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Big Bend Scenic Byway

Explore Undiscovered North Florida

Water Fountain

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 Central Itinerary

The historic Sopchoppy Depot is the only remaining depot still standing in Florida on the G F & A. It was beautifully restored in 2010 and now serves as a museum with historical exhibits and a collection of old photographs, memorabilia and recovered artifacts.


Byway East Itinerary

Wakulla Springs is internationally known as one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world and the park is host to an abundance of wildlife, including White-Tailed Deer, Alligators, Suwannee River Cooters, Manatees, Wood Ducks, Anhinga, Yellow-Crowned Night Herons, other birds, and snakes. A nature trail offers a leisurely walk along the upland wooded areas of the park.

Daily guided riverboat tours provide a close encounter with wildlife and glass-bottom boat tours are offered when the water is exceptionally clear. Swimming is a popular activity during the hot summer months but the water temperature remains a constant 69 degrees year-round.

The Wakulla Springs Lodge was built in 1937 by financier Edward Ball and is open year-round. Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge is listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark.


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 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

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.