Manager's Message
There are many species of fish at Bald Point State Park. Fresh and salt water
varieties are abundant all times of the year. Fall is an excellent time of year
to fish at Bald Point State Park. Species such as Red Fish and Speckled Sea
Trout are plentiful. These species are now in their annual feeding frenzies
trying to fatten themselves for the fast approaching winter. Fishing can be done
from the beach or our small fishing pier. Now that palmetto berries have ripened
you have a good chance of spotting a Florida Black Bear. The bears love to eat
palmetto berries and frequent the park this time of year to get to them. Many of
the wildlife that seem to enjoy the company of people, such as sand gnats (AKA
no-see-ums), mosquitoes and biting flies, are here even though colder weather
has arrived. Like the fish, these insects are trying to take advantage before
prolonged periods of cold weather arrive. If you plan to visit us it would be
wise to bring some insect repellant. If you are into birding, many raptors can
be seen at the park. Species such as Bald Eagles, Northern Harriers, and Red
Shouldered Hawks can be viewed. Many other types of birds can be seen as well.
If you enjoy hiking or bicycling, Bald Point has many trails to explore. For
canoeing, we have many freshwater lakes, tidal creeks, Ochlockonee Bay and the
Gulf of Mexico. Our goal in managing this area is to restore it to its original
condition at the time of first European contact. The prescribed fire program
should be in full swing this year. We have learned through many years of
managing natural lands that fire is an integral part of ecosystem maintenance. A
good example is wire grass. If wire grass is burned in the growing season, it
will produce viable seed for reproduction. If wire grass is not burned or burned
out of the growing season, the seed that is produced is not viable. When natural
lands in Florida are managed with fire you stimulate a greater diversity of
plant and animal life. Please come visit us at Bald Point and enjoy its
multitude of natural beauties and recreational opportunities. Thank you.
- Kevin Patton, Park Manager
Welcome to Bald Point State Park
Some of the most picturesque scenic areas along north Florida´s Gulf Coast can
be found at this park. Located on Alligator Point where Ochlockonee Bay meets
Apalachee Bay, Bald Point offers a multitude of land and water activities.
Coastal marshes, pine flatwoods, and oak thickets foster a diversity of
biological communities that make the park a popular destination for birding and
wildlife viewing. Every fall, bald eagles, other migrating raptors, and monarch
butterflies are commonly sighted as they head south for the winter. Bald Point
offers access to two Apalachee Bay beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and
fishing. Other activities include canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and hiking.
Facilities include a fishing dock and picnic pavilions. Located off U.S. 98, one
mile south of Ochlockonee Bay. Take State Road 370 for 3 miles to Bald Point
Road.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Bald Point State Park, please call 850-349-9146.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions
From Panacea, FL, go south on Hwy 98 for approximately 5 miles. Turn left on SR
370, travel approximately 5 miles to Bald Point Road. Turn left onto Bald Point
Road and travel approximately 3 miles to the park entrance.Park Fees
Effective November 1, 2004, entrance fees will be $3.00 per car, $1.00 per
pedestrian or bicyclist.
For visitors desiring an annual pass, please refer to the Fee Schedule in the
left margin of this page.
Bald Point State Park
146 Box Cut
Alligator Point, Florida 32346
Phone: 850-349-9146
Fax: Contact Park for Number |
