Perdido River Water Management Area

Overview

The Perdido River flows about 63 miles from southern Alabama to Perdido Bay, forming Florida’s western border with Alabama. The Perdido is a tannin-stained blackwater stream in its lower reaches where rapidly-disappearing pitcher plant bogs, threatened gopher tortoises, migratory neotropical birds, and stands of Atlantic white cedar trees can all still be appreciated. The project area is mostly undeveloped and contains a diverse list of species.

Environmental Importance

The Perdido River has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water and Special Water system, a canoe trail, and a recreation area. The upper part of the river is a shifting sand river system, which are unique to portions of northwest Florida, south Alabama, southern Mississippi and extreme eastern Louisiana, while the lower end of the river is characteristic of a black water stream, a river with a deep, slow-moving channel.

Location

Counties: Escambia           Nearby City/Town: Pensacola

Recreation Opportunities

• Camping, picnicking, boat launch, fishing, canoe launch, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing
• Seasonal Hunting
• The river forms large sand bars, which are enticing to paddlers, swimmers, hikers, and sunbathers.

Restrictions

ATV’s are prohibited.

Motorized vehicles allowed on designated roads only.

Alcoholic beverages prohibited.