Reviewed By: Gidds
Date Reviewed: 09/18/2011
Review Type: Trail
Barefoot Friendliness: 2 Above Average
Location:
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
7525 W. County HIGHWAY 30 A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
See map: Google Maps
A nice multi-use path of smooth-slightly rough asphalt and a few concrete sidewalks. No vehicles, other than park vehicles, are allowed on these paths. Do be alert to cyclists. Not recommended for novice barefooters, intermediate-to advanced. The pavement can be HOT! Excellent for minimalist runners and hikers/trekkers. There are LOTS of things to see from flowers, to birds, to wildlife. If you are truly barefoot stick to the Campbell Lake Nature Trail or the Beach Tram Path. There are water and bathroom facilities at the end of each of these trails. A tram runs down to the beach periodically based on the season (more in summer, less often in winter). The only hazards are the occasional rock, coyote scat, or black bear scat. Just look where you are going. There is a 5k race here in April, so there are mileage markers spray painted along the Campbell Lake Nature Trail.
If you are minimally shod then feel free to check out the other trails. I have personally walked the Salamander Pond Trail, among others, in VFFs and it's fine as long as it has been mown recently and you watch where you step. Please remember that this is Florida and there are venomous snakes, chiggers, fleas, ticks, sand spurs, fire ants, prickly pear, venomous spiders, Africanized honey bees, scorpions, alligators, sting rays, sharks, jellies, etc. These trails are only crowded during the busy summer months and the Campbell Lake Trail is usually less frequented. It is very peaceful early in the morning, or later in the evening, and you might get to see some deer. Presently there is a $6 park entry fee for cars. It may be less for cyclists or runners, but I am not sure so call (850) 267-0299 to find out. I think you may be able to get in for half price an hour before sunset, but again not sure.
I took some liberties with this map to show the main trail. I got it from here: http://www.visitsouthwalton.com/Travel-Brochures . It's "A Guide to Hiking and Biking". Download the PDF if you want to see the rest of the trails.
Date Reviewed: 09/18/2011
Review Type: Trail
Barefoot Friendliness: 2 Above Average
Location:
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
7525 W. County HIGHWAY 30 A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
See map: Google Maps
A nice multi-use path of smooth-slightly rough asphalt and a few concrete sidewalks. No vehicles, other than park vehicles, are allowed on these paths. Do be alert to cyclists. Not recommended for novice barefooters, intermediate-to advanced. The pavement can be HOT! Excellent for minimalist runners and hikers/trekkers. There are LOTS of things to see from flowers, to birds, to wildlife. If you are truly barefoot stick to the Campbell Lake Nature Trail or the Beach Tram Path. There are water and bathroom facilities at the end of each of these trails. A tram runs down to the beach periodically based on the season (more in summer, less often in winter). The only hazards are the occasional rock, coyote scat, or black bear scat. Just look where you are going. There is a 5k race here in April, so there are mileage markers spray painted along the Campbell Lake Nature Trail.
If you are minimally shod then feel free to check out the other trails. I have personally walked the Salamander Pond Trail, among others, in VFFs and it's fine as long as it has been mown recently and you watch where you step. Please remember that this is Florida and there are venomous snakes, chiggers, fleas, ticks, sand spurs, fire ants, prickly pear, venomous spiders, Africanized honey bees, scorpions, alligators, sting rays, sharks, jellies, etc. These trails are only crowded during the busy summer months and the Campbell Lake Trail is usually less frequented. It is very peaceful early in the morning, or later in the evening, and you might get to see some deer. Presently there is a $6 park entry fee for cars. It may be less for cyclists or runners, but I am not sure so call (850) 267-0299 to find out. I think you may be able to get in for half price an hour before sunset, but again not sure.
I took some liberties with this map to show the main trail. I got it from here: http://www.visitsouthwalton.com/Travel-Brochures . It's "A Guide to Hiking and Biking". Download the PDF if you want to see the rest of the trails.
