Apalachicola National Forest

Copyright: USDA Forest Service Apalachicola National Forest

Apalachicola's total landmass is comprised of 564,000 acres featuring a historical site, a geological site, eight hunt camps, a number of clear fishing lakes, at least three significant rivers, a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail, Savannahs Scenic Byway, and the important designated wilderness areas of Mud Swamp / New River and Bradwell Bay.

Attractions - On the Apalachicola National Forest, tourists will discover flat to gently rolling terrain and moist lowlands. Portions of the forest in wet lowlands abound with cypress, oak and magnolias. Stands of slash and longleaf pines cover the sandhills and flatwoods. The Apalachicola's rivers and streams provide a steady freshwater flow to some of the most productive coastal bays and estuaries known for shellfish and other commercial seafood. Visitors find Fort Gadsden Historic Site steeped in history, much of it violent and bloody. A chronology of events is interpreted at a small museum kiosk, along the trail, at the fort sites, and at the steamboat-landing site. Visitors may also tour the Leon Sinks Geological Area. It lies in the Woodville Karst Plain featuring sinkholes, swales, caverns, natural bridges, circular depressions, and a disappearing stream! Add to these geological wonders the beauty and serenity of rolling northwest Florida sandhills clad in forests of stately longleaf pines, shadowy hammocks of moss-draped live oaks and magnolias, quiet swamps of cypress and tupelo gums, and an abundance of other plant and animal life. Another popular attraction within Apalachicola National Forest is the Munson Hills Off-Road Bicycle Trail. Cyclists will find a scenic and challenging ride through some of the most traffic-free rolling terrain on the forest.

Recreation - For the visitor looking for swimming, picnicking, boating, and camping, the most highly developed campgrounds in the forest are Hitchcock, Camel Lake, and Wright Lake Recreation Areas.

From roller blading to wildlife viewing, scenic areas to sinkholes, worm grunting to oyster hunting, there are many outdoor activities available in or near the Apalachicola National Forest.

See Florida National Scenic Trail for details about Apalachicola's segment.

Climate - The panhandle area of Florida experiences mild, comfortable winters and warm to hot, humid summers. The average summer temperatures reach well above 83 degrees Fahrenheit (above 29 Celsius). Winters are mild with temperatures averaging below 52 degrees Fahrenheit (below 11 Celsius). The average precipitation for the panhandle area is more than 60 inches per year. August and September are peak months of the hurricane season that lasts from June 1 through November 30.

Location - The Apalachicola National Forest lies just southwest of Tallahassee in the Florida panhandle. The National Forests of Florida are all headquartered in Tallahassee. The Apalachicola has District Offices located in Bristol and Crawfordville.