Florida Hikes

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

Boardwalk through cypress swamp

Pine Log Campground Trail

Explore scenic wetlands and wildflower-filled pine savannas on an inviting 1.8 mile loop originating near the Sand Pond Campground at Pine Log State Forest.

Ebro (30.429333, -85.881889)   1.8 miles   Pine Log State Forest

Enveloped by rural timberlands north of Panama City Beach, Pine Log holds the distinction of being the oldest state forest in Florida.

This expansive public land protects a diverse landscape of natural communities from pine flatwoods and sandhills to pitcher plant bogs and basin swamps within the Choctawhatchee River watershed.

Footpath amid tall pines in open flatwoods Pine flatwoods

A day use area adjacent to Sand Pond Campground provides access to a trio of trails, including a section of the Florida Trail.

The Campground Trail is the shorter of two loops, showcasing a variety of habitats along a well-marked path and boardwalk through a picturesque forest of pond cypress.

Green-needled cypresses rising from grassy bottom of dry pond Cypress forest

Resources

Resources for exploring the area
Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover Paddlers Guide Florida
 
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Overview

Location: Ebro
Length: 1.8 miles
Trailhead: 30.429333, -85.881889
Address: 5583-A Longleaf Rd, Ebro
Fees: $2 per person at Sand Pond trailhead
Restrooms: At the trailhead
Land manager: Florida Forest Service
Phone: 850-535-2888

Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Reserve campsites in advance.

Directions


 
From the junction of SR 79 and SR 20 in Ebro, head south on SR 79 for 1.4 miles before turning right onto Environmental Rd. In 0.4 miles, make a left at Long Leaf Rd, following this dirt road for 0.4 miles to the day use area at the end.

Hike

Starting at the gravel parking lot, look for distinctive orange blazes of the Florida Trail while descending a grassy slope dotted with pines.

At the bottom, a set of signs and a map kiosk mark the trailhead.

Trailhead with FNST symbol in shade and sign for cypress pond Trailhead signage

In less than a hundred feet, the Faye and Dutch loop branches off to the north, indicated with blue trail markers.

Stay straight, following red diamonds with arrows as the path curves around the edge of a cypress-lined shoreline.

Cypress-lined shoreline Along the pond

Continue straight at 0.2 miles where the Florida Trail makes a ninety-degree turn on its way to Pensacola.

Follow the well-defined corridor of the Campground Trail as it begins to curve around the pond, crossing undulating terrain.

Rounding a corner at 0.4 miles, climb onto a robust wooden boardwalk leading across seasonally flooded wetlands.

Crooked boardwalk weaves between cypresses Wetland boardwalk

Reaching the other side, continue following the red trail markers while ascending into an open pine flatwoods environment.

Listen for calls of northern flickers and downy woodpeckers as they dart from tree to tree in this sun-drenched forest.

Blue sign along footpath under pines Interpretive sign along the trail

Regular prescribed fires keep the forest floor clear, giving space for an array of wildflowers to sprout along the edges of the trail.

At 0.8 miles, the path crosses Long Leaf Rd before intersecting with the Florida Trail and circumnavigating the maintenance yard and campground.

Roofs of buildings in distance in pine forest Maintenance yard in the distance

The understory grows taller as the trail enters the northern end of the loop.

Sporadic turkey oaks and fetterbush lyonia suggest elements of sandhill and flatwood ecosystems in the uplands.

At 1.5 miles, cross Long Leaf Rd one more time as the forest takes on a more natural appearance for the final stretch before reaching the day use area in a quarter mile.

Path in pine forest Among the pines

Trail Map

Pine Log Campground Trail Map
Green: Campground Trail. Red: Faye & Dutch Trail. Orange: Florida Trail

Explore More!

Learn more about Pine Log State Forest

Dogwoods arching over a frame of pines 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

Hiking the Campground Trail at Pine Log State Forest

Nearby Adventures

Footbridge in a pine forest Faye and Dutch Trail Looping six miles through Florida’s oldest state forest, the Faye and Dutch Trail can be tackled as a day hike or a short backpacking trip.
Spring basin with aquamarine water Econfina Creek Nature Trail On the Econfina Creek Nature Trail, discover rugged climbs, steep drop-offs, bubbling springs, and deep crevices into the earth as you walk between two major springs where you can swim.
Orange blaze on crispy tree trunk amid longleaf pines Florida Trail, Choctawhatchee River 8.5 miles. Crossing majestic longleaf pine forests in Nokuse, the Florida Trail along the Choctawhatchee River floodplain showcases natural beauty from Cypress Creek to Seven Runs.
Clear waterway with plank bridge in lush creek basin Florida Trail, Forgotten Creek 9.7 miles. Contrasting steephead ravines and sluggish creeks in gum swamps with longleaf pine restoration areas, the Forgotten Creek portion of the Florida Trail in Nokuse surprises with its challenges.

Trail Map (PDF) Hunt Dates Reserve Campsite Official Website

Chris Stevens
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