Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I enjoy it for a few reasons: time with family, time creating traditions, and yes, the time of eating good food. One tradition we have started is to go for an after Thanksgiving dinner hike. I guess it’s that buffer between turkey and dessert. With Thanksgiving this week, I thought I’d share a few trails in the Pensacola area.
Tarklin Bayou Preserve State Park, located just outside Pensacola, is the perfect nature getaway for a family hike. This park has trails for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll and some trails for those who like a longer hike. The Tarklin Bayou trail is about 1 mile down and back on a paved sidewalk and boardwalk leading to a pier on the bayou. It offers a nice and easy trail which is handicap accessible. Another trail which branches out from the Tarklin trail is the Perdido Bay trail. It is a 7.2 mile loop. The Perdido Baytrail is not paved and makes a great hike.
Arcadia Mill is located in Milton, Florida. The Arcadia Mill trail is a nice historical hike which takes you on an elevated boardwalk with a view of the wetland ecosystem and the remains of the mills. Arcadia Mills is free to the Public. The site has a museum, however, it is not open on holidays. There is also a covered area with an old saw mill and waterwheel which is fun for the kids.
Big Lagoon State Park ,located near Perdido Key, is a nice place to spend the day or a few hours. This park has a kayak launch and many trails to hike on. I always enjoy the boardwalks over the lagoon and the observation tower which over looks beautiful Big Lagoon. This is always a fun place to take the kids.
Naval Live Oaks Park is located in Gulf Breeze and has around 7 miles of trails. It also has a beach swimming area and covered picnic tables. If you enjoy the beautiful scenery of Santa Rosa Sound and large live oaks, this may be the choice for you. This park is free to the public.
Chain of Lakes Nature Trail is located in Blackwater River State Park near Milton Florida. This hike is a one mile loop through the Longleaf pine forests. A section of the loop winds along the Blackwater River as well as through many small lakes known as the Chain of Lakes.
Bay Bluffs Park is located in Pensacola. It is a nice scenic area to take a walk. It is a 32-acre park along Escambia Bay located off Scenic Highway near Summit Blvd. The park has many boardwalks leading through the oak and pine forest along the bay.
On Thanksgiving take the opportunity to enjoy some of the many great trails in the Pensacola area. Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family.
For more hiking areas visit our hiking page.
Have any favorite hiking spots? Let us know in the comment section.
