Apalachicola National Forest

Preserved in 1936, the Apalachicola National Forest is the largest forest in Florida at 573,521 acres. In addition to numerous recreation opportunities on its waterways and trails – including 67 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail – the forest offers other attractions such as Leon Sinks, an unusual geological area of caverns and sinkholes, and the Apalachee Savannas, with its stunning displays of wildflowers in open prairies near the Apalachicola River. Six watersheds within the Apalachicola provide an abundance of fresh water streams, rivers, lakes, and natural springs.

The Apalachicola National Forest is well-known for its spectacular botanical diversity, including colorful pitcher plant prairies and one of the last extensive longleaf pine and wiregrass communities still in existence. Two wilderness areas provide an an idea as to what Florida looked like before “civilization” arrived.

Birding in the National Forest is unmatched. Check out the Florida Birding Trail resources for more on what you can expect to see.