Explore Undiscovered North Florida. The Big Bend Scenic Byway will Transport You to a Different Time and Place through its Wildlife, Waterways, Woods, and Way of Life
DAY TRIPS
Coastal Trail: See beaches, strand, march and scrub as you journey along Florida's Forgotten Coast.
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Forest Trail: Travel through pine forest, hardwood hammocks, grasslands, streams and rivers.
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TWO-DAY LOOP DRIVE
For the best of both worlds, take the two-day Loop Drive, starting and ending in Tallahassee at the Regional Airport. The route can be accessed from several points and divided into multiple day trips.
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>> Brochure [PDF]
Two-Day Loop Drive
Stop #4: Three Rivers Bridge & Porter Lake, Apalachicola National Forest
Driving Directions: One mile from the town of Smith Creek, Forest Road 13 crosses the Byway. Turn right (west) at the sign for Porter Lake and stop in a safe area on the bridge--a favorite local fishing spot.
Distance and driving time between this and end of scenic drive: 1 mile / 2 minutes.
Minimum time: 20 minutes.
Description: Walk the length of these bridges for a beautiful view of the Ochlockonee River and the adjacent floodplain swamp dominated by Tupelo Gum trees and Bald Cypress. The Ochlockonee River Bridge also serves as the route for the Florida Scenic Trail, with a trailhead at Porter Lake, the ANF facility on the western end of the bridge. The bridge is also an excellent area for birdwatching since you are at eye level with the treetops. ,/p.
Other Nearby Destinations: Florida National Scenic Trail, Porter Lake Recreation Area.
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VISITORS EXPERIENCES
"We returned to the Wakulla River on the way home, and paddled south. After coming back to the boat ramp, we paddled north for about 15 minutes and found these Manatees!"
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BYWAY COMPLETE GUIDE
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BIG BEND SCENIC BYWAY STORY
Come and take a drive on the ”Wild Side” along Florida’s Big Bend Scenic Byway where theme parks and bright lights give way to horizons of towering pines and blue-green Gulf waters.
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