Opened to the public in 1968, Grayton Beach State Park has grown over the years, now protecting almost 2,000 acres of land along the Gulf of Mexico.
Sporting a variety of natural communities, it is centered around Western Lake, a large coastal dune lake, a geological feature found in only a few places around the world.
North edge of Western LakeThe park is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches, kayaking, bicycling, hiking, and fishing.
A developed campground with dozens of campsites provides an opportunity to relax and explore all the park has to offer.
Dunes at south end of Western LakeResources
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Overview
Location: Santa Rosa Beach
Length: 5.1 mile loop
Trailhead: 30.324800,-86.153683
Address: 357 Main Park Rd, Santa Rosa Beach
Fees: $4 individual, $5 carload
Restrooms: At the main parking area adjoining the beach
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 850-267-8300
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed pets welcome except on beaches.
Directions
From the intersection of US 98 and US 331, head east on US 98 E for 1.6 miles before turning right onto CR 283 S. In 1.7 miles make a left onto CR 30A, and the trailhead will be on the left in 0.8 mile.
Hike
From a covered bench at the trailhead, follow blue blazes as they lead into the forest, passing a display with a detailed trail map.
Entering a shady stand of pine and sand live oaks, the well-maintained pathway weaves between turkey oaks and palmetto clusters.
Covered bench at the trailheadThe roadside woods give way to open spaces while following a narrow sandy trail into distinctive sandhill habitat.
Wildflowers emerge in abundance from a forest floor covered in wispy wiregrass.
Sandhill milkweed and woody goldenrodAs the trail winds westward, sand pines become the dominant tree, as wiregrass gives way to reindeer lichen and a brown carpet of pine needles.
At a half mile, the trail crosses a wide sugar sand road that also serves as a fire break, as the ecosystem shifts to scrubby flatwoods.
Scrubby flatwoodsIn a wide pine savanna, a sea of fetterbush lyonia, saw palmetto, blueberries, and coastal pepperbush compete for space on the sun-drenched landscape.
Joining a wide access road at one mile, blue blazes lead the way through a mix of slash and longleaf pines.
Sandy roadReaching 1.3 miles, the path intersects with the trail system for Point Washington State Forest.
Continue straight on the blue trail, passing large clusters of lupine and false rosemary, both of which sport eye-catching lavender blooms in the springtime.
LupineAt the next trail intersection in 0.4 mile, turn to the right, following blue blazes along sandy forest roads for a half mile to the Lake Loop.
Yellow blazes lead into a blended ecosystem with elements of scrub, sandhill, and pine flatwoods. In 0.3 mile, the trail reaches the shoreline of Western Lake.
Yellow blazes mark the Lake LoopA chorus of frogs chirp in the wetlands surrounding this tranquil beach as an occasional vehicle drives across the waterway on a distant bridge.
Continuing along the trail through a sand pine scrub habitat for 0.4 mile, the loop concludes at an intersection with the Flatwoods Trail.
From this point, retrace the blue blazed route west for 2.2 miles, reaching the trailhead to conclude a 5.1 mile hike.
Western LakeTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Grayton Beach State Park.
Grayton Beach State Park Cradled in a cocoon of coastal dunes, Western Lake shimmers in the sun. At Grayton Beach State Park, it's the focus of both passive and active recreation.Nearby Adventures
Eastern Lake Trail A chain of three stacked loops that enable you to walk or ride up to 10.9 miles, the Eastern Lake Trail offers an immersion in Point Washington State Forest for hikers and cyclists.
Grayton Beach Nature Trails A duo of interpretive trails explores windswept habitats sandwiched between Western Lake, a coastal dune lake on the South Walton coast, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Topsail Hill Preserve Hiking Trails Along with views of three miles of protected coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, the extensive hiking trail system at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park delves into dozens of unique biomes around two coastal dune lakes.
Florida Trail, Nokuse 27.7 miles. Spanning from the Choctawhatchee River west to the boundary of Eglin Air Force Base, Nokuse is a compelling backpacker's destination in the Florida Panhandle.
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