Apalachicola River

The Apalachicola River

There is something magical about the Apalachicola River, from its beginning at the Georgia/Florida border to its broad flow out to the Gulf of Mexico.

It starts at Lake Seminole, where the waters of the Flint and Chattacoochee Rivers merge in Georgia to pour over the Woodruff Dam and start the Apalachicola River’s 167-mile journey south.

For much of its length, it serves as a time zone boundary between Eastern and Central Time, confusing cell phones in riverside communities.

In the deeply folded landscapes along its upper shores, ravines host some of the rarest plants in Florida, including remnant populations of Appalachian cove species that migrated south.

The tributaries and swamps that feed this basin are home to fascinating plants, including one of Florida’s highest concentrations of pitcher plants around Sumatra.

Trails and Parks along the Apalachicola River

Angus Gholson Nature Park Above the Apalachicola River, the community of Chattahoochee hides a natural treasure in its deep ravines—a park named for its native son, botanist Angus Gholson.

Apalachicola National Forest Noted for its botanical beauty, the Apalachicola National Forest is the largest National Forest in Florida, sweeping south and west of Tallahassee.

Blountstown Greenway Connecting neighborhoods, parks, and services within a historic Apalachicola River town, the paved 3.9-mile Blountstown Greenway includes a segment of the Florida Trail

Chattahoochee Nature Trails Chattahoochee Nature Trails system treats hikers to an exploration of botanically-rich habitats along bluffs and ravines near the Apalachicola River and an archaeological site towering over the river's edge.

Florida Trail, Bristol Roadwalk 11.2 miles. One of the narrowest high-speed highways that the Florida Trail follows, CR 12 into Bristol connects the Apalachicola National Forest with the Apalachicola River.

Fort Gadsden At Fort Gadsden, a gentle walk in the Apalachicola National Forest leads you through the well-interpreted historic site and a pine forest where wildflowers thrive.

Garden of Eden Trail Try one of Florida's toughest day hikes on for size: local legend has it this was the Garden of Eden, and from the lush forests and rare flora along this trek, they might be on to something.

Paddle to Dead Lakes One of Florida's most unusual and beautiful places to paddle, the Dead Lakes include 6,700 acres of mazy cypress and tupelo swamps in the Chipola River floodplain.

Scipio Creek Boardwalk A sweeping view of the Apalachicola River estuary waits like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow on this beautiful nature trail and boardwalk

Three Rivers State Park Hugging the state line with Georgia at Lake Seminole - the reservoir created by the dam where the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers form the Apalachicola - Three Rivers State Park is a prime getaway for anglers

Torreya Hiking Trail One of the most rugged hikes in Florida, the Torreya Hiking Trail treats you to an scenic landscape of ravines and bluffs rising 300 feet above the Apalachicola River.

Torreya Rock Creek Loop Traversing rugged terrain through steep ravines above the Apalachicola River, the Rock Creek Loop at Torreya State Park offers distinctly scenic landscapes in a botanically-rich corner of Florida.

Torreya State Park Perched on bluffs above the Apalachicola River, Torreya State Park is one of Florida’s first state parks, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s

Weeping Ridge Trail A short though challenging hike the Weeping Ridge Trail offers unusual views for the state of Florida, crossing tall ridges and ending at a small waterfall.

Wright Lake Trail At Wright Lake Recreation Area near Sumatra, a day hiking loop along the western edge of the Apalachicola National Forest features an unusual bridge and numerous pitcher plant bogs

Related Articles

Paddle to Dead Lakes (6/16/2014) One of Florida's most unusual and beautiful places to paddle, the Dead Lakes include 6,700 acres of mazy cypress and tupelo swamps in the Chipola River floodplain.

A Walk with Angus Gholson (5/1/2007) While researching Exploring Florida's Botanical Wonders, I had the honor of a visit to Angus Gholson's herbarium in Chattahoochee, as well as a guided hike through the new Gholson Nature Park, a wonderland of rare wildflowers.