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Recreation

In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following recreation activities are allowed.

Hunting

The Small Game Hunt Area south of U.S. 98 and the Western Sloughs are popular with squirrel hunters, and many squirrels are harvested in both locations each year. Hogs are abundant on the area, particularly on the central portion west of the Wacissa River. Turkey hunters can find good opportunities on some of the higher areas in the Western Sloughs and along the Aucilla River sinks south of Goose Pasture Road. Deer are common throughout the area.  Some of the areas popular with turkey hunters should also be productive for deer, due to the abundance of mast producing tree species.

Fishing

Aucilla WMA offers several different fishing opportunities. The Western Sloughs are popular with bank fishermen who target redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish (shellcracker), spotted sunfish (stumpknocker), bluegill and largemouth bass. The Aucilla River Sinks is a good place to combine hiking along the Florida National Scenic Trail with fishing the numerous sinkholes and river rises for bream and catfish. The Wacissa River offers many angling opportunities for various species of bream. Early mornings out of Goose Pasture campground can be productive for largemouth bass. The Wacissa is one of only a handful of rivers in north Florida with Suwannee bass, a smaller cousin to the largemouth bass. This small bass can be distinguished from the largemouth by its tan coloration with dark brown markings, red eye, and absence of a notch separating the two sections of the dorsal fin. Reference the map of Aucilla for boat ramp locations. Fishing license information.

Wildlife Viewing

The best way to see wildlife on the area is by canoe or kayak early in the morning or evening or by walking quietly along the Aucilla Sinks Trail or the trams accessed from Highway 98. This area is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Visit the Wildlife page for more information about the area's wildlife.  You may also request a copy or download or print the Aucilla Bird List .

Hiking

Aucilla Sinks Trail

According to Elizabeth F. Carter in A Hiking Guide to Florida, “Searching for the sinkholes makes for a fascinating hike since the woods are heavily forested with beautiful magnolia, oaks and other hardwoods.” Along the trail are Chocolate, New, Mosquito Slap, Hurry Up, Kitchen, Long Suffering, Watts, Frink, Sunshine, Long, and Break-down Sinks. If you cross Goose Pasture Road and walk .2 miles, you’ll see Roadside, Overflow Sinks, and the Silver Blaze Tree, a 1984 commemoration of the completion of a major connection of the Florida Trail.

Aucilla River Trail

For 7.1 miles, from Goose Pasture Road to just short of Walker Springs bridge, this trail follows the east bank of the Aucilla River. The banks are high and heavily wooded and the steep gradient and rocky outcrops produce a number of shoals and ledges.

Biking

There are bicycling opportunities along approximately 10 miles of trams within the Western Sloughs area, accessible from Highway 98.

Paddling

Wacissa River Canoe Trail

View a map of the springs along the Wacissa.

Twelve major springs feed the Wacissa River as it winds its way through swampy lowlands. Water is generally clear and the springs may be explored with snorkel equipment. Access to the springs is by boat. The suggested trail is 14 miles long, and begins one mile south of Wacissa on SR 59. More information and map. Reference the map of Aucilla for boat ramp locations.

Aucilla River Canoe Trail

The dark, clear waters of the Aucilla pass between high limestone banks and dense hardwood forests in some sections, and swampy areas of cypress and gums in others. Some rocky shoals and whitewater make this 19-mile trip moderately strenuous. The "Big Rapid" is a rock-strewn drop of 8-10 feet over about 30 yards. The trail starts one mile south of Lamont on U.S. Highway 19/27.

Camping

Camping is allowed along the Wacissa River at Goose Pasture campground. The camping area is open on a first-come, first-served basis by self-issued special-use authorization, which is available at the kiosk. Campers are limited to a 10-day stay. Camping is not allowed during the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area general gun season. Primitive camping (tents only) is allowed at designated sites along the Florida Trail only by permit from the Suwannee River Water Management District. For information contact the Suwannee River Water Management District (800) 226-1066 (good in Florida only) or (386) 362-1001.