Topsail park listed as a top 10 underated wonder

Top 10 Underrated Natural Wonders

;-) Most folks around here know about the natural wonders of Topsail Hill Preserve

A look at Topsail Hill State Preserve | Welcome to Walton Outdoors

I think Topsail SP IS under-rated, even by most locals. I'm an avid outdoorsman, and it wasn't until two weeks ago that I explored Topsail, though it had been on my to-explore list since I moved here several years ago. On the trail south of Lake Morris, I didn't see any other recent foot prints other than my own.

From Ray's link, above:

Topsail Hill State Preserve, FL

The "wow" factor: The sugary white sand and the vast dunes are just the icing on the cake, which is the almost-deserted, three-mile stretch of beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Beyond the beautiful beach, this northwest Florida treasure offers boardwalks over the protected dunes, cute bungalows for rent on a weekly basis, miles of hike and bike paths that are also open to roller-bladers and fishing. Ranges are plentiful and offer various classes that are both educational and fun — like how to fish in the surf.

Consider in place of: Nearby Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola — all wonderful beaches in their own right but way crowded during the high season. Topsail's beach is rarely crowded anytime of year.

Insider tip: If you're seeking pure isolation, visit in October when the weather and the water are still warm and the crowds are nonexistent.

Absolutely love going to Topsail State Park several times a month. It is so incredibly beautiful and I only run in to a handful of other visitors on the very large stretch of beach. A great place for quiet solitude. The walk out to the beach is breathtaking to me. Love it!

2.5 miles of beach. pretty spectacular.

Shhh, guys. Let's not tell anybody.

I’ve always thought it was a national treasure on the caliber of a national park. Funny thing is years ago when the national park system was reducing the impact on its natural wonders by restricting cars the Walton County TDC attempted to get the State of Florida to put 3-100 car parking lots on the beach at Topsail. While they were at it the TDC also wanted to bulldoze the dunes at Deer Lake and replace them with a 200 car parking lot.

Makes me wonder if the TDC is going to suggest that the County go after some of Point Washington State Forest, again, for a sports complex.

I?ve always thought it was a national treasure on the caliber of a national park. Funny thing is years ago when the national park system was reducing the impact on its natural wonders by restricting cars the Walton County TDC attempted to get the State of Florida to put 3-100 car parking lots on the beach at Topsail. While they were at it the TDC also wanted to bulldoze the dunes at Deer Lake and replace them with a 200 car parking lot.

Makes me wonder if the TDC is going to suggest that the County go after some of Point Washington State Forest, again, for a sports complex.

Really, when was this? I am pretty sure (99.9%) it was prior to 2000, but I had never heard about this. Was it when Mr. Patterson was the ED in the 90's? Interesting as I doubt the current TDC members or staff would be supportive of either of these actions.

brings to mind my horror at the paved parking lot over by the Kellogg Nature Preserve...]

Oh I would be horrified and would strongly protest any pavement being placed in such an area. I'd be a sand hugger for sure! ;-)

Can't remember the year but it was during Malcolm Petterson’s tenure, Jim Rester was at Sandestin and pushing the idea also. I wouldn’t give the current TDC the benefit of the doubt. Heads in Beds at all cost has always seemed to be TDC's motto.

It would be mid-90s or earlier because I remember going to a public comment session about the future of Topsail Hill in the late 90s, and the state was all 'preserve means that X% of the park must be set aside in a natural state and since the state bought out the campground, we're at that percentage now'.

As far as paved parking lots go, I don't mind them if they're small enough to be unobtrusive because paved surfaces make it easier for the elderly and disabled to enjoy the park.

Oh I would be horrified and would strongly protest any pavement being placed in such an area. I'd be a sand hugger for sure! ;-)

"sand hugger" - like it!

Why does it always have to be paved? What's wrong with crushed oyster or gravel and clearing out underbrush. It is after all a NATURE park why does it have to be acres of cleared to nothing paved spots evenly spaced? Many state parks simply clear a path through a wooded area and create spots to minimize the impact to the trees.

Why does it always have to be paved? What's wrong with crushed oyster or gravel and clearing out underbrush. It is after all a NATURE park why does it have to be acres of cleared to nothing paved spots evenly spaced? Many state parks simply clear a path through a wooded area and create spots to minimize the impact to the trees.

My point exactly. There are thousands of places that are dedicated to natural...for years and years the wonderful nature park in Tallahassee that was known as the Junior Museum had a parking lot such as SWGG describes...the paths were covered in cypress chips or leaves...none of the elderly I saw there complained. It was easy to navigate.

I just think that since the Kellogg property was donated expressly for a nature preserve, a bit more thought could have gone into how the parking area could blend in with the natural environment. Not everything has to be paved over and "squared off" to be accessible and safe.

I wish I could put my kayak in those lakes but they worry about grass contamination. But my kayak has no grass on the bottom. I'll bet I could talk to the right person and they'd agree and let me. Maybe I should try that.

But yes, the park is nice with nice trails, spacious lakes, nice dunes and clean shoreline. Wow, we live in an amazing place don't we

I wish I could put my kayak in those lakes but they worry about grass contamination. But my kayak has no grass on the bottom. I'll bet I could talk to the right person and they'd agree and let me. Maybe I should try that.

But yes, the park is nice with nice trails, spacious lakes, nice dunes and clean shoreline. Wow, we live in an amazing place don't we

You might want to talk to the ranger. I'm sure 20 or so bleach wipes would do the trick.

no bleach in the lakes, please. Now, white vinegar might work for a more environmentally friendly sani-wipe, but I doubt any of the Rangers will allow you to break the rules and put a boat into those lakes. They would likely lose their job.

no bleach in the lakes, please. Now, white vinegar might work for a more environmentally friendly sani-wipe, but I doubt any of the Rangers will allow you to break the rules and put a boat into those lakes. They would likely lose their job.

If one allows it to dry and be exposed for a few moments in the sun the bleach is inert. ;-)