There is no question when it comes to the 850’s natural beauty. From diverse wildlife to calming waters, the Panhandle of Florida is home to some of the most vibrant trails. Let’s take a walk on the wild side…
Oaks By The Bay
Although this trail is only 0.4 miles, Oaks by the Bay has an abundance of beauty to take in. Located in the heart of St. Andrews, this park holds a historic landmark, the Old Sentry tree. This tree is estimated to be over 350 years old and was standing during the Civil War. As you walk along the boardwalks by the water, you’ll notice the thriving vegetation and stealthy Herons along the shoreline. This up-close experience with an aquatic environment will help you truly appreciate the 850.
Lynn Haven Bayou Park & Preserve
The Lynn Haven Bayou Park & Preserve is a fairly new, 98 acre park that is packed with amenities and a gorgeous view of the water. This growing park has three trails and two of them are only 0.3 miles long which is perfect for a family outing. If you prefer to walk by the water, take the “Yellow Trail” which leads to a wide boardwalk over the Bay. If walking isn’t your style at all, send the kids over to the park filled with swings and other exciting obstacles!
Parker Environmental Exploratorium Park
Parker
Calling all bird watchers! This park is the best location to find all of the wildlife you have been yearning for. From the thick forest trees to P.E.E.P’s very own butterfly garden, birds are known to hang around. Swifts and Sparrows are the most popular birds in this park and you can watch them all from the observation decks. For those not into birds, no worries, these singing birds will still ensure that you’ll have the best playlist on your walk.
Gayle’s Trails
This trail is one of the longest in Panama City Beach, stretching to 14.8 miles long and 3,000 acres, Gayle’s Trails allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature. This trail can take up to 3 hours to complete but with the various terrain and expressive wildlife, you will not get bored during this experience. There are 12 trails throughout the park and most are bike-friendly. Before you start this wonderful journey be sure to visit the main pavilion to learn about the wildlife you may come across. Happy Trails!
Osprey & Longleaf Loop
Osprey & Longleaf leads you in a 6.8 mile circle taking you back to the start. The estimated completion time is about 2 hours and its rural flatland is perfect for walking or running. As this trail is not known for much of its scenery, it is less busy creating the ideal opportunity to get a quality workout in. This trail is dog-friendly and is a wonderful place to see lively wildflowers!
Cascades Park
Tallahassee
Cascades Park is truly full of life in the roaring city of Tallahassee, FL. This park may be popular for its delightfully paved walking trails but there is so much more to get excited about! The Adderley Amphitheater is the main attraction in Cascades. From performances by the Beach Boys to the Alabama Shakes, if you are looking for entertainment this is the place. There are various children’s areas throughout the park such as the discovery playground and the imagination fountain. If you are into history, there are multiple historical features on your walk such as the Prime Meridian Plaza, Smokey Hollow Commemoration, and the Korean War Memorial. No matter the outdoor hobby, Cascades has it all!
Tom Brown Park
Tallahassee
Get active at Tom Brown Park! This park offers 2 playgrounds, a BMX track, and various trails for walking and biking. If you are into sports, this park is part of a sports complex with every physical activity you could ever dream of such as disc golf, tennis, soccer, etc. Besides the sports, there are peaceful picnic areas and a dog park for your furry friends. Tom Brown’s slogan is “Where the Fun Begins” and that is spot on with this park!
Falling Waters State Park
Chipley
Go chasing waterfalls with this trail! Falling Waters State Park is home to the state’s tallest waterfall, descending into a 100-foot-deep and 20-foot-wide cylindrical sinkhole. This trail is about 1 mile long and filled with such remarkable history, showing evidence of human inhabitance as early as 5,000 years ago. Alongside hiking, Falling Waters offers camping, swimming, and geo-seeking. Adventure awaits!
Hinson Conservation & Recreation Area
Marianna
You will truly become one with nature at Hinson Conservation. This park’s 3 mile long, grassy path trail is blooming with vegetation and active wildlife. Chipola River flows through this park and meets you at random points in the trail. You may also stumble upon an abandoned cabin that withstood Hurricane Michael. As the history in Hinson Conservation may be frozen in time, the wildlife and foliage are overflowing with life. Take a hike and see for yourself!
Florida Caverns State Park
Marianna
You won’t want to look away on this mystical trail through the Florida Caverns. Although, you will need to pay to get in this park, it is worth every penny! From the mesmerizing stalagmites and stalactites to the sneaky little bats throughout, you will be amazed by the vibrant life in this cavern. Once you are done exploring, you can take a dip in the park’s crystal clear landmark, Blue Hole Spring. There is so much beauty to see in the Florida Caverns State Park!
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve
Pensacola
Home to multiple endangered plants, Tarkiln Bayou Preserve is the best trail to walk if you are a horticulture enthusiast or purely a plant lover. This 4,000 acre preserve is home to not only a copious amount of rare plants but a few animals as well, such as the Alligator Snapping Turtle. This trail is best known for a carnivorous inhabitant, the white-topped pitcher plant. If you prefer a water view over greenery, the boardwalk takes you to an overlook of the Tarkiln Bayou where you can spot the thriving aquatic wildlife.
Fort Pickens
Pensacola
History buffs, rejoice! Explore the historic structure of Fort Pickens. This, now, National Park was used as a fort in the civil war during the 1800s and was continued to be used until the end of World War II. Although this monument is not a true walking trail, you can still catch all the views from the Gulf and get exercise as you run about the fort walls. While you are exploring, be sure to take in its history, Fort Pickens is much deeper than the walls that surround it.
Written by: Mazzy Flint
