Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve protects sensitive ecosystems in and around Apalachicola Bay.
The Unit 4 tract on St. George Island is composed of hundreds of properties acquired over the course of nearly thirty years.
Most of this trail is a walk along the sandy shoreline, passing a primitive paddle campsite along the way.
In addition to the main trailhead at 6th Street, a few other official points of entry allow pedestrian access to the property.
Apalachicola BayResources
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: St. George Island
Length: 2.5 mile round-trip
Trailhead: 29.670778, -84.851861
Address: 6th St E, St George Island
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Apalachicola NERR
Phone: 850-670-7700
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. The trail can be underwater at high tides.
Directions
From the intersection of SR 300 and US 98 in Eastpoint, head south on SR 300, crossing the bridge to St. George Island before turning left onto East Gulf Beach Dr. In 0.8 mile, turn left onto 6th St E, continuing for 0.2 mile to a parking area at the end of the street.
Hike
At the trailhead, a pair of picnic benches sit next to a kiosk displaying information about the reserve.
It is important to note that the aerial map on the kiosk portrays the reserve before Hurricane Michael significantly reshaped the shoreline.
Main trailhead at 6th StreetHeading north from the parking area, follow a narrow dirt pathway to a boardwalk leading over a needlerush covered salt marsh.
The boardwalk ends at a panoramic vista alongside Apalachicola Bay. Turn east.
The soft white sands at the water’s edge are firm enough for a stroll along the beach.
Boardwalk across the marshWaterbirds skitter across the salty landscape, searching for food as rippling waves gently lap the shoreline.
Footing can be tricky at a few spots where barnacle-covered, sun-bleached roots of pine trees extend across the pathway.
Shoreline beach walkReaching the primitive campground for paddlers at 0.7 miles, the trail splits where a side loop travels inland along a wide grassy pathway.
Pine trees and cabbage palms stand alongside the trail over an understory of yaupon hollies and saw palmettos.
Primitive campsiteNavigate around estuarine pools into upland habitat where wildflowers bloom in abundance.
In late summer and early fall, blazing stars carpet the sandy soils, producing vibrant purple flowers covered with pollinators.
Blazing stars in bloomThe pathway continues east, zigzagging away from the shore a few times before reaching its end at an access point at Bell Street after 1.3 miles.
Retrace your walk west along the beach and footpath, returning to the 6th Street trailhead to complete a 2.5 mile hike.
Bell Street entranceTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Apalachicola NERR
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve blankets nearly a quarter million miles of marine basin on Florida's Forgotten Coast.Video
A walk through Unit 4 to East Hole.
Nearby Adventures
St. George Island State Park Blessed with brilliant white quartz sand, St. George Island State Park is a sparkling, quiet getaway protecting nearly 2,000 acres of coastal habitats on a barrier island between Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. 
Little St. George Island Trails If you’re looking for remote along Florida’s coast, Little St. George Island in Apalachicola Bay has over 9 miles of undeveloped beach and several miles of trails, and is only accessible by boat.
Cat Point Trail Just a short walk from the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Visitor Center, this half-mile loop meanders coastal habitats in Eastpoint
Apalachicola NERR Nature Center A delightful destination for learning about Apalachicola Bay, the headquarters of Apalachicola NERR boasts a nature center and more than a half mile of gentle interpretive trails
- Calusa Heritage Trail - November 5, 2026
- Scherer Thaxton Preserve - October 21, 2026
- Little Awesome Preserve - October 19, 2026