Experiences & Recreation
Point Washington State Forest
About
Point Washington State Forest covers more than 15,000 acres of longleaf pine, wet prairie and cypress swamp behind the beach towns of 30A. It’s the region’s big backcountry: a place to hike, bike or ride a horse a few minutes from Santa Rosa Beach. The state bought the land in 1992, and the Florida Forest Service manages it.
Trails
- Eastern Lake Trail: stacked loops of roughly 3.5, 6 and 11 miles for hiking and biking, from a trailhead on County Road 395 with parking, a restroom and picnic tables.
- Longleaf Greenway Trail: about 8 miles past old-growth longleaf pines, from a trailhead in Blue Mountain Beach.
- Horse trails: the McQuage Bayou trail has 3- and 5-mile loops. Horses need proof of a negative Coggins test.
Wildlife and plants
The forest has the world’s largest population of Curtiss’ sandgrass and protects gopher tortoises, flatwoods salamanders and white-topped pitcher plants. Black bears live here too.
Camping
Two small primitive campgrounds sit on Eastern Lake, with tent-only sites and a floating canoe and kayak dock. Reserve through the Florida State Forests reservation site.
Good to know
- Hours: trails are open sunrise to sunset.
- Fee: a small day-use fee is paid at self-pay stations, and annual passes are available.
- Weather: the Forest Service closes recreation areas when a tropical storm or hurricane warning is in effect.
See our guide to things to do on 30A for the paved Timpoochee Trail and more.