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Big Bend Scenic Byway

Explore Undiscovered North Florida

Interpretive Exhibit

Byway West Itinerary

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses 246,766 acres of public lands and waters in the Florida Panhandle. The Reserve boundaries include 52 miles of the lower river and its associated floodplain, most of Apalachicola Bay, two barrier islands, part of a third, and several small out-parcels.

The Nature Center welcomes the general public to visit and enjoy a variety of educational, interactive and live exhibits.


Byway West Itinerary

Byway West Itinerary

The site of two successive forts, the first built during the War of 1812 by the British, and of the tragic massacre of more than 300 African-Americans who held the fort under the British flag in 1816, Fort Gadsden played an important role in Florida history. Located along the Apalachicola River, this interpretive area offers detailed information about the site and its history along with trails, river access, and a picnic area.


Byway West Itinerary

This site is part of a vast ecosystem that begins hundreds of miles away in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia. The 82,554- acre Apalachicola River contains the largest expanse of floodplain forest in Florida. This region is considered one of the most important bird habitats in the southeastern United States: more than 280 species have been identified in the Apalachicola River area.

The area lies on the eastern fringe of the Mississippi Flyway and hosts large numbers of birds from both the Midwest and the Atlantic seaboard during migratory periods. Travelers have an outstanding view of the Apalachicola from the tower that also overlooks a beautiful Cabbage Palm hammock and floodplain forest. The site also includes interpretive panels, picnic tables, a short nature walk, and dock.


Byway West Itinerary

After multiple natural disasters and rebuilds, a replica of the St. George Island Lighthouse stands a couple hundred yards off of the beach with a museum and gift shop. 


Byway West Itinerary

Wright Lake is a quiet scenic lakefront recreation area that offers a host of amenities and activities for campers and day-trippers. The area around the clear, spring-fed lake offers both a day-use area for swimming, picnicking, and hiking, and a campground in a beautiful forest setting along one portion of the lakeshore. It is perfect for fishing and boating. Swimmers can enjoy the white sand beach, and a nearby bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. Picnic tables and grills are scattered among trees with views of the lake.

The campground includes 18 campsites with picnic tables, grills, tent pads and fire rings. The recreation area is fairly level and easily accessible. Hikers can enjoy a 4.6-mile interpretive trail that circles the lake.


Byway West Itinerary

The Visitors' Center can fill you in on Franklin County Florida information including history, list of museums, restaurants, places to stay and upcoming events.