30A Trailhead At Eastern Lake Trail

The 30A Trailhead in Seagrove Beach , next to The Lodge 30A at Greenway Station, connects nature lovers to the Eastern Lake red, yellow and orange trails typically accessed from the Eastern Lake Trailhead on County Road 395 between Scenic 30A and US Hwy 98. The 30A Trailhead has parking, restrooms, picnic tables and and a fairly easy hike to the north side of Eastern Lake and primitive campsites.

There is a bit of elevation change as the coastal scrub descends to 2 creeks that feed Eastern Lake. Bridges over the creeks allow a close up look at the clear water and a chance to spot a turtle or snake. Soon you’ll reach the headwaters of Eastern Lake and a beautiful view most beach visitors never get the pleasure of seeing.

If you’re fit enough you’ll eventually see almost every type of ecosystem in South Walton and the Point Washington State Forest, made up of 10 natural communities. The majority of the area consists of sandhill, basin swamps/titi drains, wet flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress swamps.

There are some excellent examples of intact sandhill ecosystems. Several plants and animals that are listed as threatened, endangered or species of special concern can be found in the forest. These rare species include American kestrel, gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, white-topped pitcher plant, and the world’s largest population of Curtiss sandgrass.

Overnight camping is available at Eastern Lake Campgrounds, located off Forest Road 7. There are eight primitive campsites, and reservations are required. For camping information and reservations, visit FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com or call 1-877-879-3859.