As the authors of Explorer’s Guide: North Florida & The Panhandle, we’ve probably crisscrossed Northwest Florida more than most visitors.
In addition to the notable white sand beaches and emerald waters stretching from Panama City Beach to Pensacola, this region has compelling terrain for hikers, particularly along the Florida Trail west of the Apalachicola River.
Spanning two time zones, the region includes a vast sweep of wild shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, little-known springs, and Florida’s largest National Forest, the Apalachicola National Forest.
Along its westernmost shores, Gulf Islands National Seashore protects more than 15 miles of pristine shoreline. Central to the region are a string of coastal dune lakes, unusual bodies of water that periodically exchange their fresh waters with the Gulf of Mexico.
Regional Destinations
Recent Articles
Spring Hopping Around Tallahassee (7/1/2019) Between Madison and Marianna and across Wakulla County, explore a colorful collection of natural springs for swimming and snorkeling, all within an hour of Tallahassee.
How To Prepare For A Backpacking Trip (3/19/2019) What does a hiker need to spend a week, or a month, or three months on the trail? Here are trail-tested suggestions for backpacking in Florida for trips of a week or more
Bear season in Florida (2/23/2019) As Florida black bears become active in late winter and spring, the chances of a bear encounter go up significantly if you leave food unsecured outdoors - whether in your campsite or at home.
Every Kid Outdoors (2/21/2019) Got kids? If any of them are in fourth grade, they can get a free pass to ALL Federal public lands good for the whole family through the end of August. Here's how.