Tooling around the Plantation you’ll soon find your favorite spots. Here are a few special places you’ll want to explore. Catch a glimpse of rare birds or butterflies, cast your fishing line, launch your kayak, canoe, or paddle board, ride the waves, or just stroll the byways.
Nick’s Hole, a deep water cove, provides access to the wonders of the famous Apalachicola Bay as well as one of the most pristine maritime forests on the island. This unique state-owned area allows unique opportunities for observing the natural world. Kayak the marshes over oyster beds and then out into the bay. Hike among ancient moss-covered trees (Nick’s Hole Trail Map). Bring your binoculars to the viewpoint and watch eagles soar. Then stop at nearby Tully Park to picnic and watch the sunset while taking in the view all the way to Apalachicola.
There are two parking areas, one for bicycles next to Leisure Lane and one for vehicles off the main entrance. This brochure gives you all the details (Nick’s Hole Brochure).
In 1954 the US Army Corp of Engineers dredged through the middle of St George Island, severing the island in two and creating a channel for the Apalachicola and other mainland fishing fleets to have easier access to Gulf waters. To protect the Cut from subsequent erosion and infilling, they established rock jetties stretching into Gulf waters and creating a fisherman’s dream. During the year Redfish, Sea Trout, Pompano and other popular and delicious Gulf fish can be caught from this large rock formation. Pelicans love to sit on the rocks and dolphins swim in and out of the bay. Another great activity at the Cut is merely watching and waving as shrimp boats, fishing boats and small private watercraft go in and out. Please note that the beach and docks along the Cut are private property so enjoy this area from the gulf-side beach or the rock jetty.
Parking on the residential streets leading to the Cut and the boat launch is strictly prohibited and vehicles may be towed. A Plantation parking area is available outside the gates of the residential community of “Schooner Landing.” This designated parking is adjacent to a beach pathway that provides access to the Gulf and the jetty.
The Tully family from Tallahassee donated their property on Forsythia Trail to the Bay County Conservancy in order to preserve the land from development and to establish a Bayfront “pocket park” for use by the Plantation owners and their guests. The Conservancy signed a management agreement with the St. George Plantation Owners’ Association (SGPOA)to maintain the property as a passive park in perpetuity. To access the park, turn north off Leisure Lane at Forsythia Trail and follows the signs to Tully Park.
Several years ago, the St. George Plantation purchased a 1-acre tract of lowland, intermittent ponds adjoining the bike path at the vista overlook between Suzie and Coral Way. Ultimate plans considered are a boardwalk trail through this unique natural hammock. The rare white Swamp Lily is sometimes visible in the marshes growing there through late summer / early fall.
