Osceola National Forest

Osceola National Forest in northeastern Florida, about 50 miles west of Jacksonville, spans roughly 200,000 acres of pine flatwoods and cypress-hardwood swamps. Named for the Seminole leader Osceola, it also preserves a longer history of Native American travel and settlement. Established on July 10, 1931, by President Herbert Hoover, it includes Big Gum Swamp Wilderness and the Osceola Research Natural Area, designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. Fire has long shaped the forest, with prescribed burning used to reduce wildfire risk. Its wildlife, trails, campgrounds, waterways, Ocean Pond, and Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park make it important for both natural and Civil War heritage.

Glen St. Mary, Florida · United States