unit

Managed in cooperation with
Florida Division of Forestry

The Dexter Mary Farms Unit of Lake George WMA is in northwest Volusia County. The St. Johns River borders 3.5 miles of this more than 14,000-acre forest. Hit hard by the wildfires of 1998, about half of the forest is under restoration. Bluffton Recreation Area is located on the St. Johns River and offers fishing, picnicking, and a ¾-mile interpretive nature trail for hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing. Although there is no boat ramp on the area, canoes, kayaks, and small boats may be launched from the bank. Fishing is also available at Jenkins Pond. This area is part of an extensive wildlife corridor that provides habitat vital to the survival of the black bear. Over half of the forest is in natural slash pine, with some pasture, hardwood hammocks, cypress swamps, and wetlands. Lake George State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Migrating songbirds are abundant in hardwood hammocks each fall and spring. Throughout the year, swallow-tailed kites , limpkins, and wading birds are seen along the river. Recreation opportunities include hunting and primitive camping. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians are welcome on roads, designated trails, and permanent fire lines.  Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands.  For more detailed information go to Nicole's Law .  All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.

• Visit Florida Division of Forestry's information on Lake George State Forest.

• View FWC's Regulations Summary for Dexter/Mary Farms Unit Lake George for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.