Torreya Hiking Trail

One of the most rugged hikes in Florida, the Torreya Hiking Trail treats you to an billowing landscape of bluffs and ravines, rising to 300 feet above the Apalachicola River at Logan’s Bluff. The unusual landscape means unusual plant communities as well, including some of the rarest species in the state in the ravines. You’ll climb through hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, and down into floodplain forests.

There are scenic views across the Apalachicola River to the flatlands on the far side; remains of Confederate earthwork gun batteries used to shell passing ships from the high bluffs; rare plants such as the Ashe magnolia, the torreya (“stinking cedar”), and the Florida yew tree. Visit in late spring for optimal magnolia blooms—there are several rare varieties that only grow along these bluffs. Pause at the Red Rock scenic area to enjoy the cliffs.

Resources

Overview

Location: Rock Bluff
Length: Two loops: the River Bluff Loop Trail of 7.3 miles, and the Rock Creek Loop Trail (used to extend the hike into a backpacking trip) of 7.2 miles.
Lat-Long: 30.577133, -84.949083
Type: Loops
Fees / Permits: Florida State Park fee
Good for:
Difficulty: Difficult
Bug factor: Low
Restroom: At the Gregory House complex

The trails are shown in the park brochure and in a detailed backpacking map available from the Florida Trail Association. Stop in at the Gregory House to let rangers know if you plan to backpack the loop; there is a small fee for primitive camping. Potable water available at the park entrance parking lot, campground, picnic area, and Gregory House; boil or treat all surface water sources.

Directions

Follow SR 12 south from the I-10 exit for Bristol to CR 270. Follow signs along CR 270 west to the park. There is one trailhead on the left immediately after the pay station for the park, and you can also access the trail system (per the above coordinates) in front of the Gregory House at the end of the park entrance road.

Hike

One of the most rugged hikes in Florida, the Torreya State Park Trail treats you to an undulating landscape of bluffs and ravines, rising to 300 feet above the Apalachicola River at Logan’s Bluff. The unusual landscape means unusual plant communities as well, including some of the most rare species in the state in the ravines. You’ll climb through hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, and down into floodplain forests.