Apalachicola National Forest

Surrounding one of the few crystal-clear lakes in the Apalachicola National Forest, Camel Lake Recreation Area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest. Seepage slopes in the forest create pitcher plant bogs, easily visited along the Florida National Scenic Trail headed west to Memory Island.

The Georgia Florida and Alabama (GF&A) Trail is perfect for bike riding, walking, roller skating or a leisurely stroll. The trail is 2.4-miles long, approximately one-hour walking time each direction. The surface is paved making it suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and rollerblading. Helmets are recommended for bicyclists and skaters.

Please respect wildlife, plant life and other visitors by following the few guidelines posted at the trailhead entrances.

Pets are allowed, but must be on a 6-foot leash and kept under control.

The New River is one of the most primitive, remote canoeing opportunities in north Florida. There is no canoe trail through the Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness, since the river loses its identity in the swamp and divides into multiple, twisting channels. It is possible to put in below the Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness at the southern boundary of the forest and canoe down through Tates Hell State Forest to Carrabelle. There are concrete boat ramps, picnic and camping areas within the state forest.

The water level in New River fluctuates considerably and, while stream gauge readings are not available, visual inspection should provide a reasonable clue of what to expect. Drought conditions in the region create almost impassible conditions on the New River. You can put in where New River crosses Forest Highway 13 or along Forest Road 182.

Interested adventurers might also want to call the Apalachicola Ranger District Office in Bristol, Florida, before making the trip.

Visitors most often come to the largest recreation area on the Apalachicola National Forest to swim off the 250-foot white sand beach, walk the mile-long interpretive trail or picnic at one of 45 picnic tables, each of which comes with an individual grill. This family-friendly destination just outside Tallahassee is ideal for a family day of fun in the sun!

Boating--Non-motorized

• Non-motorized boats float on the 15-acre lake angling for largemouth bass, brim or catfish. The landscape is a mostly longleaf pine and hardwood hammock forest.

Fishing

• Fish from banks of the lake, which are accessible in many spots via the hiking trail. 

Nature Watching

• Bald eagles and songbirds are at home in this longleaf pine forest that also makes room for cypress, tupelo trees, turkey oak and palmettos. Rare species of plants and animals can be found at Silver Lake, but the observant visitor is more likely to see turtles, alligators, bears, turkeys and armadillos.
• Silver Lake is in the Munson Sandhills, which are composed of deep dry sands that have accumulated over limestone. Because the sand absorbs rainfall so completely, wetlands are relatively rare in this part of the forest. In places, the limestone dissolves and collapses, forming the depressions and ponds, lakes and sinkholes that are common in the area.

Walk the Trail

• The gentle one-mile loop Silver Lake Trail circles the lake.

With its headwaters arising on the Apalachicola National Forest, the Sopchoppy River is a local favorite with non-motorized paddlers.

Boating - Non-motorized

• Although some hardy paddlers put in at the top of Bradwell Bay Wilderness on Forest Highway 13 and paddle the six miles down to Forest Road 346, low flows and twisty turns can make this a challenging trip.

The U.S. Geological Survey stream gage at Oak Park Bridge on Forest Road 346 should read between 10 and 14 feet before this upper section is considered for paddling.

Below Oak Park Bridge, the Sopchoppy continues its tortuous meandering before becoming a larger blackwater river above the sleepy town of Sopchoppy. From there it is a much easier paddle to the boat ramps at the Sopchoppy City Park or the Ochlockonee River State Park.

Wright Lake is a quiet scenic lakefront recreation area that offers a host of amenities and activities for campers and day-trippers. The area around the clear, spring-fed lake offers both a day-use area for swimming, picnicking hiking, and a campground in a beautiful forest setting along one portion of the lakeshore. It is perfect for fishing and boating. Swimmers can also enjoy the white sand beach, and a nearby bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. Picnic tables and grills are scattered among trees with views of the lake.

Boating

• Electric trolling motors or paddle boats are welcome on the lake

Camping

• The campground includes 18 campsites with picnic tables, grills, tent pads and fire rings. Each site also has a lantern post.
• Spark Generators are allowed at sites.

Fishing 

• Wright Lake is the perfect place for fishing. 

Nature Viewing

• The area around Wright Lake is one of the best places in the Apalachicola National Forest to see pitcher plants, which bloom in late March / early April.

Walking / Day Hiking

• Two trails are available at Wright Lake: a short nature trail and a 4.6-mile interpretive trail that circles the lake and showcases the full spectrum of habitats in this part of the Apalachicola National Forest.