Florida National Scenic Trail - Apalachicola Section

The Florida National Scenic Trail – Apalachicola Section is a roughly 78-mile, remote, often-wet segment of the Florida Trail inside the Apalachicola National Forest south of Tallahassee. Expect conditions that frequently mean wading and a lot of “soggy underfoot” travel across swampy forest.

Route character is defined by swamp basins and titi thickets, especially Bradwell Bay, along with wet pine flatwoods and frequent shallow water. The crossing problems are real enough that you should plan on navigating through low, trackless vegetation rather than relying on obvious tread.

Bradwell Bay Wilderness is the toughest portion of the section: it’s described as a swamp basin where hikers often wade (sometimes waist-deep in high water) and must be able to find the route through titi. In high water, bridges across features like the Sopchoppy River and Monkey Creek may not look like what you expect from farther upstream.

For route logistics, access points are concentrated at the ends and a few named camps/trailheads within the forest; public campgrounds are called out at Porter Lake, Camel Lake, and at other locations within the Apalachicola National Forest. Resupply is effectively limited to the section termini, with grocery/shops noted at Sopchoppy and Bristol.

Seasonality matters: it’s best hiked in spring when flowers peak, and the whole forest is generally wet year-round. Wet weather can change river and creek crossings quickly, and flooding is specifically called out along the Sopchoppy River corridor as a safety concern.

Use maps plus a compass for Bradwell Bay travel—both Florida Trail maps and U.S. Forest Service maps are specifically recommended for navigation in the swamps. Camping rules are also part of planning: Bradwell and Ditch Bays aren’t suitable for camping (with an exception noted for a small “island” in Bradwell Bay), and other areas like the Sopchoppy River and Monkey Creek are suitable.

More information: Official website, Florida Trail, Apalachicola Section, Florida Trail Section Hiking