Etoniah Creek State Forest, Protected forest near Florahome, Florida, US.
Etoniah Creek State Forest is a protected forest in North Central Florida with wetlands, pine forests, and hardwood swamps covering roughly 3,500 hectares (8,679 acres). The landscape shifts between different habitat types depending on water levels and season.
The Florida Forest Service established this protected area to preserve natural resources and provide recreation space for the public. Timber production was integrated as a sustainable use of the forest.
The Florida National Scenic Trail runs through sections of the forest, connecting visitors with the natural heritage of North Central Florida.
The forest has marked trails for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching that remain open year-round. Conditions vary by season, particularly in wetter months when the forest becomes more challenging to navigate.
The forest is the only known home of Conradina etonia, an endangered plant species found nowhere else. This rare plant thrives only in the specific conditions created by this ecosystem.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.