Apalachicola National Forest: Post Office Bay

This 6.6-mile, spectacular scenic drive passes through wet savannas and longleaf pine forest in some of the best condition you’ll find anywhere in the southeast. The stands of pitcher plants are spectacular in April and May, growing in the expansive wet savannas and roadside swales. Stop at roadside pull offs to explore, looking for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and Bachman’s Sparrows; Swainson’s, Prothonotary and Hooded Warblers can be found along creeks especially where there are cypress and swamp titi trees. Winter can be good for rarer sparrows like Henslow’s and LeConte’s in the soggy flatwoods and savannas and Yellow Rail has been recorded. Butterfly viewing is good all year but best in fall. When the blazing stars (Liatris) are blooming, visitors may find impressive numbers and a wide diversity of species. Less common butterflies that occur here include Wild Indigo Duskywing, Florida Dusted Skipper and Berry’s Skipper. You may encounter Fox Squirrels, Gopher Tortoises and Box Turtles and if you are really lucky a Florida Black Bear. Seasonal hunting takes place in this area; please click here for information on dates, regulations and more. There is a family friendly campsite located 20 miles to the north at Camel Lake.