Come enjoy bank fishing on the shore of a small pond on this pristine wetland reserve, which covers more than 1,100 acres. A short scenic trail loops by the enchanting Walk-in-Water Creek through an old oak hammock where you may see turkeys and deer, and possibly a scrambling Sherman's fox squirrel. The year-round flowing creek is also a favorite among paddlers.
This 1,113-acre site was named for the blackwater, or "tea-colored," creek that flows through the property, connecting Lake Walk-in-Water (Lake Weohyakapka) with Lake Rosalie. The Polk County Environmental Lands program acquired this land in four phases starting in 2001. The main goal for this site is the protection of the floodplain and blackwater stream.
THINGS TO SEE: The site has a small borrow pond where visitors can enjoy some bank fishing. A short trail leads you into an old oak hammock. You may see turkeys and deer during your visit and possibly a scrambling Sherman’s fox squirrel.
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Standard Time); 5:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Daylight Savings Time)
Cache is placed with permission from Brooke Coulter, Biologist with Polk County Parks & Natural Resources
HIKE: 1.1 mile loop trail
This is a Letterbox Hybrid cache. For anyone not familiar with Letterboxing, there is a log in the cache for you to sign and stamp (with your stamp), then you stamp your own log or paper (with stamp that is in the cache). If you do not have your own stamp, then stickers or hand drawn artwork are acceptable or if you do not have your own stamp, you can just sign the log. DO NOT TAKE THE STAMP WITH YOU; IT IS NOT A TRADE ITEM!!!
This geocache is a part of the Trek Ten Trails 2023-2024 program. Participation in that program, while a lot of fun, is not required to log this cache.
New validation game cards that participants stamp are available at various locations and are listed on the Friends of the Parks website and OUTPOST 27 CACHE. Trek Ten Trails 2023-2024 program maps, game cards, and other information about each of the featured nature trails may be downloaded from the Friends of the Parks website. Check out our Profile for more details.