| Area Waterways Are a Favorite for Paddle Enthusiasts
The Apalachicola River and associated tributaries has long been a favorite destination for paddling enthusiasts. 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. Kayaks and canoes are ideal ways to experience the river and the area’s natural habitat, and 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. Click here to learn more. The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (The CT) The premiere Mac-daddy thru-paddling trail in Florida is the 1515 mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, or the "CT" for short. There are 26 segments of the CT. Franklin County's portion of the CT is located in sections 4 and 5, the Forgotten Coast and Crooked River. Click here to learn more. The Florida Paddling Trails Association Identifies several paddling trails within Franklin County. The Apalachicola Bay segment winds along the coast and features several barrier islands and bay. The Ochlockonee segment features eastern Franklin County paddling opportunities including the Carrabelle River, Crooked River and Bald Point State Park. Click here to learn more.
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Camp Gordon Johnston Museum Mighty Eighth Exhibit Continues
The Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle will present a special exhibit this summer exploring the heroic history of the Eighth Air Force, known as The Mighty Eighth. The Eighth Air Force was the greatest air armada in history, redited with destroying the German Luftwaffe, and also destroyed Nazi Germany’s ability to wage war. Their efforts paved the way for the D-Day assault. The exhibit will open July 23 and will run through August 31. The museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. There is no charge for admission, but donations are gladly accepted. Learn more here.
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Amberjack & Triggerfish Season Opens August 1
The recreational amberjack, triggerfish and and permit season opens in Gullf of Mexico state waters August 1. The gag grouper reopens September 1 as does the snook season.
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| Two Full Moon Climbs in August
Both historic lighthouses in the county will host two full moon climbs on Sunday August 18 and Monday, August 19.
The sun will set at 8:16 p.m. and the “Sturgeon” moon will rise at 8:34 p.m. on August 19th. The August full moon is called the Sturgeon moon because sturgeon, large fish common to the Great Lakes and other large bodies of water, are most readily caught in August. Full Moon names are attributable to native American tribes, most notably the Algonquin, who named the moons to mark the changing seasons.
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| August Farmers Markets
The Apalachicola Farmers' Market will host its August events on Saturday August 10 and August 24 from 9 am to 1pm at the Mill Pond at Scipio Creek. The Crooked River Lighthouse is hosting a Country Farmer's Market Saturday, August 3 and again on August 17 from 9 am-1 pm at the foot of the lighthouse at 1975 Hwy 98 W, Carrabelle Beach. The Market will feature vendors from the community with locally made goods, fresh roasted coffee, veggies, plants, art, baked goods, photography, craft items, and unique maritime items in the Lighthouse Gift Shop.
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| Turtle Talks Through August
The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) hosts "Turtle Talks" each Tuesday through the end of August. The weekly talks which started in June help visitors learn about our nexting sea turtles. The weekly talks at held at the ANERR Visitor Center in Eastpoint.
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