Visitors Information
- General Information
- Traveling Information
- Wildlife And Heritage Celebrations Along The Byway
- Average Daily Temperatures
Download Complete Byway Guide [PDF]
Download Florida State Scenic Brochure [PDF]
Fees
Entrance fees are charged at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Museums, State Parks, and campgrounds.
Camping
Developed public campgrounds are located in the Apalachicola National Forest, Lake Talquin State Forest, and Tate’s Hell State Forest, as well as in the Ochlockonee River State Park, St. George Island State Park, St. Mark’s River County Park, Myron B. Hodge (Sopchoppy River) City Park, and Luther Hall Landing (Lake Talquin) County Park. There are also private campgrounds located in Panacea and Carrabelle.
Gasoline
Fuel is available along the Byway, though gaps of 20 miles or more occur along the Forest Trails.
Lodging
From green lodges and modern hotels to historic B & B’s and the rustic Wakulla Springs Lodge, accommodations along the Byway are available in Tallahassee, St. George Island, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Medart, St. Marks, and Wakulla Springs.
Restrooms
Restroom facilities are located in all public areas along the Byway, as well as in Visitor Centers, Museums, and other attractions.
Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities
Paved bicycle paths of the Byway include the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail State Park, St. George Island Bicycle Trail, and the GF&A Bicycle Trail in the Apalachicola National Forest.
Food
Restaurants and grocery/general stores are available in Tallahassee, Sopchoppy, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, St. George Island, Apalachicola, Panacea, and St. Marks.
Information
Sites displaying the Byway logo provide maps and have information on attractions, accommodations, and outfitters:
Tallahassee Regional Airport; open 24 hours
Inn at Wildwood; open 24 hours
Tallahassee Museum; Mon.-Sat. 9-5; Sun.12:30–5
Sisters Antiques and Uniques, Sopchoppy, Tue.-Sat. 10-5
Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce; Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-2
Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce; Mon.-Fri.10-5, Sat. 10-4
Wakulla Welcome Center, Panacea; daily 10-4
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge; Mon.-Fri. 8-4, Sat.-Sun. 10-5.
Wakulla Springs State Park; daily 9-5
Phone
Public phones are available along this Byway.
Retail
From major department stores and quaint antique shops to galleries and arts and crafts, shopping can be enjoyed along the Byway in Tallahassee, Apalachicola, St. George Island, Carrabelle, and Panacea.
Universal Access Accommodations
All visitors to the Big Bend Scenic Byway will feel included and welcomed to participate:
- Many trails are Universal Trail Assessment Process certified
- Many picnic pavilions are in close proximity to accessible parking and sidewalks
- Most restrooms are accessible
- Wakulla Springs has a wheelchair accessible boat and several Braille coded outdoor sound posts
- Hotels have handicap-accessible units and some locations have telephone typewriters for hearing-impaired guests.
Seasons
All seasons along the Byway have their advantages. Spring: wildflowers & songbirds; Summer: wildlife nesting & swimming; Fall: wildflowers & butterfly and bird migrations; Winter: peak waterfowl migration, eagles nesting, and alligators basking in the sun.
Best Month to Visit
April is an excellent month for hiking and kayaking as the weather is still cool and insects are few.
Peak Periods
During Spring Break (mid-February to mid-March) travelers may experience crowds of exuberant students along the coastal portion of the Byway, especially on St. George Island.
