For several months now, a large team of volunteers and staff from the Florida Trail Association, US Forest Service, Franklin's Promise, Framing Our Community, and the Student Conservation Association have been working on repairs to the Monkey Creek Bridge. This unique fiber-reinforced polymer bridge, located midway along the Sopchoppy River section in the Apalachicola National Forest, has been deteriorating for years. After rotting decking was discovered during our last field season, we put this project at the top of our regional priority list and got to work. The repairs were complex and depended on cooperation between many partners over a long period of time; crews began prep. work during the heat of last summer, ensuring we would be able to finish this project in time for the current hiking season.

As a result of our efforts the bridge has received a complete make-over: the rotting lumber was replaced, the entire structure was raised to protect the bridge from future flooding events, and new approach ramps were constructed. The polymer structure was also repaired, cleaned, sanded, and repainted. Crews addressed erosion damage in the surrounding area and mitigated the environmental impacts of the construction. The bridge is now safe to use, ensuring that hikers have unimpeded access to the stunning natural scenery along the Sopchoppy River. With the spring blooms on their way, now's a great time to plan a visit! The Oak Park Trailhead, located a few miles north of the community of Sopchoppy, is the best way to access this area.