Wakulla County: Tidal Beaches, Rivers and Nature Trails

Explore Wakulla County through its nature, activities and history. Tidal beaches, river landscapes, forest trails and historic sites offer different focal points for planning your trip. If you’re planning a hotel stay, you can first consider whether wildlife watching, hiking, water activities or culture will shape your days. The places below show how these interests take different forms across the region.

Coast, Refuge and Wildlife Watching

On Apalachee Bay, the Wakulla Unit of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge offers access to a tidal beach. About 5.5 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail pass through the unit, including the popular hike through the “Cathedral of Palms” to Shepard Spring.

A different landscape defines Ochlockonee River State Park: it protects longleaf pine forests and includes natural communities such as pine flatwoods and sandhill. Its trails let visitors observe a variety of wildlife, including the red-cockaded woodpecker. The park is also considered an excellent place for boating and fishing. This puts wildlife watching and water activities alongside hiking trails as different ways to experience the park.

Trails for Different Activities

At Wakulla State Forest, hiking, horseback riding, cycling, picnicking, birdwatching and exploring nature are possible on existing forest roads, old rail beds and designated trails. The Double Springs Multi-use Trail offers specific route details: the loop is 4.5 miles long and includes crossings at low water, slopes and winding sections.

Another option is the paved Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail. It runs 16 miles from Florida’s capital to the coastal community of St. Marks. Visitors can run, hike, cycle and skate along the trail; it is also designated a National Recreation Trail. The trails described differ not only in length: the Railroad State Trail’s paved surface and the activities listed are its main features, while the description of the Double Springs Multi-use Trail emphasizes its loop and changing route.

Rivers, Springs and Water Activities

Wakulla Spring is also important to the Wakulla River: the fresh water flowing from the spring accounts for most of the river’s flow. In winter, Wakulla Spring serves as a thermal refuge for the Florida manatee. This seasonal role of the spring adds a distinctive connection to wildlife to the activities along the river and coast.

At San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, Tucker’s Point is located where the St. Marks River meets the Wakulla River. The point is a fishing spot. The river confluence is directly linked here to a specific activity; Ochlockonee River State Park also offers opportunities for boating and fishing.

History and Exhibits

At San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park, the museum displays pottery and tools excavated near the original fort. Visitors can also follow a self-guided educational trail that is open to them. The museum and trail offer two different ways to experience the site: exhibits are complemented by a route visitors can explore on their own.

The historic Sopchoppy Depot was built around 1891. Today, the restored depot serves as a museum with historical exhibits. The Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory offers a different thematic focus: its aquariums feature animals such as seahorses, hermit crabs, electric rays and red-and-white-spotted calico crabs.

Mashes Sands Beach

Mashes Sands Beach is surrounded by saltwater marshes. A Mobi-Mat extends to the waterline, making the beach fully ADA-accessible. Check conditions before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Crawfordville, Baker County, Monroe, Sarasota, Hernando, Gulf County, Flagler, Escambia.

For the main travel overview: Florida.