HAPPY TRAILS

from The Clubs by JOE Experience Member Magazine - Winter/Spring 2021

by Rowland Publishing, Inc.

DAY PLANNING A day

Whether you’re working out, biking or just sightseeing, Northwest Florida’s trails will help you find the right path.

TRAILS

Exploring Northwest Florida’s Vast Network of Trails and Paths

BY SUSAN VALLEE

What comes to mind when you think about Northwest Florida? The white sand beaches? More time spent with family? What about the coastal dune lakes that dot Scenic Highway 30A? Or the longleaf pine forests?

“The thing that makes our local trail system so unique is the diversity and interconnectivity of the various trail networks.” — J.T. Tollett, Founder and President of 30A Trails

The beauty of South Walton is unparalleled, and one of the best ways to experience it is on foot or from the seat of a bicycle. Did you know more than 40% of South Walton’s nature is protected?

Extensive trail systems cut through forests, leading to cypress domes, coastal dune lakes and the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Scenic Highway 30A’s Timpoochee Trail, named after an influential Euchee Indian Chief, (and commonly known as the 30A bike path) stretches for approximately 19 miles and runs parallel to the full length of Scenic Highway 30A. The paved path meanders through famed beach towns and crosses rare coastal dune lakes, providing glimpses of dunes and the Gulf of Mexico beyond their outfalls.

For countless families, the thin string of pines bordering the southern edge of Western Lake is one of South Walton’s most iconic views.

Standing on the pedestrian bridge that crosses Western Lake, watching the sunset paint the sky in bold strokes of pink, orange, purple and red, with the Gulf breeze rippling across the lake, rustling the palmettos that border the trail — it’s an experience like none other.

This area of the Timpoochee Trail connects to the Grayton Beach Hike and Bike Trail, which offers a 1-mile or 9-mile loop through the northern section of Grayton Beach State Park.

On the opposite side of Western Lake from the state park is the WaterColor® community. Here you’ll find the breathtaking beauty of Cerulean Park and a series of nature trails that wrap around the edge of the lake before twisting back through the community to connect to Scenic 30A’s Timpoochee Trail. Several thoughtfully designed pavilions and bridges offer unforgettable views of the lake’s dark blue waters, water lilies, black needlerush and cordgrass.

A little farther east down Scenic 30A, hikers can access the popular Eastern Lake Trail system from a Point Washington State Forest trailhead on County Road 395. This state forest encompasses more than 15,000 acres. There are three trails of varying difficulty (3.5-mile, 6-mile and 11-mile) that slice through the flat Point Washington State Forest. Hikers will traverse longleaf pine flatwoods, sand hill ecosystems, and cypress swamps, home to several rare species like the gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander and the lovely American kestrel.

North of Highway 98 near the Eastern Lake Trail Head is Eden Gardens State Park. An entry fee per bike or car is required to enter, but the small fee is worth it. The Wesley Homestead takes center stage at Eden, but the surrounding nature trails that cut through the 163-acres of state land are not to be missed. Secluded picnic tables offer serene views of Tucker Bayou, while the sand trails are shadowed by towering oaks and thick pine forests. And, fun fact, when the Wesley Homestead is open for tours, you may view the second largest collection of Louis XVI antique furniture in the country.

If you prefer the ease of hiking close to home, the Watersound Origins® community boasts miles of paved paths (and a few gravel trails) that provide connectivity within the neighborhood and to the rest of the area’s trail system.

Cyclists can access the Timpoochee Trail safely by utilizing the paved trail along Watersound Parkway. Neighboring communities provide paved paths and views of the Gulf of Mexico and noted architecture.

“The thing that makes our local trail system so unique is the diversity and interconnectivity of the various trail networks,” said J.T. Tollett Founder and President of 30A Trails, a local nonprofi t working to promote and preserve the local trails. “On any given day, you can be secluded on dirt trails through wildlife-rich pine forests or on smooth paved paths that traverse the unique towns of Scenic Highway 30A. As a resident in the Watersound Origins community, I love that I can hop on my bike, follow the path along Watersound Parkway and in minutes connect to the Timpoochee Trail along 30A. From there, my options are endless. I can head to the beach or easily explore the vast trail networks in the state forests and parks. The possibilities to explore are limitless.”

For a more secluded adventure, cyclists and hikers may look east of Lake Powell to discover the Panama City Beach Conservation Park.

This park is relatively new and off ers 12 trail options to explore amid its vast 2,900 acres of forest. The marked trails vary in length from a 1.7-mile green trail to an 11.2-mile red trail. Dotting the forest are cypress domes, ponds and several boardwalks. A trailhead provides restrooms and additional parking.

Whichever adventure you prefer, a bike ride close to home, a day spent hiking through forests, or a quick jaunt down a sandy path to catch the sunset, South Walton and neighboring Panama City Beach have it all. Grab a water bottle and get out there and make your own adventure.