Parks are now
toll free, at
TOSOHATCHEE STATE RESERVE
Shaped by alternating cycles of fire and flood, the Tosohatchee State
Reserve is a mosaic of freshwater marshes, swamps, pine flatwoods and
hardwood hammocks. Varied and unique plant communities support abundant
wildlife, including rare and endangered species.
The 28,000 acres of Tosohatchee
border 19 miles of the St. Johns River in east Orange County. The land was
purchased in 1977 under Florida's Environmentally Endangered Lands program
in order to preserve its aesthetic qualities and the extensive wetlands
that are essential water cleansing and storage areas for the St. Johns River.
marshes are feeding areas for wading birds. During winter months they host
large numbers of migrating waterfowl. The forested uplands support white-tailed
deer, bobcat, fox squirrel, bald eagle, gray fox, turkey, hawks, owls, and
many species of songbirds. The reserve also contains a variety of rare and
endangered species of flora, including orchids and hand ferns. Aspiring
photographers can find a multitude of picturesque view points and desirable
The living landscape of the reserve is open to hiking, biking, primitive
back-pack camping, nature study, horse-back riding and fishing. Limited
hunting by special permit is allowed by the Florida Game and Fresh Water
Fish Commission; proper licenses and permits required. Tosohatchees
unique access to the St. Johns River is invaluable to anglers as well as
sightseers. The reserve offers a unique camping facility for horseback groups.
In addition, Tosohatchee supports youth activities by providing a youth
camp, which is set aside for youth organizations and scouting groups.
State Reserve is managed under a multi-agency agreement in order to protect
its resources in a comprehensive manner. The agencies included in this agreement
are the Division of Forestry, the Division of Historical Resources, the
Division of Recreation and Parks and the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish
The Reserve derives its name from the Tosohatchee Creek which flows through
the northern portion of the reserve. The original name of Tootoosahatchee
was simplified by the previous owners of the area to the present Tosohatchee
(pronounced Tos-uh-hatch-ee). Native Americans named the creek, which roughly
translates to "chicken" or "fowl" creek.
Tosohatchee State Reserve is located on Taylor Creek Road in Christmas (east of Orlando) off State Road 50.
Tosohatchee State Reserve
3365 Taylor Creek Road
Christmas, FL 32709-9130
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