Big Bend Scenic Byway

[Skip Navigation]

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

Big Bend Scenic Byway view

DAY TRIPS

Coastal Trail: See beaches, strand, march and scrub as you journey along Florida's Forgotten Coast.
>> Read more...

Forest Trail: Travel through pine forest, hardwood hammocks, grasslands, streams and rivers.
>> Read more...

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.
>> Read more...


Where in Florida?

>> Brochure [PDF]


Florida Scenic Highway logo
America's Byways logo

Two-Day Loop Drive

Stop #6: Ochlockonee River State Park

Driving Directions: Return to Rose Avenue (CR 22) and exit town the way you entered, then take the left fork crossing the river on CR 22. In 1.2 miles turn left on Curtis Mill Road (CR 299), which reenters the Apalachicola National Forest. Continue 6.4 miles to the intersection with Sopchoppy Highway (US 319). Turn right (south) for .3 miles to the entrance of this beautiful state park.

Distance and driving time between this and previous stop: 7.9 miles / 10 minutes.

Ochlockonee River State Park

Minimum time: 30 minutes

Description: This jewel of a park is located where the Ochlockonee and Dead Rivers intersect. Ochlockonee, which means "Yellow Waters," is a mix of brackish, tidal surge, and fresh water. Wild and deep, the river empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Trails allow visitors to explore the park and view the diverse wildlife including nesting Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers, White Squirrels, Manatees, Alligators, Otters, Bobcat, Coyote, Black Bear, and White-Tailed Deer, as well as natural communities such as pine flatwoods and oak thickets. Both freshwater and saltwater fish inhabit the waters around the park. The site also includes a marked swimming area, interpretive panels, picnic tables, and boat ramp with canoe rentals.

Other Nearby Destinations: Wood Lake Recreation Area.

Previous Stop << View Itinerary >> Next Stop


Big Bend Scenic Byway map

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!"
>> Read more...

BYWAY COMPLETE GUIDE

>> Download Guide [PDF]

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.
>> Read more...



Visit Florida logo