DEP celebrates Apalachicola River's designation as Florida's 42nd National recreation Trail

 The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks is celebrating the designation of the Apalachicola River blueway as the state’s 42nd national recreation trail. 

The National Recreation Trail designation was announced in conjunction with 21 additional trails in 11 different states on June 7 in celebration of National Trails Day.

The National Recreation Trail designation distinguishes trails that link communities and support recreational activities.  

The Apalachicola River Blueway was already a designated Florida paddling trail, which distinguishes it as among the top river trails in Florida within the Florida Greenways and Trails system.

In order for a river to become designated as a paddling trail it must fit a number of criteria for protecting and enhancing natural, recreational, cultural or historic resources. 

The Apalachicola River spans 106 miles from the town of Chattahoochee to the Apalachicola Bay. 

The river accounts for up to 35 percent of freshwater flow on the west coast of Florida and is the highest flowing river in the state. 

The river is also home to a variety of fish and wildlife habitats and is considered a biodiversity hot spot.

There are more than 40 camping areas and points-of-interest along the trail. 

The designation raises the profile of the blueway and will likely result in an increase in visitation by Florida residents and visitors and possibly new eco-tourism business ventures.   

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