Apalachicola River - Recreation

In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following recreation activities are allowed. Order the Apalachicola River WEA Recreation Guide or print a shorter version  Ready, Set, Go! guide to use as a resource when visiting this area.

Hunting

In the fall, the area is very popular with squirrel hunters, many of whom set up primitive campsites and enjoy fishing as well as hunting. An 40-acre dove field is planted annually with brown-top millet, Japanese millet, and other agronomic grain crops and is open during the dove season. The deer and turkey populations on the area are fairly low.

Fishing

Fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass, and bream is excellent. Numerous creeks and tributaries to the Apalachicola flow through the property, offering nearly unlimited recreational potential for anglers as well as paddlers. Fishing license information.

Wildlife Viewing

The area's outstanding wildlife habitats, including floodplain forest, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods, support significant populations of both rare and common wildlife. This area is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Visit the  Wildlife page for more information about the area's wildlife. You may also request a copy or download or print the Apalachicola River Bird List .

Hiking

Interpretive trail at Sand Beach through cabbage palm hammock.

Biking

Biking is permitted on roads or along trams. A network of roads in excess of 50 miles is available for biking.

Paddling

Nearly 100 miles of trails comprising the Apalachicola River WEA Paddling Trail System offer opportunities to canoers and kayakers of all interests and abilities.  Paddlers can explore rivers and creeks winding through expansive marsh and towering pines or deep into floodplain forests and can choose from short, easy jaunts to more strenuous multi-day adventures.  Most trails are accessible from boat ramps along State Road 65.  Secure bike racks located at several ramps provide an option for shuttling.  Two routes are accessed from the west bank of the Apalachicola River north of the city of Apalachicola.  Fall and spring offer pleasant temperatures and fewer biting insects. April and October are great months to see colorful wildflowers. Enjoy fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing year round. The Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System was awarded the American Canoe Association (ACA) "Recommended Water Trail for 2006" and designated a "National Recreation Trail" by the Department of Interior in 2008 Download paddling trail maps here in pdf format:  paddling opportunities.

Scenic Driving

Roads pass through a variety of  natural communities and offer the exploring driver opportunities to observe  wildlife, wild flowers and much more on Florida's wild lands.

Also see  Vehicle Use Regulations.

Camping

Camping is permitted throughout the area, except where posted as no camping. Camping is limited to tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles.  Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers, unless contained in mobile campers, lumber, sheet metal or other building materials or permanent improvements are prohibited.