Lake Panasoffkee

Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) lies along the eastern shore of Lake Panasoffkee, in north central Sumter County. This nearly 9,000-acre area was acquired between 1990 and 1997 to preserve the lake and its associated floodplain forests. Four spring-fed creeks enter the lake. Pinelands and oak scrub are found at higher elevations. Wild turkey, wild hogs, white-tailed deer, armadillo, hawks, turtles and wading birds are common residents. Lake Panasoffkee WMA is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. On the loop trail through the open pasture kestrels, meadowlarks, and killdeer may be observed. The spur to Little Jones Creek is a good spot to hear and observe warblers.

Over eight miles of shared trails are available for bicycling, and 18 more miles of trails are open for horseback riding and hiking. This hike on the Jones Creek Trail roughly follows the northeastern corner of the lake south of FL 44 and does a lollipop loop around some primitive camping areas. The entire loop is 6.9 miles in length.  A free campsite reservation is required to stay at these sites.