Recreation at ANERR

The environment within the ANERR boundaries and on ANERR-managed land provides a wide variety of outdoor resource based recreational opportunities. Although ANERR does not coordinate recreation, it is an important activity within ANERR. These include fishing (salt- and freshwater), hunting, hiking, camping, nature study, birding, canoeing, kayaking, boating, shelling, beach activities, swimming and nature photography. Some of these opportunities, such as swimming and visiting the beach, are most accessible through a state park, but many can be enjoyed on your own just by going to the nearest boat ramp or dock.

Access to many points within ANERR is only by boat as approximately two-thirds of the acreage is submerged bottomlands and there are no roads in many floodplain areas.

Maximum non-impactive, public recreation on ANERR lands is encouraged for a variety of reasons including instilling a sense of ownership and appreciation for the lands, contributing to individual and social well being, benefiting as an informal educational tool, promoting family values, providing economic benefit to the local economy through ecotourism, and making good use of publicly owned lands. As outdoor recreation use increases in popularity on ANERR lands, the need for minimal sanitary and convenience facilities increases. DEP's Division of Recreation and Parks has developed a basic amenities package or start-up kit for DEP managed lands. The package provides for a prefabricated unisex restroom, a prefabricated weather shelter, an interpretive kiosk and stabilized parking as necessary. An assessment will be made to determine which areas may benefit from such amenities. One area for consideration is the primitive camp location on Little St. George. Other facility development considerations include the establishment of hiking trails and freshwater fishing platforms on suitable lands under ANERR management.

Apalachicola NERR Nature Center 
108 Island Drive
Eastpoint, FL 32328
850-670-7700
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information on the nature center, visit our Nature Center page.

If you are interested in recreational opportunities around the Apalachicola River area, please check out our new Road Map to Recreation guide or any of the following resources!

Paddling Trails

• Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System
• Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail - (Segment Four - Forgotten Coast)

Recreation and Conservation Areas

• Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
• St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Apalachicola River Water Management Area
• Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area
• Tate's Hell Wildlife Management Area