Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area - Cumpressco Unit — Attraction in Dade City

Went for The Lights event. The moment we sent the paper lanterns into the air was everything I wanted it to be! However after spending money on tickets the event was still set up to take even more money by not allowing our own food & drink in & having sky high prices on food & water. The vendors had not been ready for the crowds so the food lines were about 30 minutes each or more! SO while there were technically options, most families had to pick just one line in which to get all their food. I had been expecting multiple colors to be able to use for lantern decoration but only black markers were given out. They also went on about how delicate the lanterns were but had not tables for us to use to draw on them, but expected us to manage it on the ground with limited space and people walking everywhere. After paying for tickets ($35 - $55) I was expecting to have a bit more thought given in those areas at least. The locals did a great job of directing the traffic in and out though so shout...

The General James Van Fleet trail (a paved 30-mile rails-to-trails trail) goes right through the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve. Well shaded in most sections, this trail is a great place to walk, bicycle, or enjoy any other non-motorized mode of transportation while enjoying the outdoors. From it you can see all kinds of wildlife, including alligators (primarily at the "3 Bridges" section), land tortoises, deer and racoons. I've even had a rare sighting of a fox squirrel... a giant squirrel the size of a large fox! There are also snakes of all kinds that like to come out and warm on the pavement at the end of the day... just give them their space and they won't bother you. This trail is a great way to experience the wilderness and it's generally uncrowded... a welcomed change from the...

This is an amazing place to hike and camp for experienced campers and families alike. The main campground is similar to many other sites in the area, but the backcountry camping locations are the real gems of the property. Following the well-marked trails, there are 4 different locations you can hike to and camp at. The sites have a fire ring and a few benches along with many trails nearby. The area is very wild, huge numbers of birds and different insects you can't see in many other places. The sound of coyotes and boars can be heard at night occasionally, which is really a unique experience. You can also walk through 3 different ecosystems in a matter of hours. Thid property is great, and since it's free I highly recommend giving...