Big Bend Scenic Byway
Places to Visit
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Designated a “Distinctive Destination” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it has over 900 homes and buildings listed in its National Register District, dating as far back as the 1830s. A scenic walking tour of the town acquaints visitors with sites such as cotton warehouses, which supported the city’s once prosperous cotton export trade during the 1800s.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: Turn right (west) onto US 98 and continue 3.2 miles on the Byway to Eastpoint. At the entrance to town, turn left off US 98 onto Patton Drive (SR 30) , cross over SR 300 to St. George Island, and continue west on Bayshore Drive until it intersects with US 98 (1.1 miles). Turn left (west) and cross the John Gorrie Bridge into Apalachicola (6.5 miles).
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Apalachicola Bay Scenic Drive (FL)
Upon leaving Apalachicola, US 98 crosses two major bridges with sweeping views of Apalachicola Bay, a State Aquatic Preserve with designated uses such as shellfish propagation and harvesting.
Location: Apalachicola Bay.
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Apalachicola National Forest (FL)
The Apalachicola National Forest offers water-based recreation along the Ochlockonee and Apalachicola Rivers, and swimming in the numerous lakes, as well as hiking, nature-watching and more.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: The byway goes through the forest.
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Apalachicola River and Basin (FL)
The basin covers 19,600 sq. miles in three states and encompasses three major river systems. In Florida, it is a biodiversity hotspot, with one of the highest concentrations of threatened and endangered species in the United States.
Location: In the Florida Panhandle on the west side of the Apalachicola National Forest.
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Blackwater Creeks Scenic Drive (FL)
Swamp lilies, swamp roses, and asters bloom along the creeks in April and October. Look for alligators, Belted Kingfishers, Owls, Anhingas, and Pileated Woodpeckers along the drive.
Location: At the intersection of SR 65 and US 98.
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This white sand beach on St. George Sound, rimmed with sea oats and subtle dunes, offers unobstructed wonderful views of nearby barrier islands. In addition to shelling, Carrabelle Beach continues to produce some of the best fishing in the country, as well as direct access to scalloping in August and September.
Location: City of Carrabelle.
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Perched on the banks of the beautiful Sopchoppy River, this was one of Charles Kuralt’s favorite stops. Sopchoppy is the Worm Gruntin’ capital of the world, and locals still practice the art of coaxing earthworms from the ground to sell as bait.
Location: 45 miles south of Tallahassee.
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Situated on the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail State Park, St. Marks historic legacy is matched by its magnificent natural setting—at the juncture of two Outstanding Florida Rivers, the Wakulla and the St. Marks. Many threatened or endangered species are abundant in these waters, including the West Indian manatee, Suwannee River cooter, and American alligator.
Location: North of Apalachee Bay in the Florida Panhandle.
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City of Tallahassee Regional Airport (FL)
The airport is located on the Cody Escarpment, an ancient early Pleistocene shoreline formed tens of thousands of years ago during a period of higher sea level. The scarp runs east to west, separating the Red Hills Region of southwest Georgia from the Gulf Coastal Lowlands of Florida’s Big Bend.
Location: Tallahassee.
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Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park & Lodge (FL)
One of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs is the attraction of the 2,860-acre Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park.
Location: 550 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs
