Betsy Purdum
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Encompassing nearly 564,000 acres in Franklin, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties, the Apalachicola Wildlife Management Area is part of the Apalachicola National Forest. The Florida National Scenic Trail traverses the area, meandering through pine palmetto flatwoods interspersed by titi and cypress swamps. Wildlife is abundant and includes red-cockaded woodpeckers, osprey, bald eagles, turkeys, alligators, and bears. Recreational opportunities abound on this area: hunting in the fall and winter, horseback riding, biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, and paddling. Children under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when horseback riding on public lands. For more detailed information go to Nicole's Law  . All horseback riders must have proof of current negative Coggins Test results for their horses when on state lands. The Apalachee Scenic Byway (CR 379) winds through rare wet prairie delicately-colored with yellow and red pitcher plants in the spring. Camping is permitted at designated primitive campsites during the general gun season and year round at the Northwest Florida Water Management District campground at Florida River Island. A portion of this campground has been set aside for recreational vehicles, but there are no hook-ups. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers (unless contained in mobile campers) lumber, sheet metal or other building materials or permanent improvements are not allowed by the Water Management District. Also see the Apalachicola Bradwell Unit for information on this small unit (1,420) acres which borders on the Ochlockonee River.
Visit the U.S. Forest Service's Apalachicola National Forest Recreational Activities. Visit the Northwest Florida Water Management District's Apalachicola River. View FWC's Regulations Summary for Apalachicola and Regulations Summary for Quail Enhancement Area for an area map, hunting seasons, permits, fees, and area regulations.
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