Hiking probably isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of visiting the Destin area. It certainly wasn’t the first thing I thought of. I’ve come to learn that it’s got a lot more to offer than beaches and cocktails – though, it is an amazing place for that too! Here’s a detailed guide on how to hike the Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trail System with everything you need to know before you go.
How To Hike The Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trail
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FAQ for the Eastern Lake Trail in the Point Washington State Forest
Where is it located?
Santa Rosa Beach, about 45 minutes from Destin.
What type of trail is it?
Loop trail on flat terrain that is a mix of sand and dirt.
What skill level is required?
Beginner.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes – as always though, you know your kids better than I do. Use this guide and your own judgment as far as what is appropriate for your family.
Is it dog-friendly?
Yes, on a leash.
What facilities are there?
Free parking and toilets at the parking lot.
What is it good for?
Nature walk, bicycling, dog walk.
What should you bring with you?
- Sun protection
- Water bottle
- Camera – this is my favorite adventure camera and I use it with this compact selfie stick and tripod
- Comfortable shoes – these are my favorite beginner hiking shoes
- Snacks – I always have a protein bar (these are my fav) and a couple of these energy gels on me when I hike
How to get there and where to park
You can use “Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trailhead” in Google Maps and it will take you to the parking area.
The coordinates are: 30°20’30.1″N 86°07’53.4″W
The parking area is a small, gravel lot off the side of the road. It’s easy to spot, just look for the big sign.
Look out for this sign
Start of the trail
How to start the Eastern Lake Trail
By the parking lot there is an information board with a map of the trails.
I recommend taking a photo of the map before you start so you can reference it while you’re hiking. This has come in handy for me on a lot of hikes so I always recommending doing it if you can.
Here’s an online copy of the map if you want to save it in advance.
Otherwise, you can start by simply following the trail back behind the toilet block.
There is also the Longleaf Greenway Trail. This one begins parallel to the road on your left if you are facing the information board, but that is separate to the Eastern Lake Trails. You’d probably do that one separately to the ones I’m mentioning in this guide.
The trail options
One of the good things about this hiking area is that you have a few different options for the trails. It’s a customizable adventure and there’s something for everyone!
If you want to get out and do a quick nature walk, you can do that on the first 3.5 mile loop, or you could stretch it out and combine the trails for a full day of hiking.
The trails in the Eastern Lake Trail System are marked with different colored trail markings to show the way.
- Yellow loop – 3.5 miles
- Red loop – 6 miles
- Orange – 11 miles
It’s also a good area for biking if you prefer that to walking – you can rent bikes from nearby YOLO too.
Trail markings to look out for
What to expect on the Eastern Lake Trail
While you’re hiking on the Eastern Lake Trail you’ll experience a quiet, nature filled walk. The trails are flat and easy to follow if you keep an eye out for the trail markers.
As far as terrain goes, most of the trails are dirt or sand and there are a couple of short wooden bridges that go over streams. The water in some of the streams was a mesmerizing yellow, red, and orange combination which was gorgeous to see.
It’s open to the elements with little shade to offer so it’s definitely an adventure where you’ll need sun protection. A hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water will go a long way.
If it has been raining you can also expect some muddy puddles that you might need to walk around.
Along the way there are a couple of park benches if you want to take a seat, otherwise that’s about it.
What else to do nearby
Before you start your hiking adventure, I recommend stopping by nearby Hotz Coffee for a coffee and breakfast burrito. It’s a great local spot with smooth and delicious coffee!
There’s a lot to do in the area, so it depends on how you’d like to spend your day.
If you’d like to hit the beach, Grayton Beach State Park and Seagrove Beach are a couple that are nearby.
The Grayton Beach area by Hotz Coffee also has a lot of really cool shops to explore.
If you just want to get a loaded bloody mary and chill out, check out Bud and Alleys in Seaside.
Other guides you might enjoy
- What To Bring On A Short Hike – Essentials To Always Have On You
- The Ultimate Guide On How To Spend A Day At Grayton Beach
- How To Get The Courage To Travel Alone When Everyone Says You’ll Die
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