Additional Information for Blackwater River State Park
Plant Life
Upland pine forests dotted with persimmon, turkey oak, sweetgum, flowering dogwood and other shrubs are found in the park. Open canopy forests combine different types of pine and dense groundcover such as gallberry, saw palmetto, wiregrass, wild blueberry and wax myrtle. Along the river and large streams in the floodplain area, the forest is dominated by various species of oaks and hickory, red maple, sycamore, magnolia, holly, tupelo and azaleas. The water level in the floodplain and swamp lakes fluctuates and may even become completely dry. Plants vary according to the water supply. Look for water fern, water lily, coontail, bladderwort, spatterdock and other emergent plants.
White-tailed deer, bobcats and turkeys are quite common. River otter may be seen occasionally and the graceful Mississippi kite is often observed soaring overhead in the summer.
Area Geography
The river and diversity of terrain account for the many plant communities found in the park. The Blackwater has created oxbows and natural levees that have become ponds, swamps and scrubby ridges. Low-lying areas along the river and large streams are seasonally inundated by flood waters.
Pets
Pets are welcome in the park, however, they are not permitted on the beach, must be kept on a leash (6-feet max.), and please clean up after them. Thank you.
Please see our General Parks Pet Policy for more information.
Links
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