FWC Home : Recreation : Wildlife Management Areas : Upper Chipola River

Upper Chipola River WMA

Managed in cooperation with
Northwest Florida Water Management District

Upper Chipola River WMA consists of approximately 7,300 acres in Jackson County lying north of Florida Caverns State Park. The area encompasses the upper watershed of the Chipola River, including its two main tributaries, Marshalls Creek and Cowarts Creek, as well as, portions of the spring-runs of Hayes and Waddell Springs. Access to this area is almost exclusively by boat and a boat ramp is located at Christoff Landing. Parking and walk in access is available along county-maintained roads at Cowarts Creek and Christoff Landing, as well as near the Hwy. 162 bridge. Additional hunting and recreation access to the southern portion of the area is through the State Park via the "Management Trail." Subject to water levels, this multi-use trail is suitable for hiking, horseback riding and off-road biking.  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. Camping is allowed only at designated sites. A primitive campsite is located immediately west of Christoff landing. Squirrel and deer hunting are good in the floodplain forests that border the creeks and the river. In the fall, the forests are ablaze with the foliage of Florida maple and basswood. The area is home to the rare Barbour’s map turtle as well as to numerous alligators, egrets, herons, ospreys, and songbirds.

• View FWC's Regulations Summary for Upper Chipola River for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.