In support of the resource management goals and
objectives for the area and to provide a quality experience for all
area users, the following recreation activities are allowed.
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Wild Turkey
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Hunting
The area opened for public hunting for the first
time during the 2004-2005 season. All hunts on Salt Lake are quota
hunts (archery, muzzleloader, general gun, general gun hog-dog,
spring turkey). This area offers a general gun hog hunt. Each quota
permit holder is allowed to hunt with up to three dogs during this
hunt. The feral hog and turkey populations are excellent, and the
deer population is fair. Turkeys are especially abundant along the
mowed power lines.
Fishing
Fishing and frogging are permitted throughout the
year. There are portions of three lakes (Salt Lake, South Lake, and
Loughman Lake) within Salt Lake's boundaries. South Lake and Salt
Lake can be accessed through nearby boat ramps. South Lake may be
accessed through Fox Lake. Nearby Fox Lake Park has a boat ramp and
parking area. Salt Lake may be accessed from a boat ramp on SR 46
or at the terminus of Paces Landing Road.
Wildlife Viewing
Look for turkeys along the mowed powerlines. Wading
birds, American coots, purple gallinules, common moorhen, osprey,
and alligators are abundant on the floodplain marshes adjacent to
the three lakes which border the area. You can sometimes see feral
hogs rooting along the roadways and in the moist woodlands. You may
request a copy or download or print the Salt Lake Bird List 
. Visit the Wildlife page for more
information about the area's wildlife.
Hiking
There is a 3.5 mile blazed (white blazes) loop
trial, which starts at the main entrance and loops east of the
powerlines eventually bring you back to the entrance. Trail
goes through the following habitats: Mesic flatwoods, scrubby
flatwoods, Oak scrub, scrub jays can be found along the scrubby
sections of the trail and bluebirds and Bachman's sparrows are
often seen in the mesic flatwoods. Depending on current
weather conditions the trails could be seasonally flooded in the
mesic flatwoods during wetter periods and/or soft and sandy in the
scrubby sections during dry conditions.
Biking
On named or numbered trails and roads only. The
area may be seasonally flooded. During dry conditions soft
sand can make biking difficult.
Horseback Riding
On named or numbered trails and roads only. Horses
are prohibited during hunting seasons. Horse trailers can be parked
at the main entrance off Arch Road. No water other than natural
ponds is available for horses. Children under the age of 16
are required to wear a helmet when riding on public lands.
For more detailed information go to Nicole's Law . All horseback riders must have
proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses
when on state lands.
Paddling
Paddling opportunities are available on South Lake,
Salt Lake, and Loughman Lake. Access to South Lake is through Fox
Lake. Nearby Fox Lake Park (off Carpenter Road) has a boat ramp and
parking area. Salt Lake may be accessed from a boat ramp on SR 46
or at the terminus of Paces Landing Road and Salt Lake. Paddlers
may travel from Salt Lake through Shad Creek to Loughman Lake. From
Loughman Lake you can paddle through Snake Creek to tiny Clark and
Ruth lakes and then to the St. Johns River. Connections between
lakes may be dry during winter and spring.
Persons with Disabilities