Whether you’re exploring the coastal elegance of Alligator Point, Bald Point, and SummerCamp Beach or venturing into the unspoiled beauty of St. Teresa, the eastern side of Florida’s Forgotten Coast continues to captivate the hearts of nature lovers.
1. Bald Point State Park
Nestled along North Florida’s Gulf Coast, Bald Point State Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Here’s what makes it special:
- Beaches and Outdoor Activities: Enjoy two pristine Apalachee Bay beaches for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing. The park’s coastal marshes, pine flatwoods, and oak thickets create a diverse habitat for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
- Bald Eagles and Migrating Raptors: Witness bald eagles and other migrating raptors, along with monarch butterflies, as they journey south for the winter.
- Facilities: Take advantage of the fishing dock and picnic pavilions while immersing yourself in nature.
2. Alligator Point
- Untouched Coastal Paradise: Alligator Point, situated at the easternmost corner of Franklin County, offers eight miles of unspoiled coastline. It’s like stepping into a vintage snapshot of old coastal Florida. The entire western end of Alligator Point is conserved as nesting habitat for Florida’s endangered shore birds.
- Pristine Beaches and Fishing: Known as “The Point,” this quiet retreat boasts some of Florida’s most pristine beaches. Enjoy unsurpassed fishing and wildlife viewing. The Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve, one of only two state aquatic preserves in Florida, nurtures game fish species like grouper, snapper, tarpon, and redfish and is home to one of Florida’s most prolific oyster farms. Alligator Point also boasts a large marina that’s fully equipped to supply a boater’s every need, from fuel to bait to wet and dry slips. One little-known fact – Alligator Point is the only place in Franklin County where you can buy a gulf-to-bay home with 100′ for more frontage directly on the Gulf of Mexico and a bayfront deepwater dock right outside your back door.
3. Fishing in Ochlockonee Bay and Apalachee Bay
- Abundant Marine Life: Ochlockonee Bay and Apalachee Bay teem with fish species. From speckled trout and redfish to sea bass and flounder, these waters offer year-round angling opportunities.
- Tarpon Fishing: One of the area’s BEST-KEPT fishing secrets – between mid-April and October, experience unparalleled world-class tarpon fishing in Apalachee Bay’s Mud Cove. Whether you’re casting from the beach, a kayak, or a boat, the catch awaits. Those in the know travel from all parts of the country for an opportunity to cast a fly to 120-pound+ tarpon.
4. St. Marks Wildlife Refuge
- A Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Established in 1931, the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge spans 86,000 acres across Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties. It’s a haven for migratory birds and butterflies. Explore the lush grass flats, observe black bears, white-tailed deer, and coyotes, and enjoy beaches, birding, and kayaking.
5. Tate’s Hell State Forest
- Wild and Mysterious: Covering over 202,000 acres in Franklin and Liberty counties, Tate’s Hell State Forest beckons adventurers. It’s a place where legends intertwine with reality. Local lore attributes the forest’s unusual name to Cebe Tate, a homesteader who became lost in the woods in the mid-1870s. After seven days and nights, he emerged near Carabelle, saying, “My name is Cebe Tate, and I just came from Hell.”
- Restoration Efforts: Since its acquisition by the State of Florida Department of Forestry in 1994, restoration projects have been underway to revive natural drainage and communities. Wetlands are being restored, and the forest’s hydrology is returning to its former glory.
6. SummerCamp Beach: A Coastal Retreat
- Secluded Paradise: The SummerCamp Beach community is a serene, beach-lover’s retreat tucked away just off the beaten path. Nestled between state parks and protected forests, it offers a pristine stretch of the Gulf of Mexico. Located 46 miles south of Tallahassee, this hidden gem spans over 750 acres of pine and oak forest, wildlife habitats, marshlands, and a four-mile stretch of untouched, white-sand beach. More than half of the land at SummerCamp Beach is conserved, ensuring its natural beauty remains intact.
- Coastal-Designed Homes: Imagine coastal-designed homes with sprawling porches, viewing towers, and breezeways. It’s a place where you can wake up to the sound of waves and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
- Amenities: Residents enjoy access to a beach park along the Gulf of Mexico, protected forests, wetlands, and a beach club with pool and grill area.
7. St. Teresa: Unspoiled Beauty
- Untouched Wilderness: An unincorporated community in Franklin County, St. Teresa is located along US 98 on St. James Island and the Gulf of Mexico. The newest addition to Florida’s state parks, the St. Teresa tract within Bald Point State Park, offers a wilderness experience. Trails wind through wooded habitats and wetlands, providing breathtaking views of Ochlockonee Bay from the bluffs.
- Nature’s Canvas: St. Teresa is surrounded by native landscapes, where the rhythm of the tides and the call of seabirds create a symphony. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
Whether you’re hiking through mysterious forests, birdwatching along the coast, or casting your line into pristine waters, Florida’s Forgotten Coast has it all. And don’t forget to explore your exclusive slice of paradise at 582 Bald Point Road, listed by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida agents John and Brenda Brown.
