Hiking

• Overview
  & Background
• Hiking
  Trail Maps
• Recreation
  Matrix
• Florida National
  Scenic Trail
• Rules and
  Regulations

Overview and Background

Hiking is a great way to experience the forest, although the heat and mosquitoes often put a damper on hiking during the summer months. The Apalachicola offers a variety of hiking opportunities from short, interpretive trails to long-distance hikes. People can hike anywhere on the forest, on or off trail. If hiking on trails designated for other uses (ATV, bicycle, motorcycle, or horse), be aware that other users may not be watching for hikers. Hikers may access trails from any location, although each trail has at least one trailhead (parking area) associated with it.

Short Distance Hikes

Camel Lake Trail:

This is a 1-mile interpretive trail through a pine flatwoods ecosystem. If parking in the Camel Lake Recreation, hikers will need to pay the Day Use fee at the entrance to Camel Lake. (See also Attractions)

Silver Lake Trail:

Visitors can enjoy a short hike on a 1-mile trail around the lake, through longleaf and slash pine flatwoods. If parking in the Silver Lake Recreation Area, hikers will need to pay the Day Use fee at the entrance to Silver Lake. (See also Attractions)

Leon Sinks Trails:

Right off Highway 319 south of Tallahassee, the Leon Sinks Geological Area contains 5 miles of trail that leads to a series of sinkholes big and small. Hikers will need to pay the Day Use fee for parking upon entering the area. Please note that there is no scuba diving allowed in the sinks. While hiking, keep an eye open for gopher tortoises, deer, turkey, hawks, raccoons, snakes, salamanders, and porcupines!

Ft. Gadsden Trail:

The site of an old British fort on the Apalachicola River, Ft. Gadsden is notable as being the scene of a mass tragedy. As a means of gaining a foothold in Florida, the British-built fort posed a threat to any American vessels traveling the river. In the face of an imminent American attack, over 300 escaped and freed slaves and many local Indians took refuge in the fort. On July 27, Col. Duncan Clinch ordered his gunboat to fire on the fort. One of the early shots from the ship's guns landed on a ammunition shed inside the fort, resulting in a massive explosion which left only 33 survivors to tell the tale. Although nothing remains of the fort, a short interpretive trail leads visitors around the site.

Long Distance Hikes

Florida National Scenic Trail:

The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through a variety of ecosystems found on the Apalachicola National Forest. Seventy four miles of this statewide trail are on the Apalachicola National Forest. Numerous trailheads provide opportunities for accessing the trail.; The trail is well maintained and is generally easy hiking on good trail. The exception is the 18-mile section crossing through the heart of the Bradwell Bay Wilderness. This section is a difficult, challenging hike through remote wilderness, and hikers should be prepared to negotiate hip-deep water on the trail through the swamp. (more on the trail)

Trail of Lakes:

The Trail of Lakes is a 9-mile trail passing by a series of small lakes. If parking in the Camel Lake Recreation, hikers will need to pay the Day Use fee at the entrance to Camel Lake.

Wright Lake Trail:

This 5-mile trail circles Wright Lake, passing through pine flatwoods and bottomland forest. If parking in the Wright Lake Recreation Area, hikers will need to pay the Day Use parking fee at the entrance to Wright Lake. (See also Attractions)