Have A Ball—At Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

By many accounts (and opinions), Edward C. Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, located just 17 miles south of Tallahassee, is the largest and deepest natural spring in the world.  Prehistoric humans thrived there, and for many years, modern man has taken advantage of this natural wonder. Open daily from 8AM to sundown, the park is …

St. Marks: Where Good Things Come in Small Packages

The sun is barely up in St. Marks, Florida, as the town gently wakes to the rhythms of the day. Boaters cruise slowly toward the confluence of the St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers, on their way to Apalachee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Cyclists clad in crayon-bright gear pedal onto the shady, 16-mile stretch …

Natural North Florida’s Bay Scallop Harvest Underway! Good 2018 Mid-Season Catches in Taylor, Jefferson, Dixie and Wakulla Counties

  The 2018 bay scallop abundance survey results are in, and the epicenter of this year’s short harvest season is along Natural North Florida’s Big Bend coast.  Each summer, biologists assess bay scallop populations along the Gulf coast of Florida, located in open and closed recreational harvest areas. Surveys are usually initiated in June and …

10TH ANNUAL ROCK THE DOCK FISHING TOURNAMENT, April 28 & 29, Panacea, Florida

10TH ANNUAL ROCK THE DOCK FISHING TOURNAMENT April 28-29, 2018 Woolley Park | Panacea, Florida There are many reasons to love the Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament, but it’s definitely the fishing itself that is the star attraction. Anglers come from throughout the region to test their skills in the coastal waters of Wakulla County. …

A FEW WADE OR PADDLING OPTIONS FOR FISHING NATURAL NORTH FLORIDA’S GULF COASTLINE

Updated page, originally posted 10/7/17   While Florida’s Big Bend boasts the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the continental United States, it has surprisingly few places one can fish without a powerboat. There are several paddleboat launches, ranging from primitive to improved, but with no beaches or barrier islands, wade-fishing is a limited option. …

Plan Ahead For 2018–FWC discusses regional bay scallop seasons on Big Bend

This information may not be “official”, but our guess is that it will likely become so before Florida’s recreational bay scallop season begins in 2018: At its December meeting in Gainesville, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed draft changes that would create regionally-specific bay scallop open seasons and would allow a trial …

Visit Wakulla County’s Natural Attractions

Unspoiled by over-commercialized attractions and devoid of a hectic atmosphere, Wakulla County provides a natural getaway. Rich in history, wildlife and adventures that include hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing and snorkeling, Wakulla County is the destination for families to enjoy quality time together. The Gulf Specimen Aquarium in Panacea is the perfect place for kids …

Natural North Florida Ultimate Springs Guide Now ONLINE

Our Natural North Florida region has a greater concentration of freshwater springs than almost any area its size in the world.  Ranging from smaller springs along the Suwannee, Withlacoochee and Santa Fe Rivers to major springs bubbling up in what looks like dry land, our springs provide incredible opportunities to snorkelers, swimmers and paddlers.  And …

10 Wonderful Waters For Summer Heat in Natural North Florida

For folks looking to escape the summer heat, Natural North Florida provides countless opportunities to cool down with its extensive collection of springs, rivers, lakes, and coastline. Most of Florida’s 700 identified freshwater springs are located in North Florida or along the Gulf Coast, and more than 40 are open to the public. Our section …

Heading To The Water? Use Florida Boat Ramp Finder For The Best Access

If you’re heading to the Gulf, the rivers or the lakes in our Natural North Florida region, be assured we have plenty of boat ramps with public access for your use.  And the best way to find them is to use the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Boat Ramp Finder.  It’s a complete listing, …