Big bend Scenic Byway logo

Big Bend Scenic Byway

Explore Undiscovered North Florida

Wildlife Viewing

Byway Central Itinerary

Construction of the Jackson Bluff Dam on the Ochlockonee River in 1927 created Lake Talquin, which is 12,000 acres in size and encompasses 14.5 linear miles of the Ochlockonee River floodplain. This picturesque park is perched on a hill overlooking Lake Talquin and offers a handicapped-accessible boardwalk along the lake shore. Many wildflowers on this walk are endemic to this ecosystem.


Byway Central Itinerary

 Picnic facilities  area are located near the scenic point where the Ochlockonee and Dead Rivers intersect. Ochlockonee, which means "yellow waters," is a mix of brackish, tidal surge, and fresh water. Pristine and deep, the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

 


Byway East Itinerary

Set amidst 52 acres of breathtaking Florida flora and fauna, the Tallahassee Museum has served as an iconic Tallahassee landmark for more than 50 years.


Byway East Itinerary

The refuge was established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds. It is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It encompasses over 70,000 acres spread out between Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties, and includes about 43 miles along the Gulf Coast of northwest Florida.

The refuge includes coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers, and is home to a diverse community of plant and animal life. The refuge also has strong ties to a rich cultural past, and is home to the St. Marks Lighthouse, which was built in 1842 (current tower) and is still in use today.

  • Over 17,000 acres are protected under the Federal Wilderness Act.
  • Longleaf Pine Land Management Research and Demonstration Area;
  • Globally Important Bird Area
  • Outstanding Florida Waters
  • Class 1 Air Quality area

Byway East Itinerary

City park that offers a boat ramp, picnic areas, bird and wildlife viewing.

1 hr.
Paved access to ramp, restroom directly opposite

Comments:
“Comfortable deck with nice ramp”
“Restroom very clean”
“Great water views and birds”
 


Byway East Itinerary

 Wakulla River Park - City of St. Marks

1 hr.
Paved surface to tables; dock with steps to water

Comments:
“Nice view of the Wakulla River”


Byway East Itinerary

A local gathering place and site for community festivals, Woolley Park sits on the waterfront of Dickerson Bay in Panacea, FL.


Byway East Itinerary

This secluded beach and simple county park are located at the eastern end of Mashes Sands Road where Coastal Highway 98 intersects Ochlockonee Bay Bridge. Park facilities include restrooms, a fishing pier, and boat ramp.