Apalachicola National Forest

Apalachicola National Forest is a nature reserve in the Florida Panhandle that stretches across three counties and covers more than 632,000 acres (255,000 hectares) of pine forest, wetlands, and hardwood swamps. Sandy trails run through the landscape, linking open savannas with dense riparian zones along slow-moving streams.

The United States Forest Service founded this reserve in 1936 to regulate timber operations and control erosion across the region. Decades later, officials expanded the area through land purchases and designated wilderness zones to protect sensitive ecosystems permanently.

The name comes from the Apalachicola River, whose designation derives from a native trading people. Rangers now lead tours to prehistoric sites where visitors can understand how groups used river corridors and forest resources across millennia.

Multiple entry points near Bristol and Crawfordville lead to hiking, camping, and fishing spots accessible via unpaved forest roads. Summer visitors should bring insect protection and pack enough water, as shaded sections are often marked by humidity.

Two designated wilderness areas, Bradwell Bay and Mud Swamp/New River, protect old stands of slash pine and tupelo trees across roughly 100 acres (40 hectares). These rare formations attract researchers who study the interplay of moisture and forest development over centuries.

Location: Santa Rosa County

Operator: United States Forest Service

Website: https://fs.usda.gov/florida

GPS coordinates: 30.17269,-84.80676

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30