Big Bend Scenic Byway

The Big Bend Scenic Byway runs 220 miles through Leon, Franklin and Wakulla counties on Florida's Panhandle Gulf coast, holding both Florida Scenic Highway and National Scenic Byway status. It follows an ancient sea bed, dropping a documented 230 feet to sea level. The Coastal Trail on US-98 runs flat and open past St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge; the Forest Trail on SR-65 cuts through Apalachicola National Forest, with portions unpaved but well-graded. Plan two days minimum, and watch fuel — the longest gap between stations runs about 20 miles. Base a run out of Carrabelle or Apalachicola, both Forgotten Coast anchors. St. Marks refuge has logged over 300 bird species. Pair the byway with a stop in Apalachicola before continuing east toward Perry, or turn it into a longer Panhandle loop. Riding it, start to finish: 1. Base out of Carrabelle or Apalachicola on Florida's Forgotten Coast. 2. Ride the Coastal Trail on US-98 flat and open past St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. 3. Connect to the Forest Trail on SR-65 through Apalachicola National Forest, with portions unpaved but well-graded. 4. Plan for two days and watch fuel closely — the longest gap between stations is about 20 miles. 5. After the byway, continue east toward Perry or loop back for a longer Panhandle ride.