Northwest Florida’s Surprising Outdoor Getaway Destination
Looking for some outdoor adventure during your next Northwest Florida getaway? Wolves and gators should be a good start, right? Washington County is the place to find them, in amazing settings that offer education as well as fun. Just off Interstate 10 and only an hour from Panama City and Gulf beaches, it’s a prime spot for outdoor fun, from preserved lands to pristine waters to off-the-beaten-path sports sites. The combination of animal attractions and outdoor adventures make this a great day trip or weekend spot for both couples and family adventures.
Washington County is home to Seacrest Wolf Preserve (3449 Bonnett Pond Road, Chipley, FL 32428), the largest preserve of its kind in the lower 48 states. Offering one of the rarest opportunities in the world for humans to interact with wolves, Seacrest provides a safe and humane sanctuary for this misunderstood species. Through group encounters and VIP tours they foster preservation through education while giving guests an experience they’ll never forget.
Nearby, visitors can also find up-close gator encounters. Orange Hill Gator Farm (3172 Orange Hill Road, Chipley, Florida 32428), with its nearly 200 gators in residence, offers opportunities to interact with alligators big and small and learn about their growth cycles, habitats and conservation efforts.
It’s easy to move from wildlife to wild lands here. The pines and hardwood forest of Falling Waters State Park (1130 State Park Road, Chipley, FL 32428) offer a beautiful setting for hiking and camping. The park is also home to Florida’s highest waterfall. Nearby, visitors enjoy the more than 7,000 acres of Pine Log State Forest (5583-A Longleaf Road, Ebro, FL 32437-1227) on miles of hiking and equestrian trails amid its lush native flora. Sunshine Riding Trails (2273 Rolling Pines Road, Chipley, FL 32428) also offers horse riding lessons and trail rides for individuals or groups.
There are other exciting ways to get out and explore, as well. From off roading and mud riding to hunting and fishing, the options are many. Hard Labor Creek Plantation (P.O. Box 739, Chipley, FL 32428) is a prime spot for quail hunting and fishing expeditions and, newly expanded, The Swamp Off Road Park (3690 Mobile Swamp Road, Chipley, FL 32428) is taking off-roading to new heights with its challenging obstacle course.
And of course, there is adventure to be had on the beautiful waterways here. With more than 16,000 acres of freshwater, Washington County offers myriad paddling opportunities. The Holmes Creek, Choctawhatchee River and Econfina Creek are popular canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding sites. There are liveries and equipment rental options to fit most every need.
Whether for a day or a weekend, you’ll love the adventure Washington County has to offer. Get out and enjoy the wild side.
IF YOU GO:
When planning your getaway, be sure to check out eclectic slate of annual events in Washington County. From worm fiddling to watermelon eating to the crowning of the Possum Queen, there is sure to be a festival to tickle your fancy.