Take a Look at the Florida Panhandle Part 3 The Apalachicola National Forest and Barrier Island

Take a Look at the Florida Panhandle - Part 3 - The Apalachicola National Forest and Barrier Island
By Tim Burton

Enjoy the Apalachicola National Forest is a mix of swamp,spring, savannah, hiking and canoeing terrain - perfect forexploring.

The most exhilarating way to explore is to hike along one ofits many trails or to canoe, from one of its many boatlaunches, down the Ochlockonee River.

The Apalachicola National Forest is the largest nationalforest in Florida consisting of two great rivers, theOchlockonee and the Sopchoppy.

There are numerous campgrounds and picnic areas throughoutthe Forest so you do not have to be an athlete to enjoy it.

Take a look at Wakulla Springs which is west of the forest,and is one of the deepest natural springs in the world. Thescenery is primitive and has understandably, been thesetting for films such as the Tarzan films.

Apalachicola Barrier Islands

Apalachicola, an old town south west of the forest, is thestate's oyster capital. The three marvellous Barrier Islandsare across the bay.

One of these is St George Island - a 28 mile barrier island.It is still the least inhabited and is unspoilt, even thoughyou can get there by road. Its miles of white sand beachesare uncrowded, great for swimming and catching a variety offish. You can see many gracious wildlife like turtles.

Take a break from the beautiful seashore and visit one ofthe many restaurants serving fresh local seafood such asoysters of course.

Or go shopping on the Island for clothing, beach stuff,gifts and art.

Another of the Barrier Islands is Little St George Island.Perfect for those who like a measure of isolation. Theisland is about 75 miles from Tallahassee and is reached bybridge and causeway from US 98.

You can camp for free, but bring your own facilities. Thereis of course, the white sand beaches, bird watching (ospreysand eagles), wildlife (yes, and racoons) and last butdefinitely not least - fantaastic fishing.

The third of the Barrier Islands is the St Vincent Island.You can only get there by boat.

But it has many fresh water lakes and salt water swamps. Itis a birdwatchers paradise.

Tim Burton writes travel articles for the popularOrlando Villas Florida website at http://www.milkriver.co.uk andVacation Rentals Worldwide website at http://www.worldwidevillas.net

Copyright 2006 by Tim BurtonArticle may be reprinted but must include the all the author information

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