Floridians often refer to swamps as "bays," hence the name of this marshy Wilderness. Two-thirds of the area is a hardwood swamp of red maple, bay, loblolly pine, slash pine, sweet gum, and cabbage palm; the other third (the perimeter) is pine flatwoods dominated by longleaf and slash pine. Beneath this lies an understory of palmetto and gallberry. Small stands of scrub oak and sand pine are also interspersed throughout the flatwoods. The pristine quality of the swamp, a haven for many mammals and birds, made it a prime candidate for Wilderness designation. The swamp contributes to the headwaters of Alexander Springs Creek in the nearby Alexander Springs Wilderness. You won't find any trails or old roads here, but the Florida National Scenic Trail (which provides access to about 1,000 miles of the state) skirts the southwestern corner of the area.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Billies Bay Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

Rules & Regulations

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Learn more about why regulations may be necessary in wilderness.