Situated along the eastern slope of a relict shoreline, the Arbuckle Tract of Lake Wales Ridge State Forest protects a remarkable variety of natural communities.
One of the best backpacking destinations in peninsular Florida, this forest offers over 20 miles of trails that can be strung together to form several different loops.
The largest loop, known as the Arbuckle Trail, is maintained by the Florida Trail Association.
Lakefront trailUsing a combination of yellow and blue blazed connector trails at the north end of the forest, the 12.6 mile route described below showcases a wide range of scenic environments.
There are five primitive campsites providing an opportunity to stay overnight.
In addition to the backpacking sites, a campground with five tent-only and three RV sites is located near the entrance, with access to potable water.
Among the pinesResources
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Overview
Location: Frostproof
Length: 12.6 miles
Trailhead: 27.708306, -81.446056
Address: Rucks Dairy Rd, Frostproof
Fees: $2 per vehicle
Restrooms: Vault toilet at the Reedy Creek Campground
Land manager: Florida Forest Service
Phone: 863-589-0545
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Seasonal hunting occurs throughout this forest. Check ahead before you make plans for outdoor recreation.
Directions
From the intersection of TS Wilson Rd and SR 17 south of Frostproof, head east on TS Wilson Rd for 2 miles until it becomes S Lake Reedy Blvd, then continue for 1.8 miles before turning right onto Lake Arbuckle Rd. In 1.5 miles, make a right onto Rucks Dairy Rd, and a small parking area will be on the left side of the road immediately after a creek crossing.
Hike
Beginning the hike at a covered kiosk with maps and information about the forest, head south along a dirt road branching off from the main drive.
In 200 feet, look for a trailhead marked with a large dedication stone for the Paula Dockery Trail.
Two trails start at this point; for a more scenic route, follow yellow blazes to the left.
Paula Dockery trailheadSand pines dot an open landscape of scrubby brush as the path winds towards a xeric hammock in the distance.
Entering a spotty canopy of oak, holly, silk bay, and wild olive, follow the pathway as it turns to trace a tall bluff overlooking tannic waters of Livingston Creek.
Xeric hammockLush grasses, ferns, and aquatic vegetation hug the banks of the creek below, in stark contrast with the dry conditions at the top of the sandy bluff.
At 1.5 miles, the path turns away from the water, reaching a side trail leading to the Creekside Campsite in another 0.2 mile.
This spur follows a forest road for 0.6 mile to the designated campsite alongside a stand of large oaks and cabbage palms.
Livingston CreekFollowing yellow blazes southward into a mesic flatwoods community, tall pines rise up from an expanse of saw palmettos, gallberry and lyonia.
As the trail dips in a seasonally flooded low spot, it turns sharply eastward, passing a curious old truck slowly returning to nature in a heap of rusted metal.
Abandoned truckCross a few boggy streams while descending towards Lake Arbuckle. Wet flatwoods give way to mixed hammocks before the Lakeshore Campsite.
It’s a beauty spot complete with fire ring and picnic table overlooking a panorama of open water.
Continue south. Hundreds of cypress knees poke up among tufts of grass as the trail weaves though a forest of cypress trees covered with Spanish moss.
Lakeshore CampsiteAfter another 1.5 miles, the trail turns away from the lake next to Hickory Point, a picturesque campsite under a tall oak at the water’s edge.
On the climb of the gentle slope of an ancient ridge, flatwoods gradually become scrubbier, revealing elements of sandhill near the southern end of the Paula Dockery Trail.
Cypresses on the shore of Lake ArbuckleFrom this point, follow blue blazes leading away from the yellow blazed loop, crossing a dirt road to enter a desert-like scrub forest.
At 5.6 miles, the trail opens to a day use area next to the McLean Cabin, a historic structure built in the 1950’s for cattle farming.
Red and blue blazes continue westward, along a section of the mile long Old Cabin Trail loop.
McLean CabinReaching Lake Godwin at 7.3 miles, follow a side pathway past an inviting covered picnic table to a observation pier extending out over the water.
This serene spot is exceptionally quiet, aside from rhythmic chirps of cricket frogs and occasional calls of distant red shouldered hawks.
Lake GodwinBlue blazes circle the north shore of the lake as the path enters a vast pine savanna dotted with depression marshes.
At 9.1 miles, the trail crosses a small parking area for the western primitive campsites.
The next third of a mile is very rough, following a forest road covered with large chunks of crushed brick and rock.
Turn away from the road where yellow blazes lead northward. The blue blazes continue west for another 0.4 mile along the rocky road, ending at the Isabell Campsite.
Pine savannaA mix of pine and sweetgum trees sprout from tall grasses on the forest floor as the path follows an ecotone between flatwoods and basin swamp for a mile.
Reach a side trail leading to the Grave Island Campsite. Tucked away on a small bluff overlooking a creek, this rustic campsite requires a bridge crossing to reach it.
Grave Island CampsiteCrossing a robust bridge over Livingston Creek near the 11 mile mark, follow the trail east as it parallels the winding waterway.
Traverse scrub and flatwoods for 1.5 miles before reaching the paved entrance road.
Turn right, spanning the creek once more on a road bridge before concluding this 12.6 mile hike at the parking area.
Livingston Creek BridgeTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Atop the ancient sands of the Lake Wales Ridge, this massive state forest offers provides hikers and equestrians an expansive network of trails. Video
Hiking the Lake Godwin Loop
Nearby Adventures
Lake Wales Ridge Scrub Jay Loop An easy loop trail traverses scattered prairie ponds within a dry ecosystem suitable for one of the state’s most endangered birds, the Florida scrub-jay. 
Lake Wales Ridge Big Bay Trail Traversing sandhill, pine flatwoods, and bayhead habitats, the Big Bay Trail offers a one mile loop with an optional 1.7-mile spur trail featuring two primitive campsites. 
Florida Trail, KICCO South 10.1 miles. Ancient live oaks break up the expanse of cattle pastures and prairies along the Florida Trail adjoining the Kissimmee River in KICCO
Buster Island Loop The 6.9-mile Buster Island Loop at Lake Kissimmee State Park is a favorite for both day hikers and backpackers, as it shows off a variety of habitats along the open prairies
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