Lake Panasoffkee

Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) lies along the eastern shore of Lake Panasoffkee in north-central Sumter County and encompasses nearly 9,000 acres of wetlands, forests, scrub, and open uplands. The property was acquired between 1990 and 1997 to protect the lake and its associated floodplain forests, which provide important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Four spring-fed creeks flow into Lake Panasoffkee, helping maintain the area’s extensive wetlands and aquatic habitats. Higher ground supports pine forests, oak scrub, and open pasture, creating a diverse landscape that changes considerably along the trail. Wild turkey, wild hogs, white-tailed deer, armadillo, hawks, turtles, and numerous wading birds are among the wildlife commonly found throughout the WMA. The area is also included in the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, making it a worthwhile destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Along the loop through the open pasture, visitors may see kestrels, eastern meadowlarks, killdeer, and other grassland species, while the spur leading toward Little Jones Creek provides a quieter, more heavily wooded environment where warblers and other songbirds can often be heard and observed.

More than eight miles of shared trails are available for bicycling, while an additional 18 miles of trails are open to horseback riding and hiking, providing numerous opportunities to explore the WMA beyond this particular route. The Jones Creek Trail follows the northeastern corner of Lake Panasoffkee, south of Florida State Road 44, before turning inland and forming a lollipop-shaped loop around several primitive camping areas. The route combines open pasture, wooded sections, and low-lying areas associated with the lake and surrounding wetlands, providing a good introduction to the varied terrain of the wildlife management area. The complete loop described here is approximately 6.9 miles long and is generally a quiet hike, particularly away from the main access areas. The primitive campsites along the route offer an opportunity for a more extended stay in the preserve, but hikers planning to camp should be aware that a free campsite reservation is required. Because this is a wildlife management area rather than a developed park, visitors should also be prepared for limited facilities and changing trail conditions, particularly following periods of heavy rain.