Apalachicola Reserve

At the far north end of Market Street, that famed boulevard that slices right through the heart of Apalachicola’s historic business district, the road ends at the Apalachicola Reserve Nature Center and its adjoining nature trail. While the center is only open on weekends, the trail is available anytime (dawn to dusk), and I took the opportunity on a recent trip to retrace my steps down the gravel and boardwalk, pausing to delight in my favorite flower, the wild iris, in glorious bloom in the sluggish slough near this tiki with its inscription honoring Earth Day. At the end of the walk, a mere 10 or 15 minutes of strolling through the marsh, the scene opens up to a sweeping view across the estuary, where an eagle’s nest sits in a distant tree and a fishing boat is permanently beached among the reeds. A short walk, but long on scenery, and the only hiking trail you’ll find IN Apalachicola.