Lake Wales Ridge State Forest: Arbuckle Tract

As you drive into this portion of the state forest, watch for Florida Scrub-Jays along the south side of Lake Arbuckle Rd. and along Rucks Dairy Rd. in areas of five-foot tall oak scrub. Stop at the entrance kiosk at the intersection of Rucks Dairy Rd. and School Bus Rd. to pick up a map and a bird list, and proceed to one of the several trailheads along School Bus Rd. On the left (east) side of the road, trails lead through migratory songbird habitat down to Lake Arbuckle, where you can see wading birds, Bald Eagles, Limpkins and migratory ducks. The 22-mile Reedy Creek Trail has two interconnecting loops and multiple trailheads which offer a chance for Short-tailed Hawks. The Lake Godwin flatwoods are a good location for Brown-headed Nuthatches, plus other pineland denizens like Hairy Woodpeckers and Bachman’s Sparrows. Seasonal hunting takes place at this site; please click here for dates, regulations and more information.