German Version Hispanic Version Steinhatchee Events News Info

Steinhatchee is one of the state's secret “green spots,” a backdoor to Mother Nature's best work. The inshore and offshore fishing is excellent; snorkeling for bay scallops can't be beat; stone and blue crabs are in abundance. Several local marinas can recommend area guides and provide fishing and boating supplies and information on weather and tides. Local accommodations include hotel, motel, vacation cottages & lodges in the village of Steinhatchee as well as a great RV resort. It is possible to spot alligators, turkeys, hogs, panthers, black bear, deer, eagles, and many species of birds.  Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are popular within more than 100,000 acres of Preservation 2000 land.

Steinhatchee is the kind of Old Florida town novelists and filmmakers seek, and locals want to keep to themselves. It's hidden deep in the Big Bend, that northernmost crook of Florida 's elbow. The nearest major city is Tallahassee , and it's about two hours northwest on meandering roads. A good 75 miles from the nearest interstate, Steinhatchee is not the kind of place you just happen upon.

Talk about the unexpected Florida ! Steinhatchee ( steen-hatch-ee ) is a secret, outdoor person's haven that sits in a secret crevice of the Big Bend and beneath towering pines, mossy oaks and pink, juicy sunsets. The town is a delicious time warp where weathered docks rock gently in the wake of fishing boats. Unnamed, unpaved roads and endless trails wind through deep palmetto, cedar and cypress forests, where the sun's filtered rays coax forth occasional riots of wildflowers and water lilies.

The Steinhatchee River , with its lush tidal creeks and marshlands, and its mouth, Deadman's Bay, are a fisherman's mecca. No-frills seafood restaurants serve up the real thing, straight out of the river or the Gulf three miles away. Steinhatchee is a very popular spot on the map for fisherman. The pristine shoreline and shallow grass flats provide habitat for numerous species of saltwater fish. Beyond the flats are the coastal reef systems, where you'll find the "keeper" fish that frequent deeper waters. There's no doubt that Steinhatchee inshore waters are some of the best in the State.

More history about Steinhatchee
      

Abundant sea grasses mixed with limestone rock structure are a natural holding system for all sorts of bait and the resulting predators, including spotted sea trout, redfish, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Offshore fishing for grouper, snapper and sheepshead is popular along the Taylor County 's/ Dixie County coastline. In addition to rock-based natural reefs in waters from 25 to 65 feet deep, there are three artificial reefs 10 miles offshore from Steinhatchee. Regardless of the season, fishing can be great fun in Steinhatchee.

Scalloping   

The sleepy hamlet's claim to fame is its scallop season which runs from July to early September and brings hundred's of boats and families on its opening day to the otherwise peaceful waters of Dead Man's Bay. Scallop season has been called a sort of twisted Easter egg hunt, with locals and visitors taking a mesh bag, donning a snorkel and mask and snatching up their own seafood dinner as they swim. Kids and grownups alike have fun trying to scoop the shellfish found in the wispy sea grass before they can scoot away.

Kayaking  

Often paddling enthusiasts will drive along and span a bridge over a waterway, and look down to see if the waterway has paddling potential. If you have traveled US 98 along the Big Bend, you have probably crossed the Steinhatchee River and wondered about its paddling potential. Add this river to your list, because it can be paddled. Furthermore it includes a “waterfall,” Steinhatchee Falls , over which you can paddle. The Steinhatchee River is a 28-mile long river originating in the Mallory Swamp in North Central Florida and ending at the Gulf of Mexico . The exposed limestone adds a visually eye-catching appearance to the river. The added bonus is that for most of the downstream paddle, you will find the river hugged by —often with large, overhanging oaks and palms over the river. The water is clear and mildly tannic brown in color, which will be obvious when you paddled over white limestone river bottom. That noticeable roaring sound that could be mistaken for wind in the trees, will turn out, to your surprise, that it is a Florida rarity: a waterfall. Throw caution to the wind and paddle over the falls, it is only a few feet high. Downstream from the falls, you may enjoy seeing a pair of playful river otter pop up their heads in front of you or even a magnificent manatee. This, in combination with the many Great Blue Herons overhead, the possibility for a gator sighting and even the occasional eagle, makes for a wonderful wildlife encounter on the river.