Apalachicola NERR Nature Center

Interpretive boardwalks meander around the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center, showcasing coastal habitats along St. George Sound.

The Nature Center itself is a regional gem for all ages, providing an in-depth look at the marine life, heritage, and culture surrounding the ever-changing shores and islands of Apalachicola Bay.

Accessible trail at the Nature Center

Resources

North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover

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Overview

Location: Eastpoint
Length: 0.8 mile loop and spur
Trailhead: 29.7301, -84.8866
Address: 108 Island Drive, Eastpoint FL
Fees: Free
Restroom: At the nature center
Land manager: Apalachicola NERR
Phone: 850-670-7700

Trails open daily 9 AM to 4 PM. Nature Center open Tue-Sat 9 AM to 4 PM.

Leashed dogs permitted on trails but not in the Nature Center.

Directions

Approaching Eastpoint from either Carrabelle or Apalachicola along US 98, keep alert for the intersection with Island Drive, which leads to the bridge to St. George Island. The entrance to the Apalachicola NERR parking area is on the left just after you pass Patton Drive and before you reach the bridge.

Hike

The trailhead beckons from the parking area, and it’s the only way to get to the Nature Center. So why not explore along the way?

Accessible for the most part, this series of sidewalks and boardwalks is well marked as it traverses a variety of coastal habitats.

Trailhead kiosk

Start by following the main trail from the parking lot kiosk up to a trail junction under the pines.

Turn left on the Nature Walk. Pick up a plant guide from the box. As you walk, you’ll note inspirational quotes on signs at overlooks.

One of the many quotations along the walk

The boardwalk first leads along the edge of a marsh with views for birding before it reaches a junction under the pines. Keep left. At the next junction, keep left again.

Traversing a denser portion of the pines – where a thicket of Southern magnolia is a highlight – the trail loops back around to that junction.

Southern magnolia in the forest

Continue straight ahead before taking the next left. This portion of the trail crosses a wetter pine habitat before rejoining the main trail within sight of the Nature Center.

Turn left to walk up to the Nature Center, which is on the upper deck. Use the stairs or the elevator.

The Nature Center is tucked in the trees

Inside the center, you’ll find tanks with marine life as well as exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Apalachicola Bay. A movie is offered in the theater.

When you leave the Nature Center, follow the main trail back towards the parking area. Turn left at the 4-way junction to follow the path and boardwalk to the Bay Overlook.

Apalachicola NERR bayfront — View from the observation deck

It swoops out near the parking area before re-entering the coastal pine forest. Soon it emerges along the shoreline of Apalachicola Bay.

From the observation deck, you get a sweeping view of the natural beach and its marshes. Return along this path to the main trail and turn left to exit to the parking area.

Along the boardwalk at the Nature Center

Trail Map

Apalachicola Reserve Nature Center Trails Map

Map of trails around and near the Nature Center

Explore More!

Millender Park, immediately north of the nature center, has picnic pavilions and a small beach for kayakers to put in. The 0.5-mile Cat Point Trail is shown at the lower left of the trail map.