Size Backpackers at Bradwell Bay
Bradwell Bay is Florida’s second largest wilderness area, comprising 24,602 acres within Apalachicola National Forest. The Florida Trail traverse of Bradwell Bay is 12.5 miles from the Bradwell Bay trailhead to the parking area at FR 314, with about 8 miles of the section under water in all but the driest of times.
Hours open to the public
24 hours. Primitive camping permitted.
Features and points of interest
A 12-acre virgin slash pine forest. Oversized and ancient trees, including the slash pines, bald cypress, Ogeechee tupelo, Sweetbay magnolia, and black gum trees. Rare stands of titi, with fragrant flowers in early spring. Carnivorous plants, including sundews and several varieties of pitcher plants.
Habitats crossed or skirted
Titi swamp, hardwood swamp, pine islands, pine flatwoods.
How to get there
From Tallahassee, follow SR 369 south to Crawfordville. Turn right (west) on SR 368, and take it to SR 13. To reach the eastern fringe of Bradwell Bay, with several parking areas, take Forest Road 348 south about 4 miles. Turn left on FR 329, and cross the “Martian Bridge” over the Sopchoppy River, famous for a lengthy story of a UFO encounter written across the railings. Two miles down the road, start looking for parking areas on the right.
To start your hike from the western edge of Bradwell Bay, follow SR 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.
Roadways crossed
None. Flanked by FR 314 on the western edge, FR 348 on the eastern edge.
Blaze visibility
Often poor. Because of the lack of treadway on most of the trail, it is very easy to get lost.
Tips
Do not attempt this hike alone. Call Section Leader Ronnie Traylor beforehand for a report of current trail conditions (850-643-2282), and to register as a hiker. Hike with an organized group or with one or more partners. Start early, as the hike can take from seven to twelve hours, depending on water levels. Arrange for a person to meet you at the end of the trail. Check with the Florida Trail Association for information on the annual spring Swamp Stomp hike, which is publicized in the Florida Trail Footprint. At times the water levels in this area can rise quickly, causing extreme danger for hikers. Always check ahead with the section leader or the USDA Forest Service prior to hiking this section.
Shade
Variable. Expect exposure in the burned-out areas on the east side of the bay; heavy tree cover in the depths of the swamp.
Trail maintenance
Occurs twice annually, covering half of the trail each outing. Check with the Appalachee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association if you’d like to join a trail maintenance outing. No power tools are allowed within the Bradwell Bay Wilderness Area. “We use a lot of people and a lot of hand tools,” said Ronnie Traylor, who organizes the groups.
Access fees
None
Hunting season considerations
Hunting occurs along the fringes of the wilderness, but does not affect the Florida National Scenic Trail except on the eastern edge, near Monkey Creek. Wear blaze orange during hunting season.
Parking
Several parking areas are along FR329, at the southeastern end of Bradwell Bay. The first (and largest) is just after the bridge over Monkey Creek, followed by two smaller parking areas connected to the FNST by blue blazes.
Camping
Primitive camping is permitted within the Wilderness Area, but is only feasible on high ground (the Island) in the middle of Bradwell Bay, and in the pine flatwoods to the east of Monkey Creek. Leave No Trace applies. Pack in all supplies; pack out all garbage. Bring protection (trash compactor bags) for your backpack against the swamp water, or plan to carry your backpack over your head through the deeper sections.
Potable water
None. Carry in all water, or carry a water filter.
Maps available
Apalachicola National Forest, USFS map
Florida National Scenic Trail Map 9, Apalachicola West
For more information
Apalachicola National Forest
PO Box 579
Bristol FL 32321
850-643-2282 |
