Around the park

Sopchoppy River as the sun sets

Turn around and take your time on the return trip. If you arrive just before sunset, as I did, you’ll be greeted with the play of sun, cloud, and sky across the surface of the river. Look to your left for a large cypress with a prominent knothole providing a raccoon’s den. A waterway snakes beneath the underbrush, inviting kayakers to explore the tangled passage. The folks I met along the boardwalk pointed out that tides can affect the river here, so don’t be surprised to see the water reverse flow.

In addition to this gentle 0.3 mile walk, the park has an oval walking track used by folks to exercise. The remainder of the park is passive recreation. Kids can play on the colorful new playground equipment, and adults can toss horseshoes or play shuffleboard. A gazebo overlooks the river, as does a large picnic pavilion set well back under the pines. Close to the park’s entrance, two historic structures have been moved onto the property – the area’s original schoolhouse and a cabin which is under restoration by the fine folks who head up the annual Sopchoppy Worm Grunting Festival.