Fun Is In Our Nature
Myron B. Hodge City Park in Sopchoppy is a favorite spot for both relaxation and adventure along the scenic Sopchoppy River. Birders can enjoy sightings of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors that frequent the riverbanks and surrounding woods, while hikers and bikers can make use of peaceful trails shaded by towering trees. The park also features a boat ramp, making it easy to launch a kayak, canoe, or small boat for a day of paddling and fishing on the calm waters.
This secluded beach is surrounded by saltwater marshes, hosts an abundance of wildlife, and is a great place to fish or watch the sunset. Mashes Sands Beach has limited amenities but features a mobile restroom facility onsite and a mobi-mat to the waterline for full ADA accessibility.
This ramp provides access to the Gulf and is surrounded by gorgeous marsh wetlands that are home to manatees, alligators, and brackish-water-loving fish like trout and redfish. Non-boaters should stop by for lovely sunrises and sunsets or bring the kids to catch minnows.
The Florida National Scenic Trail meanders for 1,400 miles through wilderness areas and across the beautiful landscapes of Florida. Wakulla County is fortunate to have the trail run through it for approximately 75 miles with two designated gateway communities: the City of St. Marks and the City of Sopchoppy.
The trail follows abandoned railroad beds built at the turn of the century and crosses over old logging bridges at the eastern edge of the county line. It continues through the St. Marks Refuge, one of the oldest in the National Wildlife Refuge System, across a series of dikes constructed to hold freshwater for thousands of wintering waterfowl.
Between Wakulla Beach Road and Spring Creek Highway (CR 365), the trail passes through a magnificent area known as the Cathedral of Palms, with a short side trail to idyllic Shepherd Spring. The trail continues at the Carraway Cuttoff Trailhead to the western edge of the county through the Apalachicola National Forest into one of the longest wilderness sections of the Florida Trail. This stretch of trail leads to Bradwell Bay National Wilderness Area and then to the steephead ravines of the Ochlockonee River.
Florida National Scenic Trail is maintained by volunteers in partnership with private and public land managers.
Trailheads in Wakulla can be found in the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge (coordinates linked below) and in the Apalachicola National Forest.
The E. Guy Revell, Jr. Nature Trail Conservation Area includes 3 miles of natural surface and multi-use trails accessible for walking, hiking, and cycling. Two trailheads are available for parking located on Saddletree Trail and Maplewood Drive. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, with no swimming or overnight camping. This recreation area has been purchased and restored for the protection and long-term enjoyment of your water resources.
Cherokee Sink is nestled in the forest of Wakulla Springs State Park and beckons swimmers on hot summer afternoons. The sink is accessible via a hike on a sandy trail – 2.4 miles roundtrip – and offers plenty of jumping-off spots and a natural shelf to sunbathe on. Use tick-prevention techniques on your hike to the sink.
The Bradwell Bay National Wilderness Area, one of the grandest wild areas in northern Florida, is located in the Apalachicola National Forest approximately 25 miles southwest of Tallahassee. Backpacker Magazine calls it one of the 10 toughest hikes in the United States. The region remains constantly wet and hikers must often slog through waist-deep water. The Bradwell Bay expanse includes a magnificent 12 acres of virgin slash pines and untouched cypress trees. The Bradwell Bay South Trailhead is located off FR 329 where unpaved parking is available. No facilities are available.
The upper reaches of the Sopchoppy River can be accessed via kayak or canoe when water levels are high enough (usually around 10.5 feet). Make sure to check the USGS stream gage before planning a trip.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of dispersed/primitive camping, but additional skills are needed for a successful trip. Know your limits and abilities before you try this experience. Certain rules and regulations will make your experience safe and ensure settings remain scenic and unspoiled.
This boat ramp serves boaters, anglers, and birders. Fish from the sandy shoreline wandering trails cut through foliage, or launch your boat from the paved ramp. As an access point for Levy and Dickerson Bay, the ramp is a stopping point for roseate spoonbills, various duck species, and vocal birds like clapper and Virgina rails. This spot is a local favorite to enjoy coastal sunrises and sunsets.
Discover endless ways to explore the outdoors at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Birding enthusiasts can spot everything from migrating waterfowl to rare raptors along some of the best viewing areas on the Gulf Coast. Anglers will find prime spots to cast for redfish, trout, and bass, while paddlers can slip into winding creeks and calm bays for an up-close look at the refuge’s natural beauty. Miles of trails invite hikers and bikers to explore salt marshes, pine forests, and coastal vistas—each turn offering a new adventure. Whether you’re chasing the perfect photo, a trophy catch, or simply a day surrounded by nature, St. Marks delivers an unforgettable experience.
No visit is complete without stopping at the iconic St. Marks Lighthouse, one of Florida’s oldest and most photographed lighthouses. Standing tall since 1831, the lighthouse offers history, charm, and breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast. Visitors can explore the grounds, take photos of the striking structure, and enjoy sweeping vistas of the refuge’s marshes and waterways—a perfect complement to the outdoor adventures waiting just beyond the shore.
