Florida Forest Service is hosting a grand re-opening celebration of Point Washington State Forest’s, McQuage Bayou Trail, July 21 at 9 a.m.

This trail, originally established as equestrian-use only, has been closed to the public due to the deterioration of two large bridges along the path. The condition of these bridges made traveling the trail unsafe.

With major improvements to the bridges, the trail itself and a refurbished trailhead, the McQuage Bayou Trail will now be available as a multi-use trail to hikers, cyclists and equestrians.

“Florida has long been recognized as having one of the finest and most diversified state forest systems,” said Chipola Forestry Center Manager, Johnny Sabo. “With Point Washington State Forest being acquired in 1992, this grand re-opening will be the ultimate way to immerse yourself in Florida’s forests while honoring Point Washington’s 25-years as a state forest.”

During the grand re-opening, held at the McQuage Bayou Trailhead, 452 County Road 283 North, Santa Rosa Beach, the Florida Forest Service will offer family-friendly activities.

Visitors can enjoy a guided nature hike by State-lands Forester, Michael Klassen, Smokey Bear and wildland firefighting apparatuses on site for the kids.

Fees for trail access will be waived for the opening celebration.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.

For more info, visit Florida Forest Service.