Grayton Beach State Park
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Grayton Beach State Park would like to invite the public to start the New Year out with a little bit of fitness and learning about the flora and fauna of the park by participating in America’s State Parks First Day Hike 2015. Come see how Grayton Beach State Park are restoring wet bog prairies, how prescribed fire is important for the forest and the local community, and the different species found within the park. Participants will meet at the ranger station for a 2 1/2 mile round trip hike. The degree of difficulty for the hike is moderate. Hikers are asked to wear/bring the following: hat, long pants, closed toe shoes or hiking boots, bottled water, and insect repellant. Sorry but pets are not allowed. Persons 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent.
Fees: Park Entrance Fees of $5.00 per vehicle for Day-Use visitors does apply. Contact: (850) 267-8300.
Directions: Grayton Beach State Park is located South of U.S. 98 approximately halfway between Panama City Beach and Destin. Take County Road 283 south of U.S. 98, turn left at the stop sign on 30A. Approximately half a mile east of the intersection of County Road 30A and County Road 283 the entrance is on the right.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Time: 4 p.m.
Come enjoy Topsail Hill Preserve State park and close out the first day of the new year. At 4 p.m. hike down to the beach access in time to catch the sunset, at approximately 4:40pm, then hike back up to the parking area as the stars begin to shine. This is an easy 2 mile hike along a paved road in which all ages can participate.
Park entrance fee is $6.00, park at the Day Use parking area and meet at the benches at Tram Stop 1. Be sure to dress warmly, bring water, camera, and/or binoculars. There will be restrooms and a water fountain at the halfway point.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459. For more information, call (850) 267-8330 ::MAP::
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Join a Park Ranger on Thursday January 1st, 2015 for a first day of the year hike. This will be a one half mile hike down the Red Cedar nature trail. There will be many plants and critters to see along the way.
Osprey and bald eagles are known to nest within the area. Osprey in particular are often sighted by campers, and locals.
Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes. We recommend using sunscreen, bug spray, and bringing water for hydration.
Park admission fees will be waived. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is located at 4281 S.R. 20, Niceville, FL. For more information, call (850) 833-9144.