Fort Gadsen - 129 B

Trail Overview

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, winding through thick stands of pine and bottomland hardwoods before arriving at the historic area. Fort Gadsden, originally built by the British during the War of 1812, later became a stronghold for hundreds of formerly enslaved Africans and Native Americans. Known as the "Negro Fort," it stood as a symbol of resistance until it was destroyed by U.S. forces in 1816. The site was later rebuilt by Andrew Jackson and used as a U.S. Army outpost. Today, visitors can explore the interpretive displays, remains of the earthen fort, and scenic views of the Apalachicola River. It's a quiet, reflective place layered with powerful history--worth a visit for anyone exploring the forest. Remember to pack in, pack out, leave no trace, and tread lightly.

Photos of Fort Gadsen - 129 B

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Difficulty

Dirt

History

Prospect Bluff Historic Sites (until 2016 known as Fort Gadsden Historic Site, and sometimes written as Fort Gadsden Historic Memorial)[4] is located in Franklin County, Florida, on the Apalachicola River, 6 miles (9.7 km) SW of Sumatra, Florida. The site contains the ruins of two forts. The earlier and larger one was built by the British in 1814, during the War of 1812. They allowed the members of the disbanded Corps of Colonial Marines, made up largely of fugitive slaves and Creek tribesmen, to occupy it after the British evacuated Florida in 1815, deliberately leaving their munitions behind. At that point, since the British had not named it, Americans started referring to it as Negro Fort. It was destroyed in a river attack by U.S. forces in 1816. Fort Gadsden was built in 1818 within the former walls of the former Negro Fort. The site has been known by several other names at various times, including Prospect Bluff, British post, Nicholls' Fort, Blount's Fort, Fort Blount, African Fort, and Fort Apalachicola. Local natives called the land Achackwheithle. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and named a National Historic Landmark in 1972, the Prospect Bluff Historic Sites was acquired by the Apalachicola National Forest in 1940 and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The process of memorializing the site began in 1961, when the Apalachicola National Forest issued the State of Florida a term special use permit for an area of approximately 78 acres, including the site to be run as a state park. Administration of the site reverted to the federal government in the 1990s. The site contains interpretive signage, a picnic area with a pavilion, and restrooms.

Technical Rating

Fort Gadsen - 129 B can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike