With a replica of a turpentine distillery at the beginning of this Panama City Beach hike, this is a walk to get you acquainted with one of the more important historic uses of Florida’s barrier islands: naval stores.
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Overview
Location: Panama City Beach
Length: 0.6 mile
Trailhead: 30.131250, -85.730633
Address: 4607 State Park Ln, Panama City
Fees: $8 per vehicle
Restroom: Near trailhead
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 850-708-6100
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome, but are not allowed on the beach walk to Sandy Point. Near the end of the hike, enjoy panoramic views of Grand Lagoon. Bring binoculars!
Directions
From where US 231 ends at US 98 in Panama City, drive west on US 98 for 6 miles, crossing to Panama City Beach. Exit onto Thomas Dr (CR 392) and drive 3.7 miles. The road makes a sharp left behind the beachfront condos and continues a half mile, changing its name to State Park Ln once within the park gates. Continue along the park entrance road and make a left at the store. The parking area for the Heron Pond Trail is on the right near the fishing pier and restrooms.
Hike
Products of the coastal pine forests were of paramount importance to early military efforts, when ships were made of wood, and islands such as these were prime resources for the U.S. Navy.
As you wander the 0.6-mile trail through dunes and swales filled with rosemary scrub and freshwater marshes, watch for tall pines that bear the catface marks from being tapped for turpentine.
Explore More!
Learn more about St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park Anchoring the eastern end of Panama City Beach, this popular state park is an important natural haven and outdoor recreation destination in an urban setting.Slideshow
See our photos from the Heron Pond Trail (formerly the Pine Flatwoods Trail)
Nearby Adventures
St. Andrews Sandy Point One of the secrets of St. Andrews State Park is its gentle, sweeping beach along Sandy Point, a natural extension of the barrier island that divides Grand Lagoon from St. Andrews Bay.
St. Andrews Gator Lake Trail At St. Andrews State Park, the Gator Lake Trail is only a half-mile but hits the park's high point with panoramic views in the scrub forest and great birding along an established rookery.
St. Andrews Jetty Beach One of Florida's most popular beach destinations, Jetty Beach at St. Andrews State Park offers both wild and mellow surf on either side of the jetty.
St. Andrews Buttonbush Marsh Overlook Less than a mile from the strumming waves of the Gulf of Mexico, Buttonbush Marsh at St. Andrews State Park provides an important habitat for wildlife at the end of the barrier island at Panama City Beach.
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