Florida Big Bend Scenic Byway

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Florida Big Bend Scenic Byway The Big Bend Scenic Byway will transport you to a different time and place through its Wildlife, Wat Explore shipwrecks on windswept islands. Come make memories!

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. The “Bend” is where Florida’s Gulf Coast curves westward, sheltering vast seagrass beds, marshes, winding rivers, sugar-sand beaches, deep forests, and crystal-clear springs. The unparalleled natural bounty and beauty

of the Bend have attracted visitors since 15,000 BC. While traveling on the Byway, visitors can explore the natural resources which have supported and sustained the lives and the livelihoods of generations past and present. Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city, welcomes travelers to this 220-mile natural wonderland where wildlife outnumbers people. Over 300 species of birds, 2,500 plant species, and more carnivorous plants (30) than any similarly sized area in the world call the Bend home. The Forest and Coastal Trails, offering two distinct experiences, culminate in a two-day drive unlike any other. Back in the 1800s life along the Forest Trail was truly the “Wild West”, with cracker cowboys, rustlers, Indians, trappers, and hand-scrabble farmers. Start the day walking through a north Florida pioneer farm and later stop at Fort Braden, a military outpost during the Second Seminole War. Keep this history in mind as rolling sand hills and hardwood forests give way to extensive stretches of pine forests, wetlands, and river floodplains. This route follows an ancient sea bed with an elevation drop from 230 feet (70 meters) to sea level, and Black Bear, Bobcat, Turkey, Fox, Deer, Coyote, or Wild Hog could appear at any moment. The Coastal Trail, first discovered by Panfilo de Narvaez in 1528, was subsequently occupied by Spanish, English, American, and Confederate forces…and, for a brief interlude, declared the “Nation of Muskogee” by William Bowles on behalf of Creek and Seminole Indians. In the 1800s rivers were full of ships with cotton and timber bound for foreign markets. Later they were replaced by sponge, shrimp, crab, oyster, and fishing boats, which still ply these waters. This trail is alive with maritime history. “Old Florida” fishing villages serve up fresh seafood and access to bountiful fishing grounds Three 18th century lighthouses stand sentinel along beaches where Generals Patton and Clark planned the Normandy Invasion and trained soldiers for the amphibious landing. Visit Fort San Marcos, a 16th century Spanish fort whose camouflage-- logs painted with lime to look like stone—didn’t fool the pirates.. Walk through once-famous ports where brick warehouses--which today house galleries and antique shops--were once filled with goods bound for New England and Europe. And take a step back in time while visiting two new maritime museums. The centerpiece of the Byway is the Apalachicola National Forest, featuring the best remaining example of a native Longleaf Pine and Wiregrass ecosystem in the United States, as well as the largest population of the endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker. In addition, the Byway connects nine state parks and three state forests, including Lake Talquin, which is distinguished by its proximity to two Outstanding Florida Waters and Tate’s Hell, containing hundreds of acres of wet prairie, wet flatwoods, strand swamp, and bottomland forest, as well as the mysterious Dwarf Cypress Dome, where trees over 300 years are only 6 -15 feet tall. Travelers will marvel at the scenery along the Apalachicola River, one of the most productive estuaries in North America, supplying 90% of the oysters in Florida and 10% nationally. It is Florida’s largest river and the second largest entering the Gulf of Mexico, providing 35% of the freshwater input. Other standouts include the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, a "Globally Important Bird Area" with over 300 species, as well as coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks, and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers, and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, one of the worlds largest and deepest fresh water springs. A National Natural Landmark, it preserves habitat for over a dozen rare and endangered species and is host to an abundance of wildlife, easily viewed on the River Boat cruise. If geology is of interest, the interpretive trail at Leon Sinks Geological Site is a must. Created over millions of years, its Karst Topography of mysterious underground caverns and magical subterranean lakes makes this site of global scientific interest. Allow time to savor the red-sky sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico and rural countryside that is “Old Florida.” Stay longer and go hiking, kayaking, biking, horseback riding, or birding. Charter a fishing boat or dive for scallops. There are no crowds, high prices, or pressures. The Big Bend is slower-paced, relaxed, and full of great values. Smiles and friendly people are the norm. You won’t be disappointed…rain or shine.

02/09/2024

"I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours."
--Jerome K. Jerome

30/08/2024

"Saltwater Heals Everything." -- Nauset Surf Shop (MA)

Here is an awesome video about our byway, produced by The Florida Channel! Enjoy it, and share!
21/08/2024

Here is an awesome video about our byway, produced by The Florida Channel! Enjoy it, and share!

Florida’s Big Bend Scenic Byway is a state and nationally recognized roadway where travelers can drive its 220 miles next to marshes, winding rivers, beaches

04/07/2024

"This land is your land, this land is my land
From California, to the New York Island
From the redwood forest, to the Gulf Stream waters
This land was made for you and me."
--Woody Guthrie

Learn about the importance of roadsides as ecosystems, how the FWF works with FDOT, cities, & counties to identify and p...
25/06/2024

Learn about the importance of roadsides as ecosystems, how the FWF works with FDOT, cities, & counties to identify and protect native wildflowers on roadsides, and how you can help. On June 26, 2 pm

Roadsides are often perfect places for native wildflowers to flourish and can play a key role in sustaining native pollinator populations.

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting a special exhibit commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-D...
14/06/2024

Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is presenting a special exhibit commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. June 4 and will be on display until Saturday, July 20. The museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Florida Wildflower Foundation at St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve invites you along for a day of exploring a nat...
06/06/2024

The Florida Wildflower Foundation at St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve invites you along for a day of exploring a natural coastal landscape. Saturday, June 8 at 10 am.
It's a little off the Byway, but worth the trip!

Join the Florida Wildflower Foundation at St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve for a day of exploring a natural coastal landscape.

Join the Florida Wildflower Foundation at St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve for a day of exploring a natural coastal ...
03/06/2024

Join the Florida Wildflower Foundation at St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve for a day of exploring a natural coastal landscape. Saturday, June 8 at 10 am.
It's a little off the Byway, but worth the trip!

Join the Florida Wildflower Foundation at St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve for a day of exploring a natural coastal landscape.

Be a part of Florida WildQuest! Grab your phone and join us on a massive statewide scavenger hunt at any Wildlife Manage...
28/04/2024

Be a part of Florida WildQuest! Grab your phone and join us on a massive statewide scavenger hunt at any Wildlife Management Area across the state. Learn more at

Florida WildQuest Explore Florida’s Wildlife Management Areas through a unique scavenger hunt experience! From April 27–May 5, 2024, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold a scavenger hunt on Wildlife Management Areas throughout the state. Using the free and easy-to-use ...

Starts Today! The Florida WildQuest! Grab your phone and join us on a scavenger hunt at any Wildlife Management Area ac...
27/04/2024

Starts Today! The Florida WildQuest! Grab your phone and join us on a scavenger hunt at any Wildlife Management Area across the state. Go and have a time at :

Florida WildQuest Explore Florida’s Wildlife Management Areas through a unique scavenger hunt experience! From April 27–May 5, 2024, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold a scavenger hunt on Wildlife Management Areas throughout the state. Using the free and easy-to-use ...

This Weekend!! Join the Florida WildQuest! Grab your phone and join us on a massive statewide scavenger hunt at any Wil...
26/04/2024

This Weekend!! Join the Florida WildQuest! Grab your phone and join us on a massive statewide scavenger hunt at any Wildlife Management Area across the state. Learn more at

Florida WildQuest Explore Florida’s Wildlife Management Areas through a unique scavenger hunt experience! From April 27–May 5, 2024, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold a scavenger hunt on Wildlife Management Areas throughout the state. Using the free and easy-to-use ...

Get ready for the Statewide Scavenger Hunt-- including your Big Bend Scenic Byway!
24/04/2024

Get ready for the Statewide Scavenger Hunt-- including your Big Bend Scenic Byway!

Here's your chance to climb Crooked River Lighthouse! Don't miss it!!
23/04/2024

Here's your chance to climb Crooked River Lighthouse! Don't miss it!!

Mark your calendars – is hosting Florida WildQuest! Grab your phone and join us on a massive statewide scavenger hunt a...
22/04/2024

Mark your calendars – is hosting Florida WildQuest! Grab your phone and join us on a massive statewide scavenger hunt at any Wildlife Management Area across the state. Learn more at

Florida WildQuest Explore Florida’s Wildlife Management Areas through a unique scavenger hunt experience! From April 27–May 5, 2024, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold a scavenger hunt on Wildlife Management Areas throughout the state. Using the free and easy-to-use ...

Today is the BIG Open House at the FSU Coastal Marine Lab from 10 am until 3 pm!
20/04/2024

Today is the BIG Open House at the FSU Coastal Marine Lab from 10 am until 3 pm!

This Saturday is the BIG Open House at the FSU Coastal Marine Lab from 10 am until 3 pm!
19/04/2024

This Saturday is the BIG Open House at the FSU Coastal Marine Lab from 10 am until 3 pm!

Don't miss the Open House at the FSU Coastal Marine Lab this Saturday from 10 am until 3 pm!
18/04/2024

Don't miss the Open House at the FSU Coastal Marine Lab this Saturday from 10 am until 3 pm!

03/04/2024

It's International Dark Sky Week!🌟

Both of Florida's official International Dark Sky Parks, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Where are your favorite places to star gaze in Florida?

But it's not just about seeing the stars, this week is a reminder of the importance of reducing light pollution for wildlife. The day-to-night cycle is vital for many native species affecting their ability to navigate, find food, and reproduce. When artificial light disrupts these natural cues, wildlife from insects to birds, can be seriously impacted. By minimizing light pollution, we can create a safer and more natural environment for wildlife to thrive.

📷 Chris Kirk

Today's the day you've been waiting for! The St. George Island Shrimpfest on Saturday, Feb 10 from 11-4 pm. The Blues Fa...
10/02/2024

Today's the day you've been waiting for! The St. George Island Shrimpfest on Saturday, Feb 10 from 11-4 pm. The Blues Factor band, arts, crafts, and shrimp. And shrimp. And more shrimp-- a festival of shrimp!

So much SHRIMP this weekend! Don't miss the St. George Island Shrimpfest on Saturday, Feb 10 from 11-4 pm. The Blues Fac...
08/02/2024

So much SHRIMP this weekend! Don't miss the St. George Island Shrimpfest on Saturday, Feb 10 from 11-4 pm. The Blues Factor band, arts, crafts, and shrimp. Don't miss it!

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