FLORIDA EXCURIONS
HEAD FOR THE DUNES AT TOPSAIL HILL STATE PARK SANTA ROSA BEACH GEM IS IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S WALTON COUNTY
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Written by: Ava Grace
hite quartz dunes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park rise above the ground like a ship’s sail, all while enclosing freshwater dune lakes that bristle with aquatic sea life. Wooden boardwalks invite guests to walk past the impressive 25-foot tall dunes, down to three miles of pristine shoreline wrapped along the Gulf of Mexico’s emerald waters. That vivid description is only part of the story of the state park, as noted on its website, floridastateparks.org/parksand-trails/topsail-hill-preserve-state-park. There is much more to this Santa Rosa Beach gem, located in northwest Florida’s Walton County.
for Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection. Hikers might also see otherworldly-looking pitcher plants, which are carnivorous. Wildlife spotting may include Choctawhatchee beach mice, colorful birds such as bluebirds, cardinals, red-shouldered hawks and snowy plovers, and possibly even white-tailed deer. Anglers are in luck—there is freshwater fishing in the coastal dune lakes—and bass, pan fish and freshwater catfish can be reeled in. Fishing from the shoreline can pull in pompano, redfish, bream, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel. (Florida fishing licenses are required and motorized boats are not allowed). Although a trip to the park is excellent for a day trip or a morning hike, it’s even better when the plans are for an overnight stay or longer. “The Gregory E. Moore RV Resort campground has 156 RV (up to 45 feet) sites with water, 30-amp or 50-amp electric, digital cable, sewer, laundry facilities, bathrooms with showers, and shuffleboard courts,” explains Cronin.
“The hiking trails offer old-growth pine forests, sandy scrubland, dunes and wetlands, where 13 imperiled species find refuge,” explains Alex Cronin, spokesperson
If you don’t have an RV, no worries—furnished bungalows with full kitchens and bathrooms are available for weekly stays. Plus, big rigs are also welcome. Reservations can be
PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT FLORIDA
Visitors who love to get out on the water can rent kayaks, canoes and SUPs through the campground store. Those who prefer to hike will enjoy 10 miles of trails through a 1,600acre preserve, and a half-mile jaunt from the campground down to the Gulf waters.
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