Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area - Christmas, FL
Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area Dog-Friendly Park in Christmas, Florida
Located in the heart of nature at 3365 Taylor Creek Rd, Christmas, FL, Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area offers an expansive natural retreat for dog owners seeking dog-friendly hiking and pet-friendly trails. This park features well-maintained dirt roads, multiple trails, diverse wildlife including deer, gopher tortoises, and a range of birds, and scenic spots like Lake Charlie with picnic tables and grills. Visitors appreciate the tranquility and abundance of open space, making it a hidden gem for those looking to escape the city and reconnect with nature alongside their furry friends.
The area provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, picnics, and peaceful walks, but it’s important to note the lack of dedicated or fenced-in dog runs. Some amenities include parking areas, clearly marked trail signs, picnic spots with covered tables and grills, and chemical restrooms. Shade along trails can be limited, so plan accordingly during hotter months. There’s a small entrance fee—$3 per person (cash or check)—and the grounds are especially noted for their quiet atmosphere and natural beauty, even if maintenance can sometimes be an issue, particularly after storms or heavy rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several scenic trails within Tosohatchee WMA, perfect for dog-friendly hikes.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, there is an entrance fee of $3 per person, payable by cash or check.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there are marked parking areas throughout the park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, chemical restrooms are available, particularly near Lake Charlie picnic area.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Some picnic areas have covered tables, but shade can be limited on the trails themselves.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Tosohatchee WMA is generally open throughout the year.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Trails and roads can get muddy and waterlogged after rain, so be prepared for wet conditions.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, picnic tables and some seating are available in designated areas like Lake Charlie.
- Are there walking or biking paths? Yes, there are paved and dirt paths for walking and biking throughout the area.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? There is a water fountain at one area (Lake Charlie), but visitors should bring water for their pets.
Reviews
Great place to come to if you want to get away, and into natural surroundings.
When I had Orthopedist appointments in Oviedo, I would plan it so I could stop by here, drive deep into the woods, turn off the engine and eat lunch on the tailgate or a picnic table. The second visit, I brought my hammock, and got relaxed. I wound up falling asleep, and was sleeping for well over an hour!
I hear many hikers talking about here. The trails seem to be in great shape.
The roads are well maintained. I used to come here and drive through Jim Creek when it flooded over the road. It appears that this has been done away with. The road has been modified with pipes under it to allow water to pass. This means that it will be easier for regular cars to visit. Obey speed limits, the wildlife is abundant.
We have visited Tosahatchee WMA over the years and have enjoyed the drive around it, the roads can be a bit waterlogged and uneven in places depending on what time of year you visit so a car (low) can be a problem (see photo) at these times.
The bridge has been out on Powerline Rd for the last couple of visits since a hurricane took it out which makes getting to the river a long drive around.
Would recommend visiting Lake Charlie for lunch as it’s a beautiful place, there is a toilet (chemical) and picnic tables there.
They were having a prescribed burn on the day of our last visit.
Don’t forget the bug spray.
I’ll start by saying it’s much better to have a WMA than condo developments. But it’s disheartening to drive through Tosohatchee and see burned forests and cut trees. Like most of Florida, TWMA is overmanaged in my opinion. I wish, just for once, the state would let the wild areas be wild, but they can’t seem to do it. They have to put a human stamp on every inch of our once beautiful state. I find that sad.
There are some pretty hiking trails and camping areas here. The other highlights are the St. Johns River, where we saw big 8 foot gators and beautiful Lake Charlie, where we picnicked. There’s a plethora of birds and a few turtles and pretty flowers too. We also were lucky enough to see a wild boar chowing down in the swampy areas. That was cool.
Entrance fee is NULL per person, cash or check.
Beautiful place! Lots of driving and walking trails much wildlife to be seen
Beautiful WMA with good dirt roads, road signs, parking area signs, trail signs with numbers. Lakes, ponds, creeks. Lake Charles has a nice picnic area with 2 covered tables and grills. Cows wandering about. Deer, egrets, herons, snapping turtles and more.