Discover Franklin County

Birders and Paddlers Flock to the Coast During Fall and Early Winter

During the late fall, three of the region’s most popular migrating bird stopovers are located at two state parks and a federal wildlife preserve in coastal Franklin County. 

Bald Point State Park, located at the extreme eastern tip of Franklin County, is considered one of the best areas in the Southeast to view the annual bird and butterfly migrations. Some of the migrating bird species you might encounter on a quiet morning or late afternoon might include warblers, peregrine falcons, hawks and bald eagles. 

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Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park There are more than 300 species listed on the St. George Island State Park birding list. During the spring and fall, several varieties of terns may be observed.

St. Vincent Island, a federally owned National Wildlife Refuge at the westernmost end of Franklin County, is also an important stop-off point in the Gulf of Mexico region for migratory birds, including the majestic wood stork.

Visit FloridasForgottenCoast.com for an in-depth look at the Top 10 birding spots in Franklin County.

Cool Waters … Paddling on the Forgotten Coast this Fall

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Kayaks and canoes are ideal ways to experience the Apalachicola’s 107 miles from the Jim Woodruff Dam to its mouth under the John Gorrie Bridge in Apalachicola. The scenery is beautiful, and the river, sloughs, coves and bluffs are perfect for quiet exploration. Many of the best places are accessible only by paddling. Below are a couple of good resources to begin learning about local paddling trails. 

Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System The Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System is actually broken into 11 separate smaller trail sections. Paddlers at all levels of ability will enjoy these 11 canoeing and kayaking trails — nearly 100 miles through the swamps of the Apalachicola River. Distances range from short, easy trips to multi-day river trips flowing into open bays of the Gulf of Mexico.

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The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (The CT) The premier Mac-daddy thru-paddling trail in Florida is the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, or the “CT” for short. Franklin County’s portion of the CT traverses 58 miles west from the Crooked River in Carrabelle through Apalachicola Bay and along tidal creeks and palm-lined shores to where the section ends near St. Vincent Island.

The Florida Paddling Trails Association identifies several paddling trails within Franklin County. No kayak? No problem! Franklin County features several kayak and boat rentals.

Visit FloridasForgottenCoast.com for boat rentals, launch spots and other paddling resources.