Florida Guide > State Parks
Ochlocknee River
Ochlocknee River State Park is located on the U. S. 319 4 miles south of Sopchoppy (yes really! ) and it is the site of the meeting of the Ochlocknee River and Dead River.
A literal translation of Ochlocknee means yellow river and it earned this name from the mix of brackish waters, tide and fresh water which together form this curious colour.
This park is where you will spot some white squirrels; these are not albinos as many people think but a mutation of the common grey squirrel. Also look out for another rare ctreature, the reed cockaded woodpecker.
Autumn is the best time to visit to see the colourfull display of wild flowers. The Park holds regular controlled burnings to aid the growth of these flowers.
Ranger led walks are held through the summer; otherwise take a self guided ramble through the oak wooda and pine flat woods.
Anglers will have the opportunity to catch both fresh and sea water fish. Red fish and speckled trout are common in the brackish waters and bass, cat fish and perch proliferate in the fresh water areas.
You may swim in the area where the two rivers meet and in the summer this is a welcome cool down. Ochlocknee is a deep river that tips out into the seas of the Gulf Coast.
There is a nice picnic area so take a packed lunch along with anything else you may need during the day. This will include some snacks, plenty of water, sun hat, sun cream, camera and binoculars. During the summer it is particularly important that you take insect repellant and maybe a light top that will cover you against sun burn.
There are several nearby parks that include Bald Point State Park, Orman House and Edward Ball Wakullah State Park. Since most parks cost only a few dollars to entrance you may as well fit 2 or even 3 into your day.
In February 2009 they are holding a special event that may become regular. Here are the details:
STONE AGE AND PRIMITIVE ARTS FESTIVAL
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, February 6th, 7th and 8th from 9:30am to 5:00pm
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Ochlockonee River State Park is hosting the Second Annual Stone Age and Primitive Arts Festival. Visitors will experience ' hands-on' learning, as experts demonstrate techniques that were used thousands of years ago in day to day life. Visitors will also see projectile point fashioning, also known as flint-knapping, the art of chipping stone into tools, bow and arrow construction, basket weaving, early pottery methods and much more. According to archeological research, Ochlockonee River' s rich history of human interacting with nature goes back 12, 000 years
This would be a marvellous experience if you are visiting at this time.
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