Parks

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (850/653-8063)
Encompassing over 246,000 acres in Apalachicola Bay, this is the second-largest estuarine research reserve system in the nation. An educational center is located at the north end of Market Street, with exhibits on the flora and fauna of the area, an aviary and live giant fish tanks. Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Apalachicola National Forest  (850/643-2282)
This 564,000 acre-park offers camping, picnicking, boating, hunting and fishing.

Bald Point State Park (850/349-9146)
Wildlife viewing opportunities including birding are abundant at this park, located on Alligator Point where Ochlockonee Bay meets Apalachee Bay.  Bald Point State Park offers both land and water activities in a setting that features coastal marshes, pine flatwoods and oak thickets.  Facilities include a fishing dock, picnic pavilions and bay beaches for swimming.  Open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.  Admission fee required.

Battery Park and the City Marina
Facilities include a boat launch, park with picnic tables and playground. Located at Bay Avenue between 4th and 6th Streets in Apalachicola.

Cape St. George State Reserve
This nine mile-long reserve is one of three barrier islands that separate Apalachicola Bay from the Gulf of Mexico, and is accessible only by boat. The Reserve’s remoteness and wilderness qualities provide an opportunity to explore and enjoy a remnant of Florida’s original natural landscape. It also is the former home to the Cape St. George Lighthouse and lighthouse keeper’s quarters.  Shells are abundant.

Lafayette Park
Offers fishing pier, interpretive signage, a gazebo, picnic tables and playground. Located at Avenue B between 13th and 15th Streets in Apalachicola.

Orman House State Park (850/653-1209)
This two-story Greek Revival structure built by Thomas Orman in 1838 is one of the oldest historic homes in Apalachicola.  Tours available Thursday-Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

St. George Island State Park  (850/927-2111)
This park features nine miles of undeveloped beach and a pristine shoreline well-known for abundant shelling and sea turtle nesting.  Park amenities include two boat ramps with access to Apalachicola Bay, six well-equipped picnic shelters, restrooms, full-facility campsites and a primitive campsite.  A series of trails, boardwalks and observation platforms provide access to the park’s bay forest, sandy coves and salt marshes.  Kayaks are available for rent.  Open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.  Admission fee required.

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
(850/653-8808)
This 12,490-acre, undeveloped coastal barrier island is located 22 miles southwest of Apalachicola, and is accessible only by boat.  The refuge is a migratory bird stop-over, nesting site for bald eagles and loggerhead sea turtles, and a red wolf propagation site.  Public uses include fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, hiking trails, educational displays and photography.  The refuge is open during daylight hours; no facilities available. A visitor’s center is located on the north end of Market Street in Apalachicola.

Tate’s Hell State Forest (850/697-3734)
Encompassing more than 202,000 acres, this wildlife management area’s wet prairie, wet flatwoods, strand swamp and bottomland forest environments support an abundance of endangered and threatened species including the Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, red cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake and Jaguarundi.  Canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing are available along the park’s 35 miles of rivers, streams and creeks.  Public facilities include hiking trails, ATV trails, a concrete boat launch, 34 primitive campsites and a 12-site facility with hot showers and restrooms.  Ranger-guided hikes are available for groups.