Picayune Strand State Forest

Welcome to Picayune Strand State Forest located in southwest Florida.

Forest History: The land that is now Picayune State Forest was used for timber harvesting in the 1940's and the 1950's. In the 1960's a developer purchased over 57,000 acres with plans to build the Golden Gate Estates, the largest subdivision in the United States. Many canals and roads were built in order to prepare the groundwork for Golden Gates Estates. Potential buyers were given tours via aircraft but soon learned that most of the land was subject to summer flooding. The development went bankrupt. In 1985, the State of Florida made a plan to purchase the land through the Conservation and Recreation Lands Program under the "Save our Everglades" program. It was a huge task to complete considering over 17,000 different people owned the various tracts of land. In 1998, the U.S. Government lent a helping hand of $25 million to help with the land purchases. Over the years many efforts have been made to fill up the canals and remove the roads that were built in the 1960s.

Flora and Fauna: Picayune Strand State Forest helps protect the home of numerous plant and animals species. Some of the plants that grow inside the forest boundaries include cypresses and pines. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include black bears, white-tailed deer, raccoons, fox squirrels, bald eagles, wood storks, and the endangered Florida Panther. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Picayune Strand State Forest boasts over 22 miles of multipurpose trails, several campsites, and so much more. Come on out and explore!