Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Port St. Joe, Florida

This two-lane dirt road runs through Tate's Hell State Forest, offering hard-packed surface and easy driving conditions most of the year. It provides direct access to a quiet campground and boat launch, making it a…
Learn more about Bloody Bluff Road

This wide two-lane forest road begins just off the highway and immediately passes through a mix of private inholdings and long-standing campsites, giving it a unique blend of public and historic use. The surrounding landscape…
Learn more about Big Cypress - FS 115

This smooth, well-maintained forest road winds through Tate's Hell and ends at a quiet riverside campground known as Gardener's Landing. The trail is wide and easygoing, making it suitable for all vehicle types. Along the…
Learn more about Gardener Landing Road

This well-maintained two-lane gravel road provides access to one of the most historically significant sites in the Apalachicola National Forest--Fort Gadsden, located on Prospect Bluff. The road is smooth and easily navigable for most vehicles,…
Learn more about Fort Gadsen - 129 B

FS-123B is a short, well-maintained road that leads to Cotton Landing Campground, offering a peaceful and scenic spot for camping. The trail is easy to navigate, providing access to the campground, which is free to…
Learn more about FS-123-B

This trail serves primarily as a connector, offering reliable access to a network of other forest roads and points of interest within the Apalachicola National Forest. While not particularly technical or scenic on its own,…
Learn more about Brickyard Landing - 129

This short stretch provides hiking and foot access to nearby water features, making it a great stop for those looking to explore on foot or fish. While some surrounding areas are swampy, the road itself…
Learn more about FS-123A

This spur road leads back to a quiet landing site tucked into a classic Florida swamp environment. With towering pines, dense undergrowth, and the constant presence of water, this area offers a true taste of…
Learn more about Owl Creek 129-A

This short, narrow route winds its way through dense forest before opening up into a large, flat area with walking access to the water--perfect for fishing or relaxing by the bank. Along the way, you'll…
Learn more about Rowletts Creek - FS 106S

This short but scenic route leads directly to Butcher Pen Landing, a peaceful campground nestled deep in Tate's Hell State Forest. The road is well-traveled and accessible by most vehicles, with a mostly hard-packed surface…
Learn more about Butcher Pen Landing Road

This trail offers a scenic and enjoyable drive through classic Florida forest, ending at a peaceful $3-a-night campground equipped with pit toilets and water access via a nearby landing. The road itself is mostly sandy…
Learn more about Hickory Landing - FS 101B

South Briar Patch is a wide, sandy two-lane trail that offers a relaxed drive through a quiet stretch of forest. The route passes through a few private inholdings, so be respectful and stay on the…
Learn more about Briar Patch Road - FS 123 South

Briar Patch Road North (FS-123) is a well-maintained, two-lane forest road located in the Apalachicola National Forest, Florida. The road winds through dense pine forests, offering a serene and scenic drive. It provides access to…
Learn more about Briar Patch Road - FS 123 North

This is a classic Florida powerline trail featuring a rugged mix of rocky terrain, deep ruts, and challenging mud holes--especially after rainfall. This route offers a raw and adventurous ride, ideal for experienced drivers looking…
Learn more about Devon Creek 166

This connector trail features multiple shallow creek crossings and serves as a gateway to the more remote and rugged sections of Tate's Hell State Forest. While the road itself is relatively mild, the terrain beyond…
Learn more about Butcher Pen Road

This route starts off as a wide, well-graded two-lane road before narrowing into a bumpy one-lane track as it pushes deeper into the forest. FS Road 101, also known as Wrights Landing Road, provides access…
Learn more about Wrights Landing - FS 101

Owl Landing Road is a mellow, well-maintained forest road that provides direct access to the Owl Creek primitive campground and boat launch area. The road travels through dense, lush Florida forest with classic swamp views…
Learn more about Owl Landing - FS 104

This mellow forest road leads back to a quiet water access point, ending in a spacious pull-off perfect for dispersed camping. The area is serene, with a peaceful atmosphere ideal for a night off the…
Learn more about Waffen 101-A

This route begins in a wide open clear-cut area before gradually working its way back into a more forested setting and ultimately ending at the river's edge. Along the way, there are plenty of flat,…
Learn more about River Styx 171

Rowletts Creek Road (FS 106) offers a uniquely scenic drive through a landscape that feels more like the Serengeti than the typical Florida forest. The road is smooth and well-maintained, making it accessible for most…
Learn more about Rowletts Creek - FS 106

This rugged powerline track delivers a raw and challenging off-road experience, with hard-packed surfaces interrupted by deep, sticky mud holes. The trail is rough and unrefined, making it best suited for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles--especially after…
Learn more about Franklin Trail - FS 165

This scenic one-lane forest road is a great representation of Florida's classic off-road experience--sandy, wet, and ever-changing. The route features multiple water crossings and a blend of dry hardpack and soft, rutted sections that can…
Learn more about Carr - FS 180

West Boundary Road runs from north to south at the west boundary of Tate's Hell State Forest. It connects in the north to trails in the Apalachicola National Forest. The trail connects in the south…
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Locomotive Road is a wide, two-lane sandy trail with a bumpy surface that adds a bit of character to the drive. A handful of spur roads split off along the way, offering opportunities for exploration…
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West Double Bridge Road takes you through the New River and Whiskey George District in the west part of Tate's Hell State Forest. You will find primitive Campsites #10 at the west end of the…
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Probably one of the most scenic miles of road in northern Florida, this short stretch offers breathtaking views as it transitions from dense pine flatwoods to coastal marsh and open Gulf shoreline. The road is…
Learn more about Sandy Beach Road

Sunset Trail North is a quiet one-lane forest track that meanders through tall pines and dense underbrush, providing a peaceful ride deeper into the Apalachicola National Forest. The sandy surface stays fairly stable in dry…
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Tower Road takes you from north to south through the Deep Creek Tract in the west part of Tate's Hell State Forest. You will find the East Bay Tower at the trail's south end. The…
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This two-lane gravel road runs along the western boundary of Tate's Hell State Forest. Well-maintained and easygoing, it's a great access route to deeper parts of the forest, nearby creeks, and various spur trails. The…
Learn more about West Boundary North Section

Whiskey George Road takes you through the Whiskey George District west of Tate's Hell State Forest. The trail connects North Road and West Boundary Road. The road conditions are a mixture of packed sand, loose…
Learn more about Whiskey George Road