Topsail park listed as a top 10 underated wonder
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;-) 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.
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!
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.
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...
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