Boat ramps off of impoundment road; crabbing platforms; viewing tower; picnic facilities; and observation platform out on impoundment. The Big Bend's Hickory Mound Unit Recreation Guide is a useful resource when visiting this area.

Map of Hickory Mound Unit of Big Bend WMA

Spring Creek

Boat ramp at end of Spring Creek Road; picnic facilities.

Map of Spring Creek Unit of Big Bend WMA

Tide Swamp

Boat ramp, picnic tables, and hiking trails at Dallus Creek Landing. Interpretive kiosk, picnic pavilions, toilet facilities, boat ramps, observation tower, and trail at Hagen’s Cove Recreation Area. The Big Bend's Tide Swamp Unit Recreation Guide is a useful resource when visiting this area.

Map of Tide Swamp Unit of Big Bend WMA

Jena

Boat ramps at Pine Log Road, Rocky Creek Road, and Sink Creek Road provide access to the Gulf.

Map of Jena Unit of Big Bend WMA

Snipe Island

There are 12.7 miles of designated hiking trails on the area.

Map of Snipe Island Unit of Big Bend WMA

Public Access

Road conditions vary from good to poor from unit to unit and within each unit. Four-wheel drive may be necessary at times.

Vehicle use regulations

Hickory Mound

Motorized vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads from September 1 through April 30. From May 1 through August 31, all motorized vehicles shall be operated only on Cow Creek Grade, Coker Road, J.C. Franklin Grade and Swartz Tram west of J.C. Franklin.
No motor vehicle shall be operated on any part of any wildlife and environmental area designated and posted as "CLOSED" because of inclement weather, poor road conditions, construction, management activities, or wildlife surveys.
No person shall park any vehicle in a manner that obstructs a road, gate, or firelane.
Airboats are prohibited within the Hickory Mound Impoundment.

Spring Creek

Motorized vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads from September 1 through April 30. From May 1 through August 31, all motorized vehicles shall be operated only on Spring Creek Road, Rock Road, Swamp Spur, Mule Wallow Spur and Road Spurs 1, 2 and 3.
No motor vehicle shall be operated on any part of any wildlife and environmental area designated and posted as "CLOSED" because of inclement weather, poor road conditions, construction, management activities, or wildlife surveys.
No person shall park any vehicle in a manner that obstructs a road, gate, or firelane.

Tide Swamp

Motorized vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads from September 1 through April 30. From May 1 through August 31, all motorized vehicles shall be operated only on Dallus Creek Road, Hagen’s Cove Road, Tide City Mainline, Turkey Track Tram, Pine Island Road, Indian Island Road and Bridge Road.
No motor vehicle shall be operated on any part of any wildlife and environmental area designated and posted as "CLOSED" because of inclement weather, poor road conditions, construction, management activities, or wildlife surveys.
No person shall park any vehicle in a manner that obstructs a road, gate, or firelane.
Use of ATVs is prohibited.

Jena

Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads, south of CR 358, west of Gentle Woods Road (north of Rocky Creek), and west of CR 361 (south of Rocky Creek) from November 1 through April 30; and only on Sand Ridge Road and Sink Creek Road the remainder of the year. On remaining portions of the area, vehicles may be operated only on established roads.
No motor vehicle shall be operated on any part of any wildlife and environmental area designated and posted as "CLOSED" because of inclement weather, poor road conditions, construction, management activities, or wildlife surveys.
No person shall park any vehicle in a manner that obstructs a road, gate, or firelane.

Snipe Island

Vehicles may be operated only on named or numbered roads from September 1 through April 30. From May 1 to August 31, vehicles shall be operated only on Mandalay Road and Snipe Island Grade.
No motor vehicle shall be operated on any part of any wildlife and environmental area designated and posted as "CLOSED" because of inclement weather, poor road conditions, construction, management activities, or wildlife surveys.
No person shall park any vehicle in a manner that obstructs a road, gate, or firelane.
Use of motorcycles or ATVs is prohibited.

Location

Five separate tracts that extend from the mouth of the Aucilla River at the north to just past the town of Horseshoe Beach on the south.

View a location map

Nearby

Additional wildlife viewing sites in the vicinity.

Nearest Cities/Towns

The five units of the Big Bend WMA extend about 60 miles along the Gulf coast. Tallahassee is located approximately 40 miles north of the northernmost unit, Hickory Mound. Perry and Steinhatchee are located about midway. Horseshoe Beach is near the southern boundary of the southernmost unit, Jena.

Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.