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Walk-In-The-Water WMA

Managed in cooperation with
Florida Division of Forestry

Walk-In-The-Water WMA consists of nearly 6,000 acres on CR 630, 2 miles east of Frostproof in Polk County. Part of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, the area was purchased under Florida’s Conservation and Recreation Lands program to protect fast disappearing scrub communities, which are home to many rare plants and animals. Pictured is the endangered scrub plum, one of the first scrub plants to bloom, flowering in January or February before its leaves open.  Access to this area is by foot only. Parking is available at most trailhead locations around the perimeter of the tract. The trail leading from the entrance at King Trail Gate is a good place to see scrub-jays and some visitors may be fortunate enough to see short-tailed hawks . On this area, quota hunt permits are required for all hunts except for the small game hunt. The area is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.  Camping is permitted at designated campgrounds. Camping is permitted at other sites by special-use permit issued by the Division of Forestry. A daily use fee as well as camping fees are required. For information, call the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest at (863) 635-7801. There are no interior roads open for vehicular use. Horses may be ridden on firebreaks, named or numbered roads, or designated horse trails. Horses are prohibited on hiking trails and during hunting seasons, except during the Small Game Season.  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 Wales Ridge State Forest.

• View FWC's Regulations Summary for Walk-In-The-Water for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.