Apalachicola National Forest

So Much To Do & See

The Apalachicola National Forest offers water-based recreation such as boating and fishing along the Ochlockonee and Apalachicola Rivers, and swimming in the numerous lakes. Trails and roads accommodate hiking, mountain bike riding, horseback riding, and off road ATV and motorcycle riding. Primitive camping is allowed throughout the Forest; fee campsites provide restrooms and water, picnic tables and fire rings. Hunting for deer is the dominant activity in December and January. Off the beaten path, this Forest offers opportunities for solitude and reflection.

The fee areas on the Apalachicola National Forest are under the authority of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA). This program allows 95% of the fees collected to remain on the Forest for use in maintaining or improving the site where it was collected. Fee payment is self-service, but is required and will be enforced.

Some recreational activities require a pass or permit. Check with your local Forest Service office for any special regulations that may be in effect, such as a seasonal fire ban.

Alligators

Alligators are present in this forest. They are an important part of Florida’s ecology and may be found wherever there is a body of water. They have a natural fear of man, but may lose that fear by being around people especially if they are fed. When this happens alligators can be dangerous. For this reason alligators should not be fed or molested in any way.

Day Use Areas

The Apalachicola National Forest has six day use areas, four of which are fee areas.  Each fee area is a self-service fee area (exact change required or checks made out to USDA Forest Service are accepted). The fee is $3.00 per vehicle. An annual pass for $40 may be purchased, which covers all day use fee areas on the Apalachicola National Forest. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in any of these areas. Abundant wildlife may be seen in each area, including birds and alligators. All day use areas are open from 8am to 8pm from May to September and from 8am to 6pm from October to April. The annual pass is also valid for day use and camping at Hickory Landing, Mack Landing and Whitehead Lake.

Camel Lake Recreation Area-Day Use

Camel Lake Recreation Area in Liberty County has a designated swim area with a white sand beach on a beautiful lake. A nearby bathhouse includes flush toilets. Outdoor (cold water only) showers for rinsing off are provided. Picnic tables and grills are scattered among trees with views of the lake. One medium sized shelter is provided on a first come basis. A water fountain and some water spigots are available. The site is fairly level and easily accessible to people in wheelchairs. A small boat ramp is available. Motorized boat use is limited to electric trolling motors. Three trails are nearby: the Florida National Scenic Trail, the Trail of Lakes, and the Camel Lake Interpretive Trail. A volunteer host lives on site. Camping is also available here.  Day Use Fee: $3.00 per vehicle per day.

Fort Gadsden Historical Site-Day Use

Fort Gadsden in Franklin County is the site of an historic fort and several battles. Interpretive exhibits and artifacts are displayed along a level pathway on the banks of the Apalachicola River. Picnic tables, drinking water and vault toilets are available. This area is also accessible by boat. No Fee.

Leon Sinks Geological Area-Day Use

Leon Sinks in Leon County is a designated Geological Area featuring interpretive signs and views of sinkholes from a system of boardwalks and trails. Picnic tables, a kiosk, a water fountain, and a restroom with flush toilets are available. The sinks at Leon Sinks are unique, fragile areas with very steep sides. Both humans and dogs have drowned in the sinks. To protect you and the sinks, a number of uses are prohibited at Leon Sinks: swimming, diving, motor vehicles (except in the parking area), hunting, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV and motorcycle riding. Day Use Fee: $3.00 per vehicle per day.

Lost Lake Recreation Area-Day Use

Lost Lake in Leon County offers picnicking by a small lake. Restrooms and drinking water are not provided at this location. The lake and beach are no longer maintained for swimming. No Fee.

Silver Lake Recreation Area-Day Use

Silver Lake in Leon County has a designated swim area with a white sand beach on a beautiful lake. A nearby bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. Picnic tables and grills are scattered among trees with views of the lake. Three picnic shelters are available on a first come basis. One shelter is an historic CCC constructed shelter. Water fountains are available. The site is fairly level and easily accessible to people in wheelchairs. A small boat ramp is available. Motorized boat use is limited to electric trolling motors. A one-mile interpretive trail winds around the lake. A volunteer host lives on site.  No Camping.  Day Use Fee: $3.00 per vehicle per day.

Wright Lake Recreation Area-Day Use

Wright Lake in Franklin County has a designated swim area with a small white sand beach on a beautiful lake. A nearby bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. Picnic tables and grills are scattered among trees with views of the lake. A water fountain is available. The site is fairly level and easily accessible to people in wheelchairs. A 5-mile interpretive trail winds around the lake. A volunteer host lives on site. Camping is also available here.  Fee: $3.00 per vehicle per day.

Camping

Camping can be enjoyed during all seasons on the Apalachicola National Forest, although summer camping would be without air conditioning. None of the campgrounds have hook ups and generators may not be run after 10pm. Be aware that at certain times of the year, due to high fire danger, open fires may not allowed. Visitors may stay a maximum of 14 days within a 30-day period, in one location, except during hunting season. Campsites are available on a first come basis; there are no reservations. Pets are allowed, but must be restrained or on a leash.

The Apalachicola National Forest has developed and dispersed camping opportunities. Only developed campgrounds have fees. There are no group campgrounds or cabins on the Apalachicola National Forest.

Developed Camping

Camel Lake Recreation Area-Campground

Camel Lake in Liberty County has 10 campsites with views of Camel Lake. Each campsite has a picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Drinking water is available. The bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. Camel Lake is farily level and easily accessible to people in wheelchairs. A volunteer host lives on site. Picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities are also available here. No alcohol is allowed on site. Fee: $8.00 per campsite per night.

Hickory Landing Boat Ramp & Hunt Camp-Day Use and Campground

Hickory Landing in Franklin County has 12 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table with a grill or fire ring. Drinking water is available. Vault toilets are provided. A volunteer host lives on site. A concrete boat ramp is available. Fee: $3.00 per vehicle per day.

Mack Landing Boat Ramp & Hunt Camp-Day Use and Campground

Mack Landing in Wakulla County has 10 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table with a grill or fire ring. Drinking water is available. Vault toilets are provided. A concrete boat ramp is available. Fee: $3.00 per vehicle per day.

Whitehead Landing Boat Ramp & Hunt Camp - Day Use and Campgroun

Whitehead Landing in Liberty County has 6 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table with a grill or fire ring. Drinking water is available. Vault toilets are provided. A concrete boat ramp is available. Fee: $3.00 per vehicle per day.

Wright Lake Recreation Area-Campground

Wright Lake in Franklin County has 20 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Drinking water is available. The bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. A dump station for RVs is available. Wright Lake is fairly level and easily accessible to people in wheelchairs. A volunteer host lives on site. Picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities are also available here. No alcohol is allowed on site. Fee: $8.00 per campsite per night.

Hunt Camps

During general gun hunting season (usually mid-November through mid-February), camping is only allowed at designated hunt camps (see map) and the five developed campgrounds. Portable restrooms and trashcans are provided at most hunt camps and campers may stay the entire season in one hunt camp (from 14 days prior to opening day to the last day of general gun hunting season). Individual permits for dog pens may be purchased from your local Forest Service Office. No fee in hunt camps. Fees apply to developed campgrounds(see above).

Dispersed Camping

Except during general gun hunting season (usually mid-November through mid-February), you may camp anywhere on the Forest (outside of developed recreation areas) for a maximum of 14 days within a 30-day period, in one location. Remember to remove all garbage and trash, leave vegetation intact, and preserve water systems. Please make every effort to maintain the natural state of the area and protect it from overuse.

Trails
Bicycling Trails

Bicycles are welcome on public roads in the Forest, on designated motorized trails and on the designated mountain bike trail at Munson Hills in Leon County. The public roads are fairly level, but may be deep sand. Public parking for Munson Hills Trail is available at the St. Marks Bicycle Trailhead on Woodville Highway, just south of Capital Circle. The mountain bike trail is on sandy soil with gently rolling slopes through narrow pine trees. The trail is marked by blue blazes and divided into two loops: an 8-mile loop and a 5-mile loop. A bike rack, water fountain, and restrooms are available near the trail entrance. Click to view a map of the Munson Hills Mountain Bike Trail. Click here to view the International Mountain Bicycling Association website. No fee.

Hiking Trails

The Apalachicola National Forest has approximately 85 miles of designated hiking trails, although hikers are welcome anywhere in the Forest. Pets are allowed, but must be restrained or on a leash.

Sixty four miles of the statewide Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) wind through the diverse ecosystems of the Apalachicola National Forest. The 18 miles through the Bradwell Bay Wilderness Area (swamp) is considered one of the most challenging sections. Numerous trailheads provide access to the trail. The trail is marked with orange blazes. The path is predominantly shaded through flat to rolling terrain. Hikers may camp while backpacking as long as campsites are at least 200 feet from the trail. Backpackers do not need a permit or to check in. Please let your family and friends know your hiking plans, as the Forest Service does not keep track of Forest users. Click to view the Florida Trail Association (hikers) website.  No fee.

The Apalachicola National Forest offers six interpretive trails: Camel Lake (1 mile), Fort Gadsden (1/2 mile), Leon Sinks (5 miles), Silver Lake (1 mile), Trail of Lakes (9 miles), and Wright Lake (5 miles). Camel Lake in Liberty County is marked with blue blazes and is one loop. Fort Gadsden in Franklin County is marked with blue blazes and is one loop. Leon Sinks in Leon County has two loops and has blue, green, and white blazes on different sections. Silver Lake in Leon County is marked with blue blazes and is a single loop. The Trail of Lakes in Liberty County is marked with blue blazes and is a single loop. Wright Lake in Franklin County is marked with blue and white blazes on different sections, but is a single loop. Fee: Applicable if parking in a developed recreation (fee) area.

Horseback Riding Trails

The Apalachicola National Forest has one designated horse trail in Leon County, although horse riders are welcome almost anywhere in the Forest (including on public roads). Horses are not allowed on the Florida National Scenic Trail (hiking only) or in developed recreation areas. There are few designated trailheads, so many individuals choose to park alongside a Forest road near where they want to ride. As long as vehicles do not obstruct traffic or destroy natural resources, this is permitted. Camping with horses in the general Forest area is allowed. Horses are also allowed in the primitive hunt camps (no amenities), although cleaning up after the horses is expected and appreciated.

The Vinzant Horse Trail in Leon County, is the only designated horse trail on the Forest. The trail has 2 loops (which overlap): an 11-mile loop and a 23-mile loop. The trail is marked with white, blue, and yellow blazes on different sections. The trailhead (a mowed field with no amenities) is located near the intersection of Forest Road 342 and State Route 267.

Off Road Vehicle Trails

Please check with the Ranger District Office for the latest handouts and information about regulations pertaining to off road vehicle riding.

The Apalachicola National Forest offers many enjoyable locations to ride off road vehicles. The Forest Service is in the process of designating specific ORV trails. In the meantime, there are many unnumbered roads and travelways that zigzag throughout the forest where you may ride. Restricted Areas are designated to protect certain biological communities, such as wetlands. These areas are shown on the off road vehicle use map. In addition to this information, you may want to purchase a detailed forest map or topography map.

Regulations:

• State and Federal laws apply to all vehicles, including their operation, equipment, and licensing. You are responsible for knowing these laws.
• Florida law requires off highway vehicles purchased after July 1, 2002 and operated on public lands to be titled. Applications must be submitted to your local tax collector's office or Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Unlicensed vehicles are prohibited on numbered forest roads.
• All vehicle traffic is prohibited in the following areas:
  • Wilderness Areas
  • Florida National Scenic Trail
  • Munson Hills Bicycle Trail
• Restricted Areas are designated sections of the forest where some roads or trails are closed to vehicle traffic. In these areas, travel is permitted only on numbered roads by licensed vehicles. The restricted areas map shows these areas which are posted and marked with red signs in the forest.
• Cross country travel (where there are no existing roads or trails) is prohibited.
• Riding on moderate to steep slopes is prohibited.  Riding on slopes can cause soil compaction and erosion, and damage exposed tree roots.
• Wetlands vary in size depending on the rainfall.  In addition to water, wetlands include the surrounding sandy zone, which is one of the most important areas for wildlife.  The sandy zone is easily damaged.  Operating vehicles in this zone is extremely damaging to wildlife and is prohibited.  Mud bogging is prohibited.
• In campgrounds, picnic sites, and other developed areas, except ORV trailheads, unlicensed vehicles should be trailered or carried by other means of transportation when entering or leaving the area.
• Respect the rights of hikers, campers, horseback riders, and other forest users to enjoy their activities undisturbed.
  

Be courteous. Be responsible. Be safe.

Boating

There are many places to access water on the Apalachicola National Forest. They range from easily accessible concrete ramps to narrow dirt clearings. Day Use fees may apply to some ramps within developed recreation areas.

The rivers on the Apalachicola National Forest are best suited to small boats with and without motors. The lakes are limited to small boats with electric trolling motors, and non-motorized boats, such as canoes and kayaks. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates water vessels and should be consulted for safety requirements, registration, and other regulations. Be considerate of those who come after you. Carry out your trash. Please leave flowers and cypress knees for others to enjoy.

For canoers and kayakers, there is no whitewater here. Rivers are kept in their natural condition. Each has its own characteristics. You can usually cover 2.5 miles per hour including periodic rest stops. In rivers with obstructions, you may only move 1.5 miles per hour. You may have to duck under low hanging tree branches or lift the canoe over partly submerged logs.

Private canoe and kayak rentals are available in Tallahassee, Woodville, Sopchoppy, and along the Wakulla River outside the Forest.

Hunting & Fishing

The Apalachicola National Forest is a wildlife management area, in which Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manage hunting activities. General hunting information can be found on their website: www.floridaconservation.org or in their current Florida Hunting Regulations Handbook. For hunting regulations specific to the Apalachicola National Forest, see the Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area Regulations Summary and Area Map brochure and the Apalachicola Bradwell Unit Wildlife Management Area Regulations Summary and Area Map brochure.

Fishing is the second largest sport industry in Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also manage fishing activities. General fishing information can be found on their website or in their current Florida Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations Handbook.

Hunting and fishing licenses and permits for residents and nonresidents are available at the county tax collector's office, at many retail stores that sell hunting and fishing equipment, by phone (1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA or 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA) or through the internet.

The Rifle Range was built with funds provided by the Pittman-Robertson Act to be used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Hunter Education Program. This Act levies an excise tax on all sporting arms and ammunition, which is then used for wildlife restoration and hunter education. When classes are not scheduled, the range is available to the public. The facility is open from sunrise to sunset and is unsupervised. The range is usually closed on Wednesdays for cleaning and repairs. Shooters need to bring their own targets and tacks or staples. Shotguns are not allowed. No fee.