Exploring Half Moon Wildlife Management Area

Entrance

On a recent hike in Half Moon Wildlife Management Area in Sumter County I found some very old graves back in the forest. It was quite the adventure finding them since I was unsure of the exact location. It took a lot of walking on trails and forest roads to finally reach the site. It is called "Alto Cemetery" Alto is one of the many communities that no longer exists in Sumter County. Located north of Rutland and west of Oxford near the Withlacoochee River, all that is left is a cemetery. It is believed that the community was settled around the 1870's.

Alto Cemetery

Along the way I found some interesting areas and saw a beautiful wilderness. Just off a forest road back there is the old site of the "McKinney Flatwoods" homestead. There is a sign nearby that tells about this history and who once lived there. Not much remains of the homestead just some debris laying about. Although it is still fascinating to look around and experience the history, I imagined what life what must have been like for the family. The family lived there from around 1916 to 1945 time frame. The McKinneys raised cattle until the combined effects of screw worms and World War II forced them to sell the land for watermelon and sod production.

McKinneys Homestead Site

The Carltons acquired the land in 1969 for cattle ranching; they used existing fields and converted sections of palmetto scrub to improved pasture. A hunting club also leased the area from the early 1980s until the state purchased the Carlton Half Moon Ranch in 1989 in an effort to help preserve the water quality of Withlacoochee and its tributaries. In May 1992, the then-Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission entered a lease agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and an additional 4,021 acres were added to the management area.

I really enjoyed exploring this area I feel there is much left to discover so I look forward to returning. I posted a couple links below to help you find out more on this area. Be sure to check out my videos below as well from the some of the places I saw there. If you have any questions or would like to leave more information feel free to leave a comment.

Resources
Half Moon WMA
Half Moon-Gum Slough SWFMD
My Hike/Route

My Videos
Alto Cemetery
Alto Cemetery 2
McKinney Homestead Site
McKinney Homestead Site 2
Hiking in Half Moon

Davenport Historical Site in Ocala National Forest

Sign at Trail Entrance

One of my more memorable hikes was in the Ocala National Forest near Lake Delancy just north of the campground area is a short but neat historical trail known as Davenport Landing Historical Trail. It is several miles back off of Forest Road 74 from the main road S.R. 19. From the parking area you can access the trail and it leads to a former 19th century steamboat port, where riverboats headed up to Silver Springs would stop for fuel and supplies. Along the way, you'll learn about middens along the Ocklawaha River and encounter a Civil War-era gravesite if you look hard enough.

Ancient Indian Mound

The landing area contains an ancient mound site that is said to be dated from 500 to 1200 years old. Though humans have been present along the Ocklawaha River going back 12,000 years. The mound has a fence around it and it is meant for observation only. You'll notice the informative kiosks where you can read about some of the history. The mound was first excavated by Clarence B. Moore in 1894. He was an American archaeologist and writer. He is more commonly known as C.B. Moore. He studied and excavated Native American sites in the southeastern United States.

Informative Kiosk

Thomas Cassidy Fillyaw lived from 1830 - 1873 and is buried on the banks of the Ocklawaha River he was the Landing Master. He was a confederate soldier who survived the war and you'll find a lot of history on him and the landing at the kiosk.

This is one of my favorite areas to see because of the scenic wilderness and the rich history. Nearby is The Florida Trail and Lake Delancy. I also saw lots of wildlife while hiking in the area including a couple Florida Black Bears. Lots to see and learn about when you visit here! I posted some links and videos below if you have any questions or input on this place feel free to leave a comment.

My Videos

Lone Civil War Soldier Gravesite at Davenport Landing

Historical Davenport Landing

Davenport Historical Trail in Ocala National Forest


Resources

Ocala National Forest - Davenport Landing Trail

Florida Hikes! Davenport Landing Trail

View My Hike/Route

Thomas Cassidy Fillyaw