The Apalachicola National Forest in Tallahassee is the largest forest in Florida. The longleaf pine trees, evergreen and hardwood trees, and the clear river and lakes provide the perfect backdrop and location for a day trip or a weekend camping getaway.

There is a lot to see in this forest, especially for nature enthusiasts and those who simply wish to take a break from city life. The forest has two wilderness areas: Bradwell Bay Wilderness and the Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness. Animal lovers should keep an eye out for red-cockaded woodpeckers, red-shouldered hawks, raccoons, bobcats, fox squirrels, and alligators.

Recreation Areas

The Apalachicola National Forest is a massive property that encompasses over 900 square miles of land. There are various designated areas for recreation with different types of water and land-based outdoor activities.

  • Camel Lake Recreation Area - has 10 campsites, access to the lake, picnic tables, and grills; open all year round | Hours: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Silver Lake Recreation Area – is best for day trips. Has picnic areas and grills where visitors can cook their food; open all year round | Hours: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Leon Sinks Geological Area – gets its name from sinkholes caused by the meting limestones. Swimming is not allowed in this area.
  • Wright Lake Recreation Area – offers lake access where visitors can swim or go fishing. There are a total of 18 campsites along with picnic tables, grills, and fire rings; Open all year round | Hours: 8:00am to 8:00pm
  • Trout Pond Recreation Area – a day-use area where visitors can bike, hike, and walk their pets.
  • Fort Gadsen Historic Site – a historical landmark dating back to the early 1800s.

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Activities

Day Trips. Those who live near the forest enjoy going to the forest to go hiking, picnic, and enjoy watersports like swimming and kayaking. There is no entrance fee at the forest, however, some activities (like camping) may require reservations and a fee.

Other activities to try:

  • Biking
  • Scenic driving
  • Nature viewing and photography
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Swimming

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission monitors water-related activities. Since the Apalachicola National Forest is a protected area, they regulate the volume of fishing as well as the type of water activities that they allow visitors to do.

Campsites

There are a few campsites at the Apalachicola National Forest such as the Camel Lake Campground, Porter Lake, and Wright Lake Campground. There are options for RV camping, campground camping, and dispersed camping.

Hiking Trails

The Apalachicola National Forest has several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. Those who are traveling with children can opt to take the easy trails, while more experienced and athletic travelers can take the moderate trails.

  • Sinkhole Trail Loop – 4.7km (moderate)
  • Munson Hills Trail – 13.4 km (easy)
  • Seven Sinks Trail – 5 km (moderate)
  • Tallahassee Saint Marks Historic Rail State Trail – 23.2 km (easy)
  • Twilight East – 10.9 km (moderate)
  • Sopchoppy River Trail – 7.9 km (moderate)

Bonus: Florida National Scenic Trail – it’s not a hiking trail, but a long footpath. Spanning the length of Florida, this trail passes through the Apalachicola National Forest. If you have a couple of hours to spare in your schedule, try to see how far you can go!

Explore The Surrounding Area

By now you’ve realized that there’s more to Florida than beautiful beaches. Aside from the forest, Apalachicola also has other sites and historical landmarks to see. Below are some examples:

  • Saint Vincent National Wildlife Refuge – located in the southwestern region of Apalachicola, this wildlife refuge can be accessed by boat.
  • Battery Park Marina – a site for boating enthusiasts
  • Bowery Art Gallery and Studio – features the works of local artists
  • Raney House Museum - built in 1835, his house has seen historical events and is now home to 19th-century artifacts and documents.
  • Apalachicola Maritime Museum – offers boat tours and artifacts from the maritime heritage of Apalachicola. Entrance fee: $5.00.
  • John Gorrie State Museum – a landmark dedicated to John Gorrie, who was one of the men who developed air conditioning. The museum includes memorabilia and artifacts from John Gorrie’s life and work, as well as Apalachicola-related exhibits. Entrance fee: $2.00.

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Access

Apalachicola National Forest can be accessed by car. There are no public transport options. There are a few campsites in the forest but those who wish to stay at hotels can choose from any of the hotels in Tallahassee and just drive west to get to Apalachicola National Forest.

Where To Stay

  • Holiday Inn Tallahassee E Capitol: From $93.60 per night
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Tallahassee Capitol: From $118 per night
  • Clarion Pointe Tallahassee: From $58.27 per night
  • Staybridge Suites Tallahassee: From $109.65
  • Seven Hills Suites: From $84.95

Why You Should Go

The Apalachicola National Forest is worth checking out not just because it is “the largest forest in America” but also because of its natural beauty and the many activities that visitors can do while they are there. It is a good option for those who wish to take a break from city life and reconnect with nature. Those who wish to fully explore this forest need to stay long or make multiple visits because it is massive and has a lot of different areas to explore. It’s impossible to visit each one in one day!

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