Walk-in-the-Water Wildlife Management Area (WMA) includes over 6,000 acres of land on CR 630, 2 miles east of Frostproof. Walk-in-the-Water is part of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. This WMA protects scrub and sandhill communities, which are home to rare plants and animals.
The trail leading from the entrance at King Trail Gate is a good place to see Florida scrub-jays, and some visitors may be fortunate enough to see short-tailed hawks. The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
This area contains two hiking trails that include Big Bay Trail and Scrub Jay Trail. Both may be accessed from trail heads with parking areas off of County Road 630 East.
- Camping is permitted at designated sites.
- Horseback riding is allowed most of the year on certain roads and horse trails within the WMA.
- Dogs are allowed on Walk-in-the-Water WMA, with certain limitations.
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Walk-In-The-Water Tract
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Access to this area is by foot only. Parking is available at most trailhead locations around the perimeter of the tract. There are no interior roads open for vehicular use.
This area contains two hiking trails that include Big Bay Trail and Scrub Jay Trail. Both may be accessed from trail heads with parking areas off of County Road 630 East. For more information on hiking trails, see the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest web page.
The Old Vero Beach Road entrance has a parking area and allows for access onto the east portions of WMA during hunt.
For information on hunting at this WMA, see FWC’s regulations summary brochure.
Camping is permitted at designated sites. Camping reservations can be made online through Reserve America. Fees are required for all campsites on the WMA. For more information, call the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest at 863-589-0545 or visit the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest web page.
Horseback riding is allowed most of the year on certain roads and horse trails within the WMA. For information on when and where horseback riding is allowed, see the “Public Access and Vehicles” section of FWC’s regulations summary brochure. Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands. For more detailed information, read Nicole’s Law. All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands.
Walk-In-The-Water Tract
