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Latest update: November 2024

Ochlockonee Bay Trail... FL Panhandle Biking

Part of the "Capital City to the Sea Trails" System

There are two distinct sections to the Ochlockonee Bay Trail: (1) From Sopchoppy FL, the trail is mostly alongside Surf Road running southeast through a forested section of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge to US Hwy 98 (about 10 miles). Then across US 98, (2) it becomes Mashes Sands Road, running a short distance on-road before the bridge onto Mashes Island. The trail resumes roadside to Mashes Sands Park and Boat Ramp, then ends at Mashes Sands Beach (about 2.5 miles). It's on-road for a short distance between the park and beach, but very little if any traffic at this point. (Map link and photos below.)

Map... Ochlockonee Bay Trail

Location: Panacea (Wakulla County)
End Points: Sopchoppy to Mashes Sands Park
Mileage: 12.5 miles
Surface: Asphalt
Nearby points of interest: Sopchoppy Depot and History Center, Bald Point State Park, Ochlockonee River State Park

 Page Summary:

1. Biking on the Ochlockonee Bay Trail
   - Mash Island and Mashes Sands Park - 2.5 miles
   - Sopchoppy to US Hwy 98 - 10 miles
2. Nearby Places of Interest
3. More Information and Resources

Biking on the Ochlockonee Bay Trail... Comments and Photos

Sopchoppy to US Hwy 98 Trailhead - 10 miles

• Starting in "downtown" Sopchoppy along US 319 from Clermont Ave. near the historic Sopchoppy Depot (1891), the Ochlockonee Bay Trail runs roadside about 0.1 mile east to Surf Road (CR 372).
• Turning southeast on Surf Road, it soon enters a section of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Although closer to the roadway than we prefer, the traffic here is very light and the ride is mostly quiet and scenic, including some boardwalk.
• At about 7 miles, the trail turns more eastward, parallel to Ochlockonee Bay, but with only an occasional glimpse of the water. The trail meets the Coastal Trail at the intersection of US 98, where a shared trailhead provides parking, picnic and portalet.

Mash Island and Mashes Sands Park and Beach - 2.5 miles

• After crossing US 98, the trail goes on-road a short distance to the Tide Creek bridge, becoming a roadside trail again over the bridge on Mash Island. The trail along Mashes Sands Road is scenic with marsh views on one side and homes with glimpses of the Bay on the other, a negative is that it's right along the roadway with little or no buffer.
• Crossing the road, the trail runs as a wide bike lane, crossing several roads to housing along canals. The paved trail ends and shared road begins at the entrance to Mashes Sands Park where there's a large sandy lot with parking, restrooms and boat ramp (launch fee).
• A trailhead with parking, picnicking, and a fishing pier (currently closed for re-construction) can be accesssed via a boardwalk behind the restroom, or past the park along the road to another entrance.
• Continue on the road to check out Mashes Sands Beach - a hidden gem we enjoyed with small parking area, portalet,

US 98 to Mashes Sands Park

Onto Mashes Sands Rd.

Trail alongside road

On-road, bridge to Mash Island

Paved trail re-starts past the bridge

Trail along Mashes Sands Road

 

Homes and a glimpse of Ochlockonee Bay

Trail crosses road

Passing condos

Marsh view

Road crossing

Paved trail ends at park entrance

Mashes Sands Park and Beach

Right to restroom, boat ramp;
straight to trailhead, beach

To restroom, boat ramp

Restroom, bridge to trailhead

 

On-road to beach

Turn to trailhead

Trailhead

 

Road to beach

Mashes Sands Beach

 

 

Nearby Places of Interest

Bald Point State Park

Bald Point State Park, along Ochlockonee and Apalachee Bays, has parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, beaches, camping, hiking trails, fishing dock, paddling, birding. Biking on park roads and multi-use trails. Park fee applies.

 

To beach

 

Fishing pier

Kayak/canoe launch

To boardwalk, marsh overlook

 

 

Multi-use trail

More about Bald Point State Park

Ochlockonee River State Park

Ochlockonee River State Park has parking, restrooms, picnic, playground, hiking trails, boat ramp, swimming, fishing, camping. Biking (rentals available) allowed on park drives, and multi-use trails. Park fee applies.

 

Picnic area

Picnic pavilion

Playground

River from pier

Parking

Scenic drive

White squirrel

Deer

More about Ochlockonee River State Park

More Information and Resources

Nearby Biking:

Coastal Trail
Capital City to the Sea Trails - an evolving Regional Trails System
FL Panhandle Region - More trails plus Regional Overview map

Nearby Paddling:
Ochlockonee River

Related Resources:

Visit Natural North Florida - Ochlockonee Bay Trail