FLORIDA’S GOETHE STATE FOREST

PLAN YOUR VISIT TODAY!

Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart

For more than 80 years, the Florida Forest Service has managed our spectacular state forests. Currently, there are 38 state forests and one ranch totaling over 1 million acres.

The mission of the FFS is to protect, maintain and restore the biological diversity of state forest lands through sustainable land management practices, while at the same time integrating public use and providing for Florida’s future natural resource needs.

Horse trails are available at more than 30 state forest and ranch lands and are the perfect way to explore Florida’s amazing natural beauty.

This article focuses on Goethe State Forest, named for J.T. Goethe, from who most of the land was purchased in 1992.

The majority of this approximately 55,000-acre state forest is between the Brooksville Ridge and Gulf of Mexico in southeastern Levy County. The Watermelon Pond Unit is north of the main tract on both sides of the Levy/Alachua County line. Goethe State Forest is managed for ecological restoration, wildlife habitat, timber production and outdoor recreation. While there are almost 20 distinct natural communities and numerous streams flowing through the property, Goethe State Forest is dominated by cypress swamps and longleaf pine flatwoods. There is a large tract of contiguous hydric hammock, as well as some scattered old-growth cypress. Prescribed burning is one of the tools used to manage the lands since many of the natural communities, wildlife and plants depend on fire for their survival.

Equestrians can thank Helen Koehler for the amazing horse trail system at Goethe State Forest. A passionate equestrian trail advocate, she has marked over 100 miles of trails in the forest. Goethe State Forest is a favorite for endurance riders; numerous endurance rides are held in the forest each season and many endurance riders live adjacent to or near the state forest. The Goethe Benefit Challenge Endurance Ride, which has been held for more than 25 years and raises money for the forest and Operation Outdoor Freedom, was still hosted at Helen’s farm as of 2022. Because of the many miles of two-track trails and gravel roads suitable for carts, carriages and wagons, Goethe State Forest is also a favorite destination for drivers.

There are five equestrian trailheads: Tidewater, Apex, Black Prong, Watermelon Pond East Bailey and Watermelon Pond North. Almost 60 miles of horse trails can be accessed from the Tidewater trailhead, while more than 40 miles of trails are accessible from both the Apex and Black Prong trailheads. About 5 miles of trail can be ridden from the Watermelon

An equestrian lovers dream. There are numerous private facilities adjacent to Goethe State Forest. Examples include Goethe Trailhead Campground, near the Apex trailhead, and the luxurious Black Prong Equestrian Village near the Black Prong trailhead.