The Apalachicola National Forest is the largest National Forest in Florida, sweeping around the southern edge of Tallahassee. It is noted for its botanical beauty.
Cedar Point Trail
Tunneling through the shade of coastal cedars between open marshes and the boat channel from the saltwater boat ramp to the Gulf of Mexico, the Cedar Point Trail is a short walk to the Gulf ‘s shores.
Exploring San Marcos de Apalache
Where the Wakulla and St Marks Rivers meet, explore San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, a small piece of ground with a deep history under five flags.
Florida Trail, Apalachee Bay
Slipping out of the jungle-like floodplain forest that surrounds the tributaries of the Aucilla River into the coastal salt marshes along Apalachee Bay, this 13.4 mile hike offers some of the most breathtaking panoramas you’ll find along the Florida Trail – and a profusion of wildlife.
Florida Trail, Shepherd Spring
Hugging coastal swamps and marshes before plunging into them at the Cathedral of Palms, this popular 5.3 mile hike along the Florida Trail centers on Shepherd Spring, a natural treasure within St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
Lighthouse Levee Trail
A windswept walk along the Gulf of Mexico, the Lighthouse Levee Trail provides scenic panoramas of both the Gulf and marsh impoundments near the St. Marks Lighthouse.
Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
At Natural Bridge Battlefield near Tallahassee, memorials and reenactments keep alive the spirits of the soldiers who perished on this spot during one of the last and largest battles of the Civil War in Florida.
Perry
Long the heart of Florida’s timber industry, Perry is the county seat of Taylor County along Florida’s Big Bend, set within a coastal puzzle of swamp forests and estuary.
Plum Orchard Pond Trail
Starting adjacent to the Visitor Center at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, the Plum Orchard Pond Trail is an easy half mile loop that takes you out along Plum Orchard Pond, a great birding stop.
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
The site of the first coastal fortress along Florida’s Panhandle, San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park protects several generations of battlements.