Apalachicola National Forest

[MVT]

I saw where you guys had considered a ride in the Apalachicola National Forest during your recent Christmas Gathering. Did you do it?
Wondering because I'm considering heading down there to do some trail riding/camping/looking around. Probably a 3 day trip, maybe more if I like it (prefer the mountains).
Anyway, was wondering if anyone had any good info on stuff like routes, interesting sites/roads, camping locations, regulations, permits required, restricted areas, etc.
How bad is the sand?

 

[MVT]

Wanting to plan a trip up to the Bankhead National Forest too. Maybe in the Spring.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I saw where you guys had considered a ride in the Apalachicola National Forest during your recent Christmas Gathering. Did you do it?
Wondering because I'm considering heading down there to do some trail riding/camping/looking around. Probably a 3 day trip, maybe more if I like it (prefer the mountains).
Anyway, was wondering if anyone had any good info on stuff like routes, interesting sites/roads, camping locations, regulations, permits required, restricted areas, etc.
How bad is the sand?

I’ve been told (not confirmed) that there are restrictions in the National Forest during deer hunting season.
Might be worth your time to check on that.

 

[MVT]

What I've found so far online:

Public Access and Vehicles:
1. Open to public access year round.
2. Motorized vehicles are allowed only on designated, named or numbered roads and mixed-use roads, except all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and unlicensed and unregistered vehicles (including motorcycles) are allowed only on designated motorized trails and mixed-use roads. The use of ATVs is prohibited on Northwest Florida Water Management District (WMD) lands (see map).
3. Parked vehicles may not obstruct a road, gate or firelane.
4. No motor vehicle shall be operated in areas designated as closed to vehicular traffic.
5. A marked footpath called the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail) traverses the area. This trail is open to hikers throughout the year.
6. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. All other electric bicycles may be operated only on named or numbered roads open to motorized vehicles.

 

[MVT]

Camping:
1. Camping in the National Forest is allowed year round but is limited to a 14-day stay, except during the general gun season. During the general gun season, camping is allowed only in designated campsites indicated on the hunt map and is limited to tents, trailers or self-propelled camping vehicles. Campers may stay in the campsites from 14 days before to 14 days after the general gun season. Hickory, Whitehead and Mack Landings have restrooms and water and require camping fees. All other hunt camps are free of charge and have no permanent restrooms or water. For additional information on camping in the Apalachicola National Forest, contact the U.S. Forest Service at 850-926-3561 or 850-643-2282.
2. Within the portion of the area posted as Northwest Florida Water Management District land, camping is allowed throughout the area (except where posted as “no camping”), but shall not exceed 14 days within any consecutive 30-day period. Camping within designated campgrounds (see map) is allowed by permit only and subject to permit provisions. To make a camping reservation, please visit www.nwfwater.com. Camping is limited to tents, trailers, or self-propelled camping vehicles only. Kitchen stoves, refrigerators and freezers are prohibited, unless contained in mobile campers. Lumber, sheet metal or other building materials are prohibited.

 

[MVT]

Looks like my Apalachicola National Forest trip will probably be moved to early May.
Hopefully it won't be too hot by then.

Guess I need to start planning a sooner trip to Little River Canyon.
If anyone has any information on riding in this area, please pass it on.
I know there is at least one good road/trail up there to do, but hoping to spend a couple days in the area.
MT

 

[MVT]

Little River Canyon, Alabama : Off-Road Trail Map & Photos | onX Offroad - https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/alabama/little-river-canyon

 

[Gun Runner 5]

We rode through the Apalachicola National Forest a year or so ago (ended up in Panacea Bay) for lunch. I don’t recall the actual month, but I do recall seeing both hunters and hunting dogs. For me personally, I would avoid the area until deer season ends.
Our first 70 Series gathering was at Stoney Lonesome in Cullman, AL and our club has camped in the Talladega National Forest.

 

[Godwin]

Wanting to plan a trip up to the Bankhead National Forest too. Maybe in the Spring.

Bankhead is a good national forest if you're looking for hiking trails, waterfalls, but not for an off-road adventure. Almost all roads in Bankhead are essentially graded dirt roads. I've spent a lot of time in Bankhead and don't recall ever needing to use 4WD on any of the roads. Brushy Lake Campground is a good place to camp, but small, if you want an established campground. It has picnic tables, pit toilet, and water. Alternatively it's a national forest so you're not confined to a NF campground if you want to go more primitive.

Talladega NF is an option in NE Alabama and has one road that runs N-S through the forest and has some rough sections.