Eco-Educational Outings

Explore the Apalachicola River region with us. Our  volunteer-led eco-educational outings are fun and memorable.  We hike in the spring and fall and kayak year round. Group size is limited and registration is required. Loaner kayaks are available.*

Trips are donation based and your donation supports core education and outreach programs. Schedule subject to change based on river and weather conditions. Questions about outings? Contact us at [email protected]

Upcoming Eco-Educational Outings

November 30 – Garden of Eden Hike

Garden of Eden (Bristol) – 3.7-mile round trip hiking trail through rugged steephead ravines. The culmination is a broad view of the Apalachicola River from the 135-foot summit of Alum Bluff, the largest geological exposure in Florida. Find out why local legend claims it is the site of the original Garden of Eden.

Total hike time is about 3 hours. Click here for registration to reserve your spot.

January 1 – Gap Point Trail Hike on St. George Island

Start the New Year with a scenic hike in St. George Island State Park on the Gap Point Trail. Most of the hike will be through a mature coastal slash pine forest that shows evidence of past turpentine practices.

The hike will be level and may involve some puddles if there has been a prior rain. It will be 5 miles round trip and will last around 3 hours. Click here for registration to reserve your spot.

*A limited number of loaner kayaks are available for kayak trips. If you need a boat, send an email to [email protected] when you register so we can reserve one for you! We’ll confirm boat availability.

Our skilled volunteer and staff eco-outings leaders enjoy keeping people safe and having fun. Wearing life jackets is required for paddling trips and Florida law requires each kayaker to have a whistle within reach. Paddlers and hikers need to bring: water; snacks/lunch; sunscreen; and hat. Paddlers, please wear clothing that won’t weigh you down if it gets wet. Synthetics like nylon blends are best. No jeans or boots.

Registration closes Thursdays prior to trip, or earlier if trip fills up. Outings are limited and registration is required. Meet-up details are emailed to registrants the week of the trip.

Check out the Apalachicola Basin Trail Guide for a full scope of non-motorized trails in the region.

Thank you Explore Northwest Florida for supporting our Eco-Educational Outings Program!