Watermelon Pond - Planning Your Visit
Helpful Information
Trails weave through a variety of habitats, providing a nice mix of scenic vistas that change with the seasons. Water levels in ponds and associated wetlands vary seasonally, so the populations of wading birds and other wetland wildlife are highly variable. Look for breeding populations of the rare southeastern American kestrel in the summer. The highlight of fall is the profusion of wildflowers. Spring offers opportunities to see migratory songbirds. Fox squirrels, gopher tortoises and other resident sandhills species are regularly spotted year-round.
Get directions by selecting an entrance icon on the entrance finder map.
- For hours of operation and vehicle use guidelines, see the regulations summary brochure.
- Dogs are permitted, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times. Regulations regarding hunting dogs can be found in the regulations summary brochure.
- Parking areas at north end of Watermelon Pond (on SW 250th St.) and on the Goethe State Forest portion of the WEA accommodate horse trailers and provide a mounting block, a hitching post and picnic tables.
- Restrooms are not available.
- No daily-use permit required.
- During scheduled hunt days, all visitors are encouraged to wear a daylight fluorescent orange shirt, vest, jacket and/or hat.
Watermelon Pond Hunt Calendar
View hunting seasons and dates and download a 'Year-at-a-Glance' calendar of hunt days on the area.