Size
9,961 acres
Location
East of Zephyrhills
About the Property
Protecting the upper reaches of the Hillsborough River, the riverŐs floodplain provides natural storage of floodwaters and acts as a filtration system for runoff. Property also serves as an important link in protecting wildlife habitat in the Hillsborough River greenway corridor.
The propertyŐs roads and trails meander through Florida flatwoods, composed of both slash and longleaf pine overstory and palmetto/gallberry understory.
Access and Parking
- Primary access point is on CR 54 (not available during hunts), about 3 miles east of Zephyrhills; equestrian access available.
- Additional access points are located off CR 35A, CR 535 and Deems Road off SR 39 (via County LIne Rd. and Saunders Rd.) at the Alston gate.
Hours of Operation
Daily from sunrise to sunset.
Restrooms and Water
- Portable toilet located at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission game check station off CR 54.
- Potable water not available.
Recreational Opportunities
Bicycling
- 17 miles of woods roads marked for shared-use recreation.
- Trails marked with white diamonds.
- Riders must stay on marked trails.
- Always wear helmet. Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmet.
Camping
- All camping is primitive.
- Alston campsite has non-potable water, picnic shelters and portable toilet.
- Free permit required to camp.
Equestrian Use
- Free permit required for horse trailers to access parking areas located behind locked gates at both access points.
- 24 miles of woods roads marked for shared-use recreation.
- Trails marked with white diamonds.
- Riders must stay on marked trails.
- Horse-drawn buggy riding allowed on marked trails. Free permit required.
- Alston gate open year-round for equestrian use; free permit required.
- During hunts, horses only allowed at Alston gate and trails in that portion of property.
- Each rider must carry proof of current negative Coggins test.
Fishing
- Fishing and frogging allowed throughout year.
- Access to Hillsborough River by foot only.
- Contact FWC for license requirements.
Hiking
- Florida Trail Association maintains 3.5 miles of hiking trails.
- Orange blaze denotes main trail; blue denotes side trails; double blaze denotes sharp turn.
- For more information, contact the Florida Trail Association at 1-877-445-3352 (in FL) or (352) 378-8823.
- Additional 24 miles of interior roads available.
- No bridges at Hillsborough River crossings. May be seasonally wet or flooded.
- During hunts, hikers should wear 500 square inches of blaze orange clothing above waist.
Hunting
View regulations summary for this property- Hunters and non-hunters can sightsee by vehicle during hunting season. All visitors must register at FWC game check station off CR 54.
- Drive only on designated roads and park only in designated parking areas.
- FWC rules and regulations must be observed throughout the year.
- Contact FWC for information regarding license requirements and permits.
Nearby Recreation Lands
- Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve
- Hillsborough CountyŐs Blackwater Creek Preserve
For More Information
Land Resources Department, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 1-800-423-1476 (FL) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
