Off the Beaten Path: The Nature

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Point Washington State Forest - Santa Rosa Beach

The Nature Trails of 30A

By Nicole Willis

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.

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 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

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.

The Timpoochee

Trail is an approximately 19-mile paved path showcasing panoramic views of unique architecture, natural scenic beauty and local wildlife.

Alys Beach Trail

Grayton Beach State Park

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

While most trails can be attended by families, some trails are more suited to be attended by little children than others. For a fun family day outside, visit the Alys Beach Nature Trail. The trail is located at 214 Charles Street, Rosemary Beach, and is tucked into a 20-acre nature preserve. The terrain of the trail is easy to navigate, it is flat and the majority of the trail is comprised of a wooden boardwalk. At only 0.75 miles long, the Alys Beach Nature Trail is great for little ones who may not be fond of walking for too long. Though the trail is relatively short, one can spend hours exploring the flora that the nature preserve has to offer. Cypress and slash pine trees create a forest that surrounds the boardwalk. As you walk the trail, you will come across a beautiful open meadow that is decorated with wildflowers. A unique factor of the Alys Beach Nature Trail is the presence of pitcher plants. Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants that capture and eat insects. The kiddos are sure to be fascinated by these plants! The Alys Beach Nature Trail is a family-friendly trail that provides a great opportunity to get outside, explore nature, and learn a thing or two. The trail is pet-friendly, so even your fourlegged family members can be included in your explorations!

HISTORY-HUNGRY HIKER

Want to get a glimpse into 30A history on your hike? Look no further than the trails at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. This state park is a whopping 1,640 acres and offers over 15 miles of trails. Two of the park’s trails give visitors a look at historical artifacts and stories of the land’s prior use. The Turpentine Trail takes you through an area where the turpentine industry was booming in the late 1800s and early to mid-1900s. Turpentine is a resin obtained from living pine trees that was often used on wooden ships. Workers would carve “catface” designs into trees to obtain the sap. Catface carvings can still be seen in trees along the trail today. The Morris Lake Trail gives visitors a glimpse into a different history of the land. The area was used during World War II as a munitions testing and development area. Years ago on this very land, people were developing and testing some of the first missiles in the country. Iron transport tracks were laid over the sand for trucks to travel on. Remnants of these tracks can still be seen along the trail today. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is full of history, so if you’re seeking a unique hike, this state park is the place. The park is located at 7525 W. County Hwy. 30 in Santa Rosa Beach.

ADVANTAGEOUS ADVENTURER

Whether you are a 30A native or a visitor, the Timpoochee Trail is a great way to get to know the ins and outs of the 30A towns. This 18.5-mile bike trail runs from Dune Allen all the way down to Inlet Beach. This long trail allows its guests to see both residential and natural sights. The trail winds past state parks, beach neighborhoods, dune lakes, beaches and even dining and shopping areas. There is so much for riders to explore on this trail. Consider taking a pit stop at a local restaurant, or pack a picnic to enjoy at a state park. The trail’s terrain is primarily flat and wide, which enables groups to ride it together. At points, the trail can cross streets, so a bit of caution is required. The trail begins on the west of Hwy. 30A by Hwy. 98 in Dune Allen and ends east Hwy. 30A at Hwy. 98 in Inlet Beach. For a complete guide to the Timpoochee Trail and some of the best stops along it, visit visitsouthwalton.com.

Whether you are a seasoned hiker, an adventure seeker, or just want to have a fun day with the family, there are plenty of trails to help you get outside and soak up some sun while enjoying all that 30A has to offer! For more information on any of the state parks, visit floridastateparks.org.