Eco Adventure: Dune Walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA), in partnership with Visit South Walton and Northwest Florida State College, presents a series of Spring eco-adventures in South Walton County. Discover Roads Less Traveled offers visitors and residents varied opportunities to explore and discover the natural resources that make South Walton unique. 

SoWal eco-adventures await your discovery.

Dune Walk (Topsail Hill Preserve)
Leader: Jeff Talbert, Park Services Specialist

Dates: 3/25, 4/3
Time: 1:00pm

Without the dunes, there would be no dune lakes. This hike will cover our unique dune areas here in South Walton. From primary dunes to scrubby back dunes, this hike will traverse an area that is not seen by many who visit here. This trail covers about 1 mile through some of our most pristine dune areas and has some great vistas of Morris Lake and the beach. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars. Water is also a must as the hike will be about 4 miles round-trip. Some good hiking shoes are necessary as we will walk through some wet areas, some muddy areas, and some sandy areas. We will discuss the coastal dune lakes and dune ecology as well as the various ecosystems that pass through along the way.

Participants must be able to walk the distance required – a little over 4 miles round-trip over an array of surfaces; please keep that in mind when bringing children along. This should take about 3-4 hours, depending on walking speed and number of stops. Event subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

Space is limited to 30 participants. Minimum of 5.

Location: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, 7525 W Scenic Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach

We will begin at the day use parking area behind the ranger station and hike out to the Morris Lake Trail.

Fee: $15 + park entry fee

Eco-adventure tour schedule and descriptions are available online at www.basinalliance.org. Tour prices vary, starting at $15. Registration is by phone at 850-200-4160.