WILD MILE OF PRISTINE RIVERFRONT IN FL PANHANDLE Fifteen minutes from Ochlocknee Bay on the Gulf of Mexico and forty minutes from Apalachicola and Tallahassee, this pristine sanctuary of 30+/- acres runs along the meandering Sopchoppy River for a mile. A private deeded easement road, 1/3 mile and 30 feet wide, gives access through the surrounding Apalachicola National Forest. The Sopchoppy originates in the Apalachicola National Forest and is being considered for federal designation a Wild and Scenic River. The Creek Indians called this river Sokchopee meaning "long twisting stream". Three trails open passage through this freshwater wilderness. The Florida Greenways and Trails has designated the river an official canoe trail. Just a short distance north, the Florida Scenic Trail crosses the river running inside the south boundary of the Bradwell Bay Wilderness Area.xa0 The old Georgia, Florida, Alabama rail line provides a third backwoods trail.xa0Wakulla County, population 30,000, is 80 percent national forest and coastal refuge with abundant fresh water and two world class springs. The St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge preserves Wakulla County's gulf coastline and Apalachee Bay provides a welcoming corridor for migratory birds. Several diverse and distinct biological communities share close proximity on this 30 acre property. Ogeechee tupelos, of the famed "Ulee's Gold" movie, form one such community. Ancient cypress and bowering live oaks hug the mile-long bank with their gnarling roots and distinctive knees. Expanses of open sky, arid grasses, shrubs, and lichen give way to canopying mature forest. Magnolia, bay, oaks, sweetgum, hickory, maple, holly, and pines tower over both moist moss and fern-filled swales and understories of palmetto, myrtle, staggerbush, sparkleberry, blueberry, and azaleas. The range of microhabitats is due to the undulating riverine topography and the xeric, mesic, and hydric soils. It is an extraordinary site. Wildlife is abundant with woodpeckers, hawks, warblers, ducks, turkey, deer, bear, coyote, fox, bobcat, and hogs, while the river contains bass, bream, and sunfish. Tannic water rolling over the white sand shows colors from clear gold and red to dark bronze tea. Pristine beaches form around each bend in the river and islands submerge and resurface with the waterlevel. This, in part, is what makes the Sopchoppy an exciting river to canoe or kayak. A year-round creek intersects the property and meanders to the river.xa0 As one paddles south, the Sopchoppy widens meeting the Ochlockonee River merging into the Gulf of Mexico.xa0xa0 Archeological artifacts, along with rare and endangered species have been inventoried by the forest service. This property is essentially a natural sanctuary and is ideal for a private residential retreat, a family compound, and with zoning allowance, a nature based recreational lodge and facility. Some discreet clearing has been done for trails, and a building site which is high and dry. Hurricanes have had little or no impact.xa0Utilities havexa0been brought underground. Grocery store, hardware, and post office are 10 minutes away in the town of Sopchoppy, home of the annual Worm Grunting Festival, population 400. Wildwood and St. James golf courses are within 20 minutes. Drive 15 minutes to the coastal fishing community of Panacea to pick up your fresh seafood for supper. Folks love it here and are becoming fiercely protective. Forgotten Coast...once experienced it will never be forgotten. Below appraisal, $425,000. Sopchoppyestate@cs.com.xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0 (850) 222-7195.xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0 Agents welcome.