Recreation (updated
yearly)
In support of the resource management goals and objectives for the
area and to provide a quality experience for all area users, the following
recreation activities are allowed. The Apalachicola
River WEA Recreation Guide is a useful resource when visiting this
area.
Bill Murdick
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Alan Hallman
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In the fall, the area is very popular with squirrel hunters, many of
whom set up primitive campsites and enjoy fishing as well as hunting.
An 40-acre dove field is planted annually with brown-top millet, Japanese
millet, and other agronomic grain crops and is open during the
dove
season. For information about the dove fields, read FWC's
General Information on WMA Dove Fields for the 2008-2009 season. More current
dove field conditions can be obtained on the Field
Update page. The deer and turkey populations on the area are fairly
low.
Florida Photo Archives
Bass Fishing on Saul Creek, 1947
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Fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass, and bream is excellent.
Numerous creeks and tributaries to the Apalachicola flow through the
property, offering nearly unlimited recreational potential for anglers
as well as paddlers. Reference the
map
of Apalachicola River WEA (pdf file) for
boat ramp locations. Fishing
license information.
The area's outstanding wildlife habitats, including floodplain forest,
sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods, support significant populations
of both rare and common wildlife. This area is part of the
Great
Florida Birding Trail. Visit the Wildlife
page for more information about the area's wildlife. You may also
request a copy or download or print the
Apalachicola River Bird List -
pdf file.
Interpretive trail at Sand Beach through cabbage palm hammock.
Biking is permitted on roads or along trams. A network of roads in
excess of 50 miles is available for biking.
Geoff Brown
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Nearly 100 miles of
trails comprising the Apalachicola River WEA Paddling Trail System offer
opportunities to canoers and kayakers of all interests and abilities.
Paddlers can explore rivers and creeks winding through expansive marsh
and towering pines or deep into floodplain forests and can choose from
short, easy jaunts to more strenuous multi-day adventures. Most trails
are accessible from boat ramps along State Road 65. Secure bike racks
located at several ramps provide an option for shuttling. Two routes
are accessed from the west bank of the Apalachicola River north of the
city of Apalachicola. Fall and spring offer pleasant temperatures and
fewer biting insects. April and October are great months to see colorful
wildflowers. Enjoy fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing year round.
The Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System was awarded the American
Canoe Association (ACA) "Recommended Water Trail for 2006" and was named
a National Recreation Trail in 2007 by the Department of the Interior.
Download paddling trail maps here in pdf format:
paddling opportunities.
Roads pass through a variety of natural
communities and offer the exploring driver opportunities to observe
wildlife, wild flowers and much more
on Florida's wild lands. Vehicle
use regulations.
Liz Sparks
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Camping is permitted throughout the area, except where posted as no
camping. Camping is limited to tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping
vehicles. No permit is required.
