Established in 1936, Pine Log is the oldest state forest in Florida, purposely planted in slash pines atop a former blueberry farm from the 1920s.
While it was initially established for agricultural purposes, the Forest Service constructed a recreation area next to Sand Pond, featuring a developed campground.
Formerly called the Tiemann Trail, the Faye and Dutch Trail is designed for both hiking and off-road bicycling, with three primitive campsites available for reservation along the route.
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Overview
Location: Ebro
Length: 6 mile loop
Trailhead: 30.429083, -85.881850
Address: 5583-A Longleaf Rd, Ebro
Fees: $2 per person at Sand Pond trailhead
Restroom: At all trailheads
Land Manager: Florida Forest Service
Phone: 850-535-2888
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. If you plan to backpack, make camping reservations in advance of your hike.
They are listed as “Primitive Campsites” for Pine Log State Forest in Reserve America. Sites cost $9+ and a $9 cancellation fee applies.
Directions
From Panama City Beach follow SR 79 north, passing the turnoff to the airport before you enter the state forest after 11 miles. The first two trailheads are on the right with prominent signage. Environmental Rd is on the left north of the highway bridge over Pine Log Creek. From points east or west, use SR 20 to reach Ebro and drive south on SR 79 to Environmental Road on the right. Follow it to the recreation area entrance on the right. Drive Longleaf Rd to Sand Pond Recreation Area. Pay the entrance fee and park at Sand Pond Recreation Area.
Hike
Starting at the parking area, head across a grass-carpeted stand of pines toward an information kiosk alongside a small pond circled with cypress trees.
Navigation is tricky at first, as three trails converge at the kiosk. Look to the right for a pine with blue and red arrows attached. Follow a distinct path leading uphill.
Trailhead kioskThe trail is marked with blue arrows westward. A degree of restoration is evident as the white sand footpath winds across a scrubby flatwoods landscape.
Saw palmettos, galberry, and sumac rise from a dense covering of golden grasses while birds dart overhead through the treetops.
Scrubby flatwoodsTrailside benches offer resting spots as the pathway slowly descends towards Pine Log Creek, reaching a short side trail to a waterfront campsite at 2.2 miles.
Gentle tannic currents flow alongside a peaceful clearing featuring a picnic table, fire ring, and grill.
Primitive campsiteContinuing eastward, a lengthy boardwalk crosses over floodplain swamp habitat where carnivorous vegetation gathers on a soggy slope.
Pitcher plants grow alongside sundews, producing eye-catching deep maroon flowers in the springtime.
Pitcher plant in flowerThe trail passes two more creekside campsites and a zigzagging switchback before crossing a sturdy bridge to intersect with the Florida Trail at four miles.
As the path descends towards a nearby highway, the sound of traffic occasionally drifts through the trees.
BridgeThe trail weaves through a forest of planted pines. Blue arrows lead the way along a grassy corridor that hooks to the west. The chirps of songbirds replace fading vehicle noises.
Swallowtail butterflies drift alongside the path, in search of nectar and host plants among a diverse shrubby understory.
Swallowtail caterpillar on a pawpawCompleting the loop at six miles, the hike ends at a second intersection with the Florida Trail next to the trailhead kiosk.
A set of docks adjacent to the parking area lead out over the tranquil waters of Sand Pond, providing panoramic views of forested shorelines.
Fishing pier on Sand PondTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Pine Log State Forest
Pine Log State Forest Florida's oldest state forest offers waterfront camping and a variety of loop trails for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, plus a 5.7 mile linear segment of the statewide Florida Trail.Video
A virtual hike on the Faye & Dutch Trail
Slideshow
Images from the Faye & Dutch Trail
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