Hike the Wilderness Preserve Trail

Port Saint Joe, Florida

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

Save

View all 6 photos

All 6 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

14 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kelley Le

A long, scenic hike to the tip of Cape San Blas peninsula. Ideal for birding, quiet solitude, and more.

Parking is open and free for all designated spots within the state park.

At the end of the parking area, there is a gate with a large brown sign. This sign reads "St. Joseph Peninsula State Park / Wilderness Preserve Access." This is where the trail begins.

The trail is easy to follow with yellow markers as guides. Along this main trail, there are several smaller trails. The smaller trails on the right lead you to the beaches of St. Joseph Bay while the trails on the left lead you to open views of the Gulf of Mexico.

These trails are home to several birds, both small and large sand dunes, and more. People often kayak to and from this wilderness preserve, camp in designated areas, and fish along the shores.

To return to the trailhead, follow the same trail back.

For camping reservations and more, visit: http://floridastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/st-joseph-peninsula-sp/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=FL&parkId=281069

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Stand Up Paddle

Kiteboarding

Chillin

Camping

Fishing

Photography

Running

Kayaking

Yoga

Swimming

Backpacking

Hiking

Beach

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Wildlife

Reviews

Jeffrey Cook

Hike the Wilderness Preserve Trail

12/30/16

I will start by saying that entrance fee into the park is $5. The Wilderness Preserve Trail also has 7 primitive campsites. Campsites 1,2 and 7 are accessible from the bay by kayak or canoe. I would recommend all three of these sites. Camping is also $5 per person, per night. Altogether a state park few people know about. Would highly recommend.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Fishing in St. Andrew's Bay

Hike the Flatwoods Trail

It is advised to first stop at the Main Graywood State Park Entrance and get a trailmap from the rangers. To access the trail, park at the pulloff on E Co Hwy 30A across from Old Miller Pl. The trail takes you through tall pines and rich green undergrowth. Plenty of fascinating wildlife live here, keep your eyes and ears out for them and respect the space you share.

Freedive at Cypress Spring

Cypress Spring is only accessible by water due to it being surrounded by private property, so bring your canoe, kayak, SUP, or boat to one of the many landings along Holmes Creek. The shortest and easiest way to get to the spring is to launch your vessel at Cotton Landing. From there, it is a short quarter-mile float downstream to the spring turnoff. The turnoff will be on your right and is mar...

Paddle to Cypress Spring

Starting at Cotton Landing, you paddle about a quarter of a mile downstream until you encounter the spring run to the right/north. Another tenth of a mile or so up the run will take you to one of the most beautiful spring-fed swimming holes you will ever find. Fed by a 2nd magnitude spring, this circular shaped swimming hole is over 100 feet wide and approximately 26 feet deep. It's surrounded ...

Snorkel & Dive at Vortex Spring

SCUBA & Free Diving: Established in 1972 by Doc and Ruth Dockery, Vortex Spring is home to the Red & White "Diver Down" Flag and is one of the largest diving facilities in the state of Florida, with 28 million gallons of crystal "gin" clear water daily at a year round temperature of 68 degrees. The spring basin is 50 feet deep at the mouth of the cavern. Surface lit during the day and ...

Visit St. Marks Lighthouse

There are multiple out-and-back and loop hikes in this wildlife refuge, but the main attraction is the lighthouse along the Gulf Coast. Right next to the lighthouse is a pond where you are guaranteed to see several alligators. If you hike to the end of the levy across from the lighthouse you can catch an amazing sunset and the occasional dolphin sighting.A great place to take your family to sho...

Hike the Wilderness Preserve Trail

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Fishing in St. Andrew's Bay

Hike the Flatwoods Trail

Freedive at Cypress Spring

Paddle to Cypress Spring

Snorkel & Dive at Vortex Spring

Visit St. Marks Lighthouse

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps

Hike the Wilderness Preserve Trail

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Fishing in St. Andrew's Bay

Hike the Flatwoods Trail

Freedive at Cypress Spring

Paddle to Cypress Spring

Snorkel & Dive at Vortex Spring

Visit St. Marks Lighthouse

Escape to the Sunshine

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps