The East River is a 10-mile-long river entirely within Wakulla County. It drains part of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge into the St. Marks River. A dam within the refuge, crossed by the Florida Trail, creates a 245-acre impoundment known as the East River Pool, which therefore is freshwater. There is a boat ramp that will facilitate hand launched boats and small paddle craft. This is permitted March 15 to October 15.
Take a short hike on Trail 104 just to the south of the boat launch and you will encounter a concrete spillway that allows fresh water to overflow into the Apalachee Bay. Take a longer hike, and you will intersect Trail 102. Take a right on 102 to arrive at the Visitor Center.
