Installed while a bike and paddleboard business was being built along a locally famous stretch of coastal highway, the 30A Trailhead opened in 2024.
It provides easy access to dozens of miles of trail in Point Washington State Forest. Open to hikers and cyclists, the 30A Trail traverses coastal habitats near the Gulf of Mexico.
Sand pine scrub on the 30A TrailThis linear connector meets the long-established Eastern Lake Trail near a designated campsite near Eastern Lake, one of the geologically significant coastal dune lakes.
The 1.4 mile round-trip to the lakeshore and camping area makes an easy day hike and a family-friendly beginner backpacking trip.
Upper end of Eastern LakeResources
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Overview
Location: Santa Rosa Beach
Length: 1.4 mile round-trip
Trailhead: 30.311590, -86.100519
Address: 4695 E CR 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
Fees: $2 per vehicle
Restroom: Back side of Yolo Board + Bike
Land manager: Florida State Forests
Phone: 850-267-8325
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Camping reservations must be made online in advance.
Seasonal hunting occurs in this forest. Check hunt season dates beforehand and wear bright orange if you choose to hike or bike this trail during scheduled hunts.
Directions
From the intersection of CR 395 and US 98 north of Grayton Beach, head south on CR 395 for 2.9 miles before turning left onto E CR 30A. In 1.8 miles, turn left into the parking lot of Yolo Board and Bike, and drive around to the back of the building to find the trailhead.
Hike
Starting at the parking area, follow pink trail markers past a large map kiosk, covered bench, and picnic tables.
A narrow pathway leads northward through a stand of sand pines and out into an open coastal scrub habitat.
Covered bench and picnic tables at the trailheadThe trail stretches across this desert-like ecosystem, passing a small prairie pond and an informational sign describing this unique habitat.
Small lizards skitter across the soft white sand, darting into the shrubby oaks, lyonia, and palmettos as hikers approach.
Coastal scrub signNearing a quarter mile, the trail begins a slight descent into pine flatwoods surrounding the basin swamps that feed into Eastern Lake.
Bay trees dot the landscape before the trail crosses a tannic slough on a wooden bridge. Ascend into sandhill habitat under the shade of twisted sand live oak trees.
Swamp bridgeAt a half mile, an information kiosk stands near a salt marsh on the edge of Eastern Lake, where the path takes a sharp turn to the left around the primitive campground.
Walk past a few inviting campsites nestled under a canopy of tall pines, each one equipped with a picnic table, grill, and fire ring.
Primitive campsiteLeaving the campground area, pink trail markers lead northward to a junction with the Eastern Lake Trail at 0.7 mile.
From this point, you can return the same way along the 30A Trail or join some or all of the three loops of the Eastern Lake Trail to add significant mileage to your hike.
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.Trail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Point Washington State Forest
Point Washington State Forest Protecting the upland watersheds of the Coastal Dune Lakes along the South Walton coastline, Point Washington State Forest offers extensive offroad biking and hiking trails.Video
Hiking the 30A Trail at Point Washington State Forest
Nearby Adventures
Eden Gardens Tucker Bayou Trail Starting on the edge of Tucker Bayou, an easy-to-follow nature trail tunnels into dense uplands habitats with striking autumn leaves.
Grayton Beach Flatwoods Trails The quieter side of Grayton Beach State Park is the perfect place for a walk in the woods to the north shore of Western Lake.
Deer Lake State Park Home to one of the less-visible coastal dune lakes along the South Walton coast, Deer Lake State Park provides the opportunity to see both ends of this coastal dune lake.
Camp Helen State Park Haunted by a sea monster sighted in one of the largest ancient coastal dune lakes on Florida's coast, Camp Helen State Park offers seaside relaxation and historic interpretation. 
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