Among my goals for 2024, somewhere between “learning to cook a Mediterranean diet” and “complete the next thirty miles of the Appalachian Trail” is that to “visit at least ten Florida State Parks” this year. So, after spending some time at Perdido Key State Park and to keep the momentum going, I drove to Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park in Pensacola. Access was easy with the parking lot just off the main road and an honor system entry fee.
I began with the Tarkiln Bayou Trail, an out-and-back one-mile round trip with a scenic view of the Tarkiln Bayou bordered by beautiful tall grasses. This trail is ADA accessible with concrete walkways and long boardwalks leading to the bayou. Along the way, benches invited me to take an undeserved rest and scannable information signage filled me in on the surrounding flora.
After completing the Tarkiln Bayou Trail, I increased my effort with the Perdido Bay Trail. This trail branches off at the beginning from Tarkiln Bayou Trail. My hike was about 6.5 miles, often shaded by oaks and pines. Although mostly a dirt trail, there were occasional portions filled in with large gravel, difficult to walk on. (On the return, I realized that thoughtful hikers had created small, grassy paths to bypass the gravel.) The loop portion of this trail borders along the Perdido Bay.
The cool weather made for perfect hiking. A very recent burn had caramelized the landscape in shades of orange, brown and black—perfect for a Halloween set. The lack of green vegetation did not keep the birds away. I spied many yellow wobblers, red belly woodpeckers, and even a bald eagle.
Map: https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/media/file/tbp-brochure.pdf
(Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park. 2401 Bauer Road, Pensacola, FL 32507. Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/tarkiln-bayou-preserve-state-park. (850) 492-1595.)
Footprints and Ripples 