This is Segment 4, Region B. Along the coast, vast tracts of unspoiled public lands and islands are featured in this segment, from the high dunes of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park to the wild palm-lined shores of St. Vincent Island to the old-growth coastal forests of Cape St. George State Reserve.
Apalachicola Bay is a dominant natural feature, providing incredibly productive fishing and shellfish harvests. Not only will paddlers see numerous oyster boats and their crews scouring the waters of Apalachicola Bay, but if they time their trip right, succulent oysters await at the annual Apalachicola Seafood Festival (early November).
Just inland from the bay, paddlers can enjoy 10 mapped paddling trails through small bays and down remote cypress and tupelo lined creeks. These scenic streams bear intriguing names such as Whiskey George and Thank You Ma'am. They are part of the state-owned Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area. Some overnight trips are possible.
A major tributary of the Apalachicola River is the Chipola River. Several springs feed into the river and some caves can be found along the steeper banks. A small shoals known as "Look and Tremble" can give paddlers a thrill.
57 miles of circumnavigational trail
1 state designated paddling trail
A network of mapped paddling trails around Apalachicola Bay
Environmental Considerations
- Be wary of strong winds in open water sections
- Currents moving through passes can be strong and expect challenging surf at times
- Portage required at Stump Hole, near Tower Primitive Campsite
- Do not disturb bats inside caves along Chipola River. Many are endangered.
Primary Campsites & Distances Between on Circumnavigational Trail
- St. Joseph Park primitive camping area to Tower primitive campsite, 12.5 miles
- Tower Primitive Campsite to Indian Pass Campground, 11 miles
- Indian Pass Campground to Government Dock Primitive Campsite, 15 miles
- Government Dock Primitive Campsite to Boy Scout Camp, 8 miles
- Boy Scout Camp to Gap Point Campsite, 10.5 miles
River/Interior Trails
- Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area: Maps to 10 paddling routes north of Apalachicola Bay.
- Chipola River (51 miles)
Emergency Contacts
- Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
- Gulf County Sheriff: 850-227-1115
- Franklin County Sheriff: 850-670-8500
- Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922
External Site Links
