Protecting nearly 4,400 acres where the Econfina River snakes its way to the Gulf of Mexico through the vast marshes of the Big Bend, Econfina River State Park is well off the beaten path.
Perry
Outdoor recreation near Perry, the timber capital of Florida, sitting along the vast swamp forests of the Big Bend.
Florida Trail, Aucilla River
9 miles. Endearingly scenic, surprisingly rugged in places, and unlike any other piece of the Florida Trail statewide, this trek along the Aucilla River showcases some of Florida’s top natural features in one hike.
Florida Trail, Aucilla Sinks
4.4 miles. With dark waters reflecting against pockmarked limestone walls and a footpath winding through the most geologically weird piece of any National Scenic Trail, the Aucilla Sinks are the most fascinating segment of the Florida Trail.
Forest Capital Museum State Park
To learn about the storied past of the forestry industry in Florida, stop in the Forest Capital Museum State Park, where one of the highlights is a pioneer homestead.
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Lafayette Blue Springs was an old swimming hole for folks in Mayo and the rural communities west of Live Oak, a hidden beauty spot along the Suwannee River that is now a state park.
Madison
Nestled against the Georgia border, the easternmost corner of Northwest Florida is Madison County, with its county line defined on one side by the Suwannee River.
Mayo
The county seat of rural Lafayette County, Mayo is centrally located for explorations along the Suwannee River and its many springs
Permanent closure of the Florida Trail between Suwannee and Aucilla Rivers
A permanent closure of 55 miles of the Florida Trail between the Suwannee and Aucilla Rivers leaves thru-hikers no alternative but a very lengthy roadwalk
St. Marks
A fishing village at the confluence of the St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers, the town of St. Marks is also the end point of the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail.
Steinhatchee
Known for its excellent scalloping in the summer months, Steinhatchee is a coastal community along one of Florida’s most remote and wild shorelines in the Big Bend.