Florida Trail, Bradwell Bay
Written by Sandra Friend
You’re guaranteed to get wet on Florida’s roughest, wildest swamp walk on the Florida Trail in Bradwell Bay, a wild place where hiking with friends is a smart idea. Situated south of Tallahassee, the Bradwell Bay Wilderness is one of the most majestic and wild places in Northwest Florida, a roadless area encompassing more than 24,000 acres.
It's a hardwood swamp in a “bay,” a term used to Florida to describe a shallow basin where water collects in a forest much like a large pond. The Apalachicola National Forest has many such bays, but Bradwell Bay is its crown jewel. Loggers couldn’t slog through the water to get to some of its grandest inhabitants, including 12 acres of virgin slash pines and untouched cypress trees.
The Florida Trail dives right into this wilderness to lead you through the Scenic Area, but to get there means sloshing through dark tannic water for more than 7 miles. Depending on your height and the effects of recent rains, you’ll deal with knee to waist-deep water, where probing ahead for footing is a must due to submerged logs and deep mud holes. There is one seasonally dry spot, Bradwell Island, suitable for primitive camping.
Guidebooks
The Florida Trail: The Official Hiking Guide
Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State
The Hiking Trails of Florida's National Forests, Parks, and Preserves
Hiking Florida
Exploring Florida's Botanical Wonders
North Florida & the Florida Panhandle: An Explorer's Guide
Directions
Directions & LocationFrom US 319 in Crawfordville, follow CR 368 west through Arran to FR 365, just inside the forest boundary. You are now on a network of dirt roads that may have deep puddles in places; roads are well marked. Turn right on FR 348 after a little more than 2 miles. Follow it to its junction with FR 329, and turn left to cross the bridge over the Sopchoppy River. The Bradwell Bay trailhead is on the right 0.2 mile past the bridge. To start your hike from the western edge of Bradwell Bay, follow FR 13 past FR 348 to FR 314. Follow FR 314 south until you see the Florida National Scenic Trail sign. The clay road is narrow, with ditches on both sides, and few viable parking spots.
Overview
OverviewLocation: Apalachicola National Forest
Length: 12.4 miles, with shorter segments possible
Lat-Long: 30.1687, -84.5008 (east) and 30.1448, -84.6108 (west)
Type: Linear
Fees / Permits: none
Good for: big trees, birding, primitive camping
Difficulty: 5 of 5
Bug factor: 4 of 5
Restroom: No
Contact the USDA Forest Service at (850) 926-3521 regards the water level in Bradwell Bay before you start this hike. The water in Bradwell Bay can rise to dangerous levels quickly, especially after a heavy rain. Hiking alone is not recommended. GPS, compass, and good map are a must. It's very easy to get lost in this swamp. Don’t attempt this hike if the water at the Monkey Creek crossing is swift or high, as it will be much deeper in the swamp. Wear blaze orange during hunting season.
Resources
A Day in Bradwell Bay
Bradwell Bay Wilderness
Florida Trail Apalachicola region
Florida Trail Apalachicola East section
Florida Trail Apalachicola Map (maps 9/10)
Map
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