Category: Wildlife and Nature

Cutting through the diverse and beautiful north Florida landscape, the Big Bend Scenic Byway is the perfect way to see many of the sights that make Wakulla County such a dynamic natural habitat. This 220-mile highway traverses a variety of different thriving ecosystems, and much of the road lies within the limits of Wakulla County itself.

Parts of the Big Bend have been an important corridor through the Florida gulf coast since the 16th century, when Spanish explorers were among the first Europeans to set foot in the area. Although many centuries have passed, the ephemeral beauty of the environment and the rich wildlife habitats remain for explorers of future generations to discover.

Two exciting and distinctive routes to explore

The Big Bend Scenic Byway is divided into two smaller subsections, each with their own unique attractions and beauty. First is the Forest Trail, which passes through many of Wakulla County’s most popular historical sites and preserved lands. Driving across the Forest Trail will bring you a plethora of wildlife watching opportunities, with convenient stops throughout the Apalachicola National Forest, the Wakulla Springs State Forest, and Wakulla Springs State Park.

Meanwhile, the Coastal Trail hugs the wetlands and marshes just off the Gulf of Mexico, and it brings you front and center with amazing maritime vistas and aquatic wonders. If you just can’t miss the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and the San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, you’ll definitely want to take a trip along the Coastal Trail. Each trail is home to numerous sights that make Wakulla County so special, so be sure to explore each one thoroughly!

Natural wonders abound all along the Big Bend Scenic Byway

The Big Bend Scenic Byway is your path to some of the most incredible natural land and abundant wildlife in North America. Upon stopping at one of the numerous protected natural areas in Wakulla County located on the road, you’ll have access to trails and paths rich with opportunities for photography or birdwatching. And you can’t leave the area without taking in some of the aquatic beauty of the Florida panhandle. Spots along the Big Bend Scenic Byway contain marshland, oyster habitats, and seagrass beds home to a diverse array of marine animals and aquatic birds.

Lodging and facilities are conveniently located so you can savor the experience

There is so much to see and do along the Big Bend Scenic Byway you couldn’t possibly experience everything in one day. There are several options throughout Wakulla County for lodging, as well as great restaurants and attractions that will make a memorable trip for the whole family. Don’t forget to download the complete guide to the Big Bend Scenic Byway so you can map out your plan and explore as much as possible on your travels in beautiful Wakulla County.

Visitors can pick up a copy of the Big Bend Scenic Byway Guide at the Wakulla County Welcome Center in Panacea.

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to enjoy nature, come to Florida’s Wakulla Springs State Park. Located south of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs has 6,000 acres of beautiful Florida natural areas to explore and see wildlife.

The Park contains one of the world’s largest, deepest freshwater springs and a historic lodge built in the 30s, and is host to a wide variety of visitor activities and events.

Swimming, camping, weddings, river boat cruises, picnics, and wildlife observation are just some of the many fun things to do here. Register for a ranger-led walking tour of the park to experience the natural beauty of this area up close.

Walk Through Wakulla Springs

Walking through Wakulla Springs State Park gives you a unique perspective on this scenic wildlife sanctuary. Wakulla Springs natural areas provide a front-row seat to observe animals in their environment, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. The area’s beautiful forests include hardwoods, cypress sloughs and longleaf flatwoods. Your ranger-guide will tell you about the history of the area, and talk about the wildlife, plants and fungi, and trees that you’ll see along the walk.

The history of Wakulla Springs goes back thousands of years, and spans Paleo-Indian occupants, European settlers, and the beneficence of Edward Ball, who bought the property in 1934 for conservation. The Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Natural Landmark.

Seeing Wildlife

Wakulla Springs State Park’s vast natural areas include riverfront environments, protected wildlife sanctuaries, and deep freshwater springs and cave systems. Home to alligators, manatees, turtles, otters, deer, and birds, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to see animals in their natural habitats.

Birders will love the huge variety of birdlife, including herons, egrets, bald eagles, ospreys, black vultures, limpkin, purple gallinules, and more. Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera.

Join Us

Because it’s a walking tour, participants must be registrants must be physically able to participate independently without any assistance. You must be able to follow the ranger’s visual and verbal instructions, be outside for the two hour tour, and walk for two miles through a variety of terrain, including sandy, wet, and uneven ground.

Registrants will meet in the Wakulla Springs Lodge parking lot and may want to bring water along. Dress appropriately for the walk, including good walking shoes. Breakfast and lunch is offered at the Lodge before and after the tour.

Plan to join us on this guided walk through the Wakulla Springs State Park. Space is limited so you’ll need to call 850-561-7286 to register and reserve your spot in the event. Click here for more information.

Situated on the Gulf Coast is one of Florida’s best hidden treasures. The rivers and beaches of Wakulla County provide an abundance relaxing and adventurous activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, scalloping, and snorkeling. The pristine and natural water makes for one of the best destinations for any kind of vacation.

What Makes Wakulla a Must-See Location?

Escaping to beaches and waterways that are natural and fresh is the best way to cool off and relax over the summer. Far away from the thick city air, Wakulla County provides an easy environment for countless water activities in the heart of unspoiled and fresh nature. The area is devoted to maintaining a natural setting and its rivers, beaches, and springs attract people from all over Florida, as well as neighboring states.

Among the many activities to enjoy, here are some of the top spots to see while you’re visiting:

• Wakulla Beach: This small beach is located at the end of Wakulla Beach Road and is far from average. Wakulla Beach is part of the St. Marks National Refuge, which means this beautiful beach is surrounded by cabbage palms and salt marsh grass. It also features a gentle shoreline, which makes it a perfect location for launching small boats, canoes, or kayaks.
• Ochlockonee River: Not only is the Ochlockonee River one of Wakulla County’s most popular treasures, it is also home to many threatened kinds of wildlife, including the wood stork, orange azalea, and the Atlantic sturgeon. Enjoy skiing, canoeing, or fishing for sea trout, redfish, or largemouth bass in the scenic and relaxing water.
• Wakulla Springs: One of the most popular locations in Wakulla is this amazing crystal clear springs. It also just happens to be the deepest and longest freshwater springs in the world. The 69 degree water is refreshing and rejuvenating, especially when during the hot summer months. Those with an adventurous bend will most likely enjoy a jump from the 22 foot dive/observation tower located at Wakulla Springs State Park. Those who aren’t quite so daring can relax in the shade of ancient cypress trees, which stand regally alongside the spring, or enjoy a pleasant swim in the cool water.
• Shell Point Beach: This unique beach is located on the northern edge of Apalachee Bay and is accessed via Spring Creek Highway. Shell Point Beach is a dream come true for the nature lover. As you walk along this unspoiled beach, you will likely see dolphins and other coastal wildlife. You also won’t find a prettier sunset in all of Wakulla County that the ones seen from this beach. Finally, it is the perfect location for windsurfing, boating, sailing, kayaking, beachcombing, fishing, hiking, bicycling and much more.
• Sopchoppy River: This natural blackwater river runs 47 miles and starts in the wetlands of the Apalachicola National Forest. From kayaking to canoeing, the upper part of this river is one of the best ways to experience the true richness of the natural wilderness of Florida. Winding through a canopy of trees, the calm breeze is an unbeatable and magical experience.
• Mashes Sands: Relax on a secluded beach in a simple park. Overlooking the mouth of the Ochlockonee River, Mashes Sands has tranquil shallow waters that are perfect for families and nature lovers. This paradise includes quiet tidal marsh pools, a fishing pier, and a boat ramp. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, nature photography, kayaking, boating, and fishing.

The natural environment of Wakulla County is something you need to experience for yourself. It has everything a nature lover could ever hope to find in a vacation destination. Its natural beaches and clear springs and rivers make it an ideal location to enjoy all kinds of activities, ranging from mild to downright daring. Find a preplanned trip itinerary or download the visitors guide to begin planning your trip today!

It’s an exciting time for Wakulla’s Working Waterfronts Photo Project.

‘Waterfronts’, which began in 2012, received a grant from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs last September. The project utilized the talent of local photographers to capture forty-five photos that, as a collective, told the overarching story of Wakulla’s maritime and seafood heritage.

The photographers chosen to participate in the project included Mickey Cantner, Mark Wallheiser, Lynda Kinsey, JoAnn Palmer, and Katie Deal.

Almost two years ago, articles by local writers began circulating online and throughout the area newspaper, The Wakulla News, in search of residents that were willing to tell their stories of fishing, family, and seafood.

The Wakulla Sunday Radio Program produced radio episodes on WAVE 94.1 that highlighted those in the area known for their work within the seafood industry.

Early interviews included residents such as Noah Posey (owner of Posey’s Up the Creek Steam Room and Oyster Bar); Leo Lovel (owner of Spring Creek Restaurant); Bill Lowrie (known for his work with the Big Bend Maritime Museum, and the annual Worm Gruntin’ Festival in Sopchoppy); family members from the now extinct fishing community of Skipper’s Bay; and Sopchoppy resident, Donnie Crum, whose personal interest in capturing the history of his friends and neighbors – many of them fishermen – was the initial inspiration behind the ‘Waterfronts’ project.

Throughout a span of five months, photographers met with fishermen as they loaded their boats and prepared to set-sail during the pre-dawn hours. They met with restaurant owners, photographed workers at crab-picking and seafood processing plants, and made pilgrimages through lonely back-road areas where boat-building, trap-making, worm-grunting, and more took place.

The beauty of the work, the dedication of the workers, and seeing firsthand how one area of the industry could possibly affect the others, was not lost on those who standing behind the camera.

The photographers quickly found that the most compelling aspect of the project were the stories that the workers shared. Many spoke of their family members who had worked within the county’s seafood industry for at least three generations, if not more. Those discussions of family histories, combined with the hopes these residents held regarding the industry and its impact on future generations, are what inspired the Waterfronts Oral Histories Project that will resume later this year.

Wakulla’s Working Waterfronts Photo Project held its public debut in April at Wakulla’s One Stop Community Center. In May it traveled to the 40th Annual Blue Crab Festival, held at Woolley Park, in Panacea.

Later that month the exhibit received an opening at the Lively Technical Institute in Tallahassee. This was of particular importance due to the aspiring photographers that were students in Lively’s Commercial Photography Program, led by acclaimed and internationally published photographer, Russell Grace. Mr. Grace and his students printed, mounted, and hand-framed each picture that now stands in the current exhibit.

In July, ‘Waterfronts’ continued its journey along the coast and was mounted for display at the Apalachicola Center of Culture, History, and Art, in Franklin County. It will remain at this location until mid-August when it returns to Wakulla. A tentative exhibit opening date of Sunday, August 24th, has been set for ‘Waterfronts’ at the Wakulla Welcome Center in Panacea.