Description

Celebrate the new year with a Ranger-Guided First Day Hike at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on January 1 starting at 9am. Join Rangers Robert and Julie to learn about the flora and fauna of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Meet at the Day-Use Parking Lot 9am. Distance approx. one mile.

Self-guided hikes on over 15 miles of park trails are available all day, 8am til sunset. Your adventure begins at the day-use parking lot. Free with paid park entry.

TOPSAIL HILL PRESERVE STATE PARK TRAILS & INFO

The park offers a terrific variety of trails. The Beach Tram Trail and the Campbell Lake Bike Trail are both paved, making it great for a pleasant bike ride under longleaf pines. The No Name Lake Trail takes walkers to the smallest of the Coastal Dune Lakes in the park.

The Turpentine Trail winds through pine forests once prized for their turpentine, or resin. Here, visitors may spot “cat-face” pine trees, named for the distinctive cuts made by workers harvesting turpentine in the late 19th and early 20th century. Along the Deer Track Trail, visitors will see Campbell Lake, a rare coastal dune lake dotted with water lilies, as well as carnivorous pitcher plants.

The Old Growth Trail reaches the far western portions of the park. Morris Lake Trail meanders through ancient dunes and scrubs communities. Here, the pure white sand underfoot makes for a beautiful and challenging hike. Along this trail, visitors can see remnants of a World War II missile testing program, including an old iron transport track.

To access all trails, enter the park at 7525 W. County Hwy 30, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459.  All trailheads start at the day-use parking lot and split off further into the park. Make sure to pick up a trail map at the ranger station. Please be safe and take a cell phone, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water to enjoy a serene walk through Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.