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.
Cash Creek
Tate’s Hell State Forest
Paved access to fishing dock on Cash Creek, with portable restroom.
Paved parking to picnic pavilion, portable restroom nearby.
Miles of undeveloped beaches on this barrier island offer ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, boating, hiking, camping and nature study. Two natural boat ramps provide access to the bay for small boats. The park has six large picnic shelters equipped with grills, tables and nearby restrooms. The campground features 60 campsites with water, electric, a central dump station and two bathhouses.
Tate's Hell State Forest is one continuous tract of land comprising over 202,437 acres. Conquering this wet and seemingly unproductive area for timber production was the focus of the timber industry from the 1950s to early 1990s.
The network of roads has increased public access to the area, making it a popular location for local residents to hunt and fish. To protect the Apalachicola Bay from severe freshwater runoff, the state began purchasing the majority of the property with Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) program funds in 1994 and has continued to purchase additional lands.
Tate's Hell State Forest is located in Franklin County, between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee rivers. The forest extends into the southeast corner of Liberty County, south of the Apalachicola National Forest and 1.5 miles northwest of the town of Carrabelle. Access Tate's Hell State Forest from U.S. Hwy. 98 and State Hwy. 65
Built in 1838 by Thomas Orman, this antebellum home overlooks the Apalachicola River, and was used for both business and social gatherings. Orman was a cotton merchant and businessman in Apalachicola from 1834 to the 1880s. He helped the small town become one of the Gulf Coast’s most important cotton exporting ports during the 19th century. Visit the adjoining Chapman Botanical Garden, which honors Dr. Alvin Chapman. Enjoy the butterfly garden, other botanical features, walkways and open spaces. Also enjoy the Three Soldiers Detail, a bronze replica of the Vietnam memorial statue in Washington, D.C..
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.
21.48 miles of multiuse trails running the length of St. George Island.
Franklin County Visitors Center, Eastpoint
30 min.
Paved parking and walkway to entrance
Comments:
“Nice, new building”
“Right off the highway”