Florida National Scenic Trail

tedder-admin on September 17, 2025

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.

Cypress Run Farm

tedder-admin on September 17, 2025

The farm offers a quiet nature-oriented atmosphere that allows visitors relief from everyday stress within a completely fenced 38-acre paradise. Boarding facilities, riding instruction, trail rides, guide service, equine therapy programs, summer riding day camps, equine themed artwork.

Cherokee Sink

tedder-admin on September 17, 2025

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.

Capital City to the Sea Trails

tedder-admin on September 17, 2025

The Capital City to the Sea Trails (CC2ST) is envisioned to be a series of trails that will connect various regions of Wakulla County and Leon County and in the future Franklin, Gadsden, and Jefferson Counties. These trails are not defined for specific users but instead will provide transportation options to allow the movement of citizens in these counties by means other than motorized vehicle. Some of the existing Trails that make up this system include the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail (Leon County and Wakulla County) and the Ochlockonee Bay Bike Trail (Wakulla County).

CC2ST was initiated by a Leon County Commissioner and Wakulla County Commissioner. At this time a “Master Plan” is under development. This document will pull together all trail systems in the study area to determine where the existing trails are located as well as all future trails for various organizations at the local, state and federal levels. These trails could be at various stages of study and will fall under the collective Capital City to the Sea Trails document to provide to citizens and officials (at all levels) for funding and support efforts.

Bradwell Bay National Wilderness Area

tedder-admin on September 17, 2025

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.

Apalachicola National Forest

tedder-admin on September 17, 2025

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.

3Y Ranch

tedder-admin on September 17, 2025

Located on 500 beautiful acres in the heart of Wakulla County with miles of riding trails. Oak hammocks, tall pine trees, open fields and natural sink holes all grace the property and will serve to make your riding experience unforgettable. Boarding facilities, riding instruction, training packages. Venue available for weddings, special occasions and events.

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

tedder-admin on September 16, 2025

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.