Fun Is In Our Nature
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.
The historic Sopchoppy Depot was built around 1891. Originally, the Depot was part of the Carrabelle, Tallahassee & Georgia Railroad Company, which was then absorbed by Georgia, Florida and Alabama Railroad, often referred to fondly as the “Gopher, Frog & Alligator.” The line first started running in 1893 and operated until 1946. The Sopchoppy Depot was once a busy railroad hub for both passengers and freight.
The train crossed over the Sopchoppy and Ochlockonee Rivers and traveled through the thick swamps and piney forests of Franklin County before emerging into the open air of the coast. Final destination was the Lanark Inn, a grand hotel boasting a casino, dining, a dance pavilion on the beach, a swimming pool constructed around a sulfur spring, and two large bathhouses for ladies and gentlemen, respectively. The historic Sopchoppy Depot is the only remaining depot still standing in Florida on the GF&A. It was beautifully restored in 2010 and now serves as a museum with historical exhibits and a collection of old photographs, memorabilia and recovered artifacts.
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 Big Bend Scenic Highway is a guided driving route that takes visitors by protected lands, museums, lighthouses, scenic parks, and local eateries.
Azalea Park is a community park in downtown Crawfordville. This park provides a walking trail with a rubberized surface, an exercise area, and picnic tables. The park features small gazebos at the north and south ends available to rent.
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.
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.
