Reviewed By: Gidds
Date Reviewed: 11/12/2011
Review Type: Trail
Barefoot Friendliness: 5 Poor
Location:
Topsail Hill State Park Preserve
7525 W. Co. Hwy. 30-A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
See map: Google Maps
Don't go out here! Especially do not go out here barefoot. Minimal shoes aren't much better. I don't even like to go out on this trail in boots. For starters the beginning of the trail has very tall grass, like up to my thighs. I like snakes but even I am leery about wading through the grass. Then, after you cross the board walk through the wetland, the trail is 100% pure quartz sand, which has a similar consistency to confectionary sugar and is awful to walk in unless you are a masochist. There are LOTS of nettles and sand spurs. The only possible reason to want to go out here is the fact that the area was used for missile development during WWII and there are still some remnants of the tracks for the rockets. Otherwise: if you want sand go down the Tram Trail to the beach and walk or run in the sand to the park boundaries or beyond. Not worth the long walk! I only go out here like 2-3 times a year and then I remember why I don't like this trail! If you don't believe me and still want to go out onto this trail bring a lot of water and be prepared to do a difficult self-rescue if you hurt yourself.
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. 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: 11/12/2011
Review Type: Trail
Barefoot Friendliness: 5 Poor
Location:
Topsail Hill State Park Preserve
7525 W. Co. Hwy. 30-A
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
See map: Google Maps
Don't go out here! Especially do not go out here barefoot. Minimal shoes aren't much better. I don't even like to go out on this trail in boots. For starters the beginning of the trail has very tall grass, like up to my thighs. I like snakes but even I am leery about wading through the grass. Then, after you cross the board walk through the wetland, the trail is 100% pure quartz sand, which has a similar consistency to confectionary sugar and is awful to walk in unless you are a masochist. There are LOTS of nettles and sand spurs. The only possible reason to want to go out here is the fact that the area was used for missile development during WWII and there are still some remnants of the tracks for the rockets. Otherwise: if you want sand go down the Tram Trail to the beach and walk or run in the sand to the park boundaries or beyond. Not worth the long walk! I only go out here like 2-3 times a year and then I remember why I don't like this trail! If you don't believe me and still want to go out onto this trail bring a lot of water and be prepared to do a difficult self-rescue if you hurt yourself.
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. 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.
