For those interested in visiting the natural Florida, few places in Florida will compare with Tosohatchee State Reserve. The reserve offers the adventurous hiker and fisherman a glimpse of how Florida appeared when the Spanish arrived in the 1500's.

Tosohatchee Creek, from which the reserve takes its name, flows through the northern area of the reserve and joins the St. Johns River, which forms the reserve's eastern border. The name was shortened from Tootoosahatchee, which roughly translated from Native American means "chicken" or "fowl" creek. Florida purchased the 28,000 acres of the reserve in 1977 as environmentally sensitive land.

Hikers will be delighted by the numerous and diverse trail system in the reserve. Guide maps may be picked up at the front entrance, and hikers follow trails marked by orange and blue blazes. In heavily wooded sections of the reserve, be sure to keep a close watch for trail markings as they can be easily missed. The reserve has no facilities; therefore it may not be suitable for families with young children. The sheer wild beauty of the trails, however, more than make up for it's lack of modern conveniences. The peacefulness of being totally immersed in nature can provide a welcome respite for the soul. Wildlife is abundant and more readily viewed than at the more widely visited parks and many rare species of orchids and hand ferns can be seen along the trails. Fishermen will enjoy great fishing in both the Tosohatchee Creek and the St. Johns River.

In addition to hiking and fishing, the reserve also offers primitive backpack camping as well as a unique camping facility for horseback groups. Limited hunting is allowed by special permit.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

DETAILED DIRECTIONS:

From I-95 in Melbourne, take I-95 north 24-3/10 miles to Exit 77A-B, SR-528. Take SR-528 west 10-7/10 miles to the SR-520 exit. Turn right onto SR-520 and travel 2 miles to the park entrance.

ACTIVITIES:

Hiking, fishing, primitive camping, nature study, limited hunting.

INFORMATION:

Tosohatchee State Reserve
3365 Taylor Creek Road
Christmas, FL 32709-9130
(407) 568-5893