Copyright: Patty Elton-Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
Florida's Fascinating Natural Beauty
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Description - Located several miles southeast of Tallahassee, this National Forest provides a recreation haven for those wishing to explore an environment rich in streams, wetlands, cypress swamps and pine forests. Wildlife is plentiful including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Bobcats, black bear, gray fox, wild turkey and white-tailed deer roam throughout the various habitats. Well-known features of this district include a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail and the Bradwell Bay Wilderness. Various recreation areas provide day use and overnight facilities.
Attractions
- Quiet, thick pine flatwoods, dense-canopied hammocks, and peaceful creeks traverse the region where recreation opportunities abound. Interesting destinations include the Big Dismal Sink, a huge sinkhole extending to a depth of 130 feet; and the roadless Bradwell Bay Wilderness. Sopchoppy River is another popular destination as well, especially for canoeists. From roller blading, to target practice to handicapped swimming, visitors of all tastes and abilities will surely find an pleasurable recreation.
Recreation - Visiting the eastern area of the Apalachicola National Forest invites bicyclists to explore the Munson Hills Off-Road Bicycle Trail, a traffic-free route providing a quiet and remote excursion. Camping, fishing and boating abound. Numerous hunt camps dot the region; there is even a practice shooting range located along Forest Route 305 in the northeastern reaches. Also up north, is a wonderful network of horse trails called Vinzant Riding Trail. Trailer parking is provided at the trailhead, which splits into a number of directions allowing circuit rides. Those interested in geology will not want to miss the disappearing stream of Leon Sinks. Sinkholes, swales, caverns, natural bridges, and circular depressions all indicated karst. Hiking trails help visitors explore the depths of the region. Wildflower identification, bird-watching, nature photography and more await the visitor. Twenty-one miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail, including a stretch into the awesome Bradwell Bay Wilderness, lie in the eastern portion of the Apalachicola National Forest. Details about the Forest's portion of the trail may be found under Florida National Scenic Trail. Climate - The Ranger District experiences mild, comfortable winters and warm to hot, humid summers. The average summer temperatures reach well above 83 degrees Fahrenheit (above 29 Celsius). Winters are mild with temperatures averaging below 52 degrees Fahrenheit (below 11 Celsius). The average precipitation for the panhandle area is more than 60 inches per year. August and September are peak months of the hurricane season that lasts from June 1 through November 30. Location -
The Wakulla Ranger District falls in the eastern half of the Apalachicola National Forest. The Ochlockonee River is the western boundary.
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