Return to Wakulla County RECREATION   APALACHICOLA NATIONAL FOREST 571,088 Acres (including 2,735 acres of water) Located within Franklin, Liberty, Leon and Wakulla Counties the  Apalachicola National Forest is the largest National Forest in Florida.  It comprises nearly 60% of Wakulla County and holds archeology sites from different cultural periods dating to over 10,000 years ago. Old homesites dating from the 1930's are evident. Recreational activities abound as it is home to several lakes, ponds & sinkholes, 4 rivers and 3 swimming beaches.  In addition to water activities such as swimming and boating, opportunities for camping, bicycling, horseback riding, hiking, hunting, ATV & motorcycle trails, wildlife & bird viewing and picnicking are almost limitless as sixty-four miles of the statewide Florida National Scenic Trail wind through the forest.

More than 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians make the Apalachicola National Forest their home.  It also contains the largest population of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in the United States.

WAKULLA STATE FOREST 4,219 Acres Wakulla State Forest consists of the main tract in the northeastern portion ofWakulla County and a smaller tract in southern Leon County. The State of Florida purchased these lands to preserve the quality of Wakulla Springs by preserving and protecting the watershed drain and the Wakulla Springs aquifer. Springs and sinkholes can be found througout the Forest. Hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, and birdwatching opportunities are available. Wakulla State Forest is a wildlife management area and is open to regulated hunting under the direction of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  Only the Wakulla Tract is open for hunting.