Peace River State Forest

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Peace River State Forest was acquired through donation by the Mosaic Company in October 2014.

The Florida Forest Service has management responsibility for Peace River State Forest.

The property has a rich history of agricultural use, including serving as a home for rhinos, hippos, giraffes and other exotic “hoofstock” for nearly a decade.

The management plan of the Florida Forest Service guides the grazing, outdoor recreation, timber, wildlife and ecological restoration on the forest using the multiple-use concept.

Location

Peace River State Forest is located in western Desoto County approximately 6 miles southwest of Arcadia and 10 miles northeast of Port Charlotte.

Natural Features

Peace River State Forest includes a variety of improved range and natural communities, including floodplain forest, cypress, mixed hammock and remnants of pine flatwoods.

Several miles of largely undisturbed frontage along Horse Creek and the Peace River provides abundant wildlife habitat.

Recreation

The forest offers recreational opportunities in the form of hiking and horseback riding with two trails.

The Horse Creek Hiking Trail is designated for hiking and consists of a 2-mile loop that runs along Horse Creek until it loops back through oak hammock and open pine flatwoods to the main trailhead.

Aurin Lake Horse Trail is a 6-mile equestrian trail that bows around the outside of a cattle lease along the southern portion of the main body of the state forest. The trail winds through a variety of natural areas along the Peace River, passing Aurin Lake, the confluence of the river and Horse Creek, and finally looping back along the creek to the trailhead. Access to this trail requires a State Forest Use Permit, which can be obtained by visiting the state forest office or calling (863) 491-5318. See map for the office location [ 534 kB ] .