ROSEMARY THYMES | 22
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
guests can spot mullets jumping around in the water. Visitors at Eden Gardens can also explore the park’s abundance of plant species by picking up a “Living Shoreline Trail” brochure at the park office. This brochure takes guests on a journey through the park to explore 18 of the park’s plant species. Every stop along the trail highlights a different plant and is marked with a number that correlates with the brochure. Filled with visual wonder, this trail provides unique learning opportunities for visitors and locals alike.
BIRDWATCHER’S PARADISE
Point Washington State Forest - Santa Rosa Beach
As summer approaches, it is finally time to get outside and soak up some sunshine. What better way to explore nature and enjoy the sun than hiking or biking along one of our many local nature trails? 30A boasts some of the most unique nature trails in the entire state. From trails running by dune lakes with native carnivorous plants, to those rich with WWII history and bird watching opportunities, every hiker is sure to find a nature trail that piques their interest.
The Nature Trails of 30A By Nicole Willis
A FLORAL FANATIC’S FANTASY Do you wish you could see hundreds of vibrant and unique flowers on your hike in addition to the typical forest greenery? Look no further than Eden Gardens State Park. Eden Gardens State Park, located at 181 Eden Gardens Road in Santa Rosa Beach, gives guests the best of both worlds, with beautiful natural greenery and ornamental floral displays throughout its more than 160 acres of hiking trails and park space. A one-mile trail winds throughout the property, allowing guests to take in all of the park’s most beautiful features. The trail passes through rose and camellia gardens which are also home to many non-native camellia species of various size and color. The trail also passes by Tucker Bayou, where
Grab your binoculars, strap on your hiking boots, and visit Camp Helen State Park to view birds of every species. This 180-acre park has two main trails, The North Trail at 1.8 miles long, and The Oak Canopy Trail at 0.5 miles long. Parts of the North Trail flow alongside Lake Powell, which is the largest coastal dune lake in the state and one of the largest in the country. The beach dunes attract many species of birds as a resting and foraging spot, including black skimmers and Caspian terns. While exploring this trail, hikers will also experience the beautiful water and dunes. The North Trail also has many native plant species that surround the trail, including saw palmetto trees and prickly pear plants. The Oak Canopy Trail may be short, but it is loaded with various native flora and fauna. Scrub oak trees create a canopy overhead the trail, providing shade and beautiful greenery. Many species of birds can be spotted along the trail, including the tufted titmouse and American bald eagles. Camp Helen State Park is also home to a variety of other bird species, including the osprey, Cooper’s hawk and snowy plovers. Guests can stop by the park visitor’s center for a detailed brochure that serves as a handy guide on the many varieties of flora and fauna found within the park. Camp Helen State Park is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway in Panama City Beach.
HIKING ENTHUSIAST For a day-long adventure along many different trails, consider visiting the Grayton Beach State Park and Point Washington State Forest. Point Washington State Forest is just north of Grayton Beach State Park and the two are connected via the Longleaf Connector. Start off the day in Grayton Beach State Park by exploring the park’s extensive trail system. Each trail is relatively short, providing ample hiking opportunities for both experienced and beginner hikers. The Grayton Beach Flatwoods Trail is just over 4 miles long and is relatively flat, hence the trail’s name. From the Flatwoods Trail, explore The Western Lake Loop, a small loop just under one mile long, which is connected to the Flatwoods Trail. Grayton Beach State Park’s trails allow hikers a view of Western Lake, a rare coastal dune lake. If you feel like continuing the hike, hop on The Longleaf Connector Trail that connects the trails of Grayton Beach State Park to the main trailhead for Point Washington State Forest, The Longleaf Greenway Trail. The Longleaf Greenway Trail is about 8 miles long and is covered in longleaf pine trees. Point Washington State Forest is also home to the Eastern Lake Trails. The Eastern Lake Trails are three trails that are connected to each other and color-coordinated. From West to East, you can hike the Yellow Loop for 3.5 miles, then move on to the Red Loop for an additional 6 miles, and finally end up at the largest loop, the Orange Loop, which is 11 miles long. Both experienced and novice hikers can have a blast hiking through the trails at Grayton Beach State Park and Point Washington State Forest. If you are not so enthusiastic about hiking, consider choosing one or two of the shorter trails. No matter what trail you choose to hike, you are certain to enjoy the experience.
