Local Trails
Timpoochee Trail
18.5-Mile Paved Bike Trail along Florida’s Gulf Coast
The Timpoochee Trail parallels virtually the entire length of “Scenic CR 30A“, going past 3 Florida State Parks and through multiple beach communities.
The entire trail runs next to CR 30A. Biking is a perfect way to explore the areas’s natural features – the the coastal dune coastal dune lakes, State Parks, and many beach accesses (with bike racks) – with options galore for refreshments. The ride is variously through busier beach communities and quieter natural areas. The trail’s mid-point is in the community of Seaside.
Tip: the 4 mile section between Blue Mountain Beach and Seaside is the most scenic, passing through the unspoiled lands of Grayton Beach State Park and adjoining Preserve.
Location: South Walton County, FL
End Points: CR 30A, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to Inlet Beach
Mileage: 18.5 miles
Surface: Asphalt, most 8′
Trailheads/Parking: Free Public Parking – Dune Allen Beach Access, Ed Walline Beach Access, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, Greenway Park, Walton Dunes
Nearby points of interest: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Camp Helen State Park, Eden Gardens State Park, Point Washington State Forest
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located near the western end of “Scenic Route 30A” in Santa Rosa Beach. The State Park is primarily defined by white sand beach, towering dunes, coastal dune lakes, and camping. . There are two paved trails leading to the two most popular Park features; over 3 miles of pristine Gulf beach, and a “coastal dune lake“. The visitor parking lot also serves as a trailhead for the 18.5-mile Timpoochee Trail, across the road from the State Park entrance.
Starting at the visitor parking lot, we explored mostly riding on the paved bike trails – short, easy rides through natural areas – to the main State Park features. The paved trails run mostly through long-leaf pine flatwoods with limited shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
Location: South Walton County (Santa Rosa Beach)
Mileage: 2.25 miles paved, 15 miles unpaved, 18.5-mile Timpoochee Trail runs outside Park
Trailheads: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park parking lot
Surface: Paved, sand, dirt, pine needles.
Nearby Points of interest: Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Camp Helen State Park, Eden Gardens State Park, Point Washington State Forest
Western Lake Trail
Explore this 4.9-mile loop trail near Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 27 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Location: South Walton County (Santa Rosa Beach)
Mileage: 4.9 miles unpaved
Trailheads: Greyton Beach State Park
Surface: Sand, dirt, pine needles.
Nearby Points of interest: Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Camp Helen State Park, Eden Gardens State Park, Point Washington State Forest
Longleaf Greenway
Enjoy this 14.20 mile, loop trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 51 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Location: South Walton County (Santa Rosa Beach)
Mileage: 14.20 miles unpaved
Trailheads: Point Washington State Forest
Surface: Sand, dirt, pine needles.
Nearby Points of interest: Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Camp Helen State Park, Eden Gardens State Park, Point Washington State Forest
Watercolor and Seaside Trails Loop
Take in the natural habitat at your own pace on the WaterColor and Seaside Trails Loop. The 8.9-mile trail system accommodates walkers, joggers, and bikers as it gently meanders through picturesque neighborhoods. Go for an early morning jog or step out for a stroll among shaded and walkable pathways of mixed terrain.
Location: Watercolor and Seside
Mileage: 8.9 miles paved
Surface: Paver
Nearby Points of interest: Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Camp Helen State Park, Eden Gardens State Park, Point Washington State Forest
