Apalachicola National Forest - Florida

Tel: (850) 643-2282

Home to the stretch of the Florida Trail that is considered one of the toughest hikes in North America, Apalachicola National Forest is the quintessence of adventure mixed with the best of nature's quietude. The forest covers more than half a million acres of bald-cypress swamp and unusual plants such as sundews and titi thickets.

Meaning "friendly people living on the other side," Apalachicola National Forest is filled with natural diversity, much of which can be seen on its fantastic hiking trails. Despite its friendly name, the 24,000-acre Bradwell Bay Wilderness Area of the Apalachicola National Forest has some of the most inhospitable terrain in the state, most suitable for hikers seeking a challenge. Trout Pond boasts a special nature trail that is wheelchair accessible and preferred for relaxing strolls. Apalachicola National Park is home to deer, turkeys, black bears (about 175), largemouth bass, bluegill, sunish, and black crappie, which can be found throughout the different bodies of water. For those who, like water-based recreation, the Forest offers boating (along the Ochlockonee and Apalachicola Rivers), swimming and canoeing in its numerous lakes and rivers. And if you can't get enough of this magnificent national forest, primitive camping is permitted throughout the Forest, so you can spend the night and take it all in again the next day or mix it up a little at Camel Lake Recreation Area or Silver Lake in Leon County which have designated swim areas with a white sand beach on a beautiful lake.

To get to Apalachicola National Forest from I-10, take exit 174 and head toward Greensboro on State Road 12. Follow State Road 12 for approximately 27 miles, then take a right on State Road 20. At the red light in Bristol, take a left on State Road 12 South. A few miles down take a left on Forest Road 105. Camel Lake Recreational Area is 2 miles down.