Sopchoppy is a quiet “old Florida” community along the Sopchoppy River, frozen in time when the railroad left in 1946. In its heyday, Sopchoppy was the place along the GF&A railroad that defined wilderness. Caviar, mullet and timber were the exports and a mule-driven tramway ran to Panacea and the healing warm mineral springs.  Now surrounded by St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and the Apalachicola National Forest, Sopchoppy is the center hub of nature, water and biodiversity.  Almost all the older original buildings have been restored or are under restoration, and many are on the National Register of Historic Places. The old GF&A railroad depot, now under restoration, will become the nature-based visitor center and local museum. The Worm Gruntin’ Festival, which brings thousands of visitors, is held in April each year, and 2010 will be the 10th celebration of Sopchoppy’s most important natural critter, the earthworm.

St Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a remote section of trail through hardwood forests, pine flatwoods and salt marshes.  The Apalachicola National Forest is known worldwide for its rare plant species, including colorful carnivorous pitcher plants which bloom in late March or early April. Hiking terrain varies from pine forest to dense swamp, offering spectacular vistas, unparalleled wildlife experiences, magnificent old growth cypress, and vegetation unique to the region. Although there are many boardwalks and bog bridges, the Apalachicola contains many basin swamps.  At times the water levels along the Sopchoppy River are so high as to be dangerous for hikers, especially after a heavy rain, since the trail stays close to the river bluffs.  Camping is permitted anywhere within the National Forest, except during general gun hunting season, when it is limited to developed campgrounds.  Hikers should wear blaze orange during hunting season.

Sopchoppy Fact Sheet