I’m in my ‘getting back into adventuring era’. But you know when you are getting back into something, and I always say this when talking about people getting into solo traveling or adventuring, you gotta start with the basics. Baby steps, until you’re walking with the swagger of an overconfident but definitely mid (at best) man. So come with me on this one to get back into adventuring with a little outing to the Turkey Creek Park in Niceville, Florida. An easy, baby step like adventure that’s serving a whole lot of nature vibes just 30 minutes from Destin.
Turkey Creek Nature Park In Niceville – Know Before You Go
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Quick facts
Where is it located?
Niceville, about 30 minutes drive from Destin.
How long does it take?
I would allow about 1-2 hours here, or more if you want to enjoy the water.
What is the skill level required?
Beginner.
What facilities are available?
Restrooms, vending machine, covered pavilion with tables.
Are dogs allowed?
No.
What are the opening hours?
6:30am – 5pm.
What should you bring with you?
- Water
- Snacks or lunch
- Comfortable walking shoes (maybe some good sandals like these for the walk back if you plan to swim)
- Camera – I love my GoPro for adventures especially ones like this when you need waterproofing!
- I use my GoPro with this compact selfie stick and tripod
- Paddle board or kayak if you plan to do water sports
- Lightweight towel if you want to take a dip in the refreshing water
Where to park and how to get there
Even though I managed to drive in the exit (whoops!), it was really easy to find Turkey Creek Park. The address is 340 W John Sims Pkwy, Niceville and I used Turkey Creek Park in Google Maps and it took me straight to the parking lot.
The drive took about 30 minutes to get there from Destin over the Mid Bay Bridge. If you live here you already know that is a toll bridge, so there was a fee to drive that way. If you prefer to avoid tolls, you can also drive through Fort Walton to get there and it won’t add much time to the drive. Of course, you probably also know that all depends on Destin traffic which can be smooth or standstill!
There is a decently sized parking lot at the entrance of the park.
What to expect on the Turkey Creek Trail Boardwalk
From the parking lot, walk over to the pavilion and the boardwalk trail starts behind that.
It is a boardwalk trail to the end and there aren’t any major inclines or declines, so it’s a very easy for beginner hikers and people of all fitness levels. There are also plenty of benches stationed along the walk if you would like to take a break and sit down.
The boardwalk cuts through the park giving you that feeling of being completely surrounded by nature. Though, you will still hear the traffic noise because the park is beside a main road.
There are informative signs along the way to describe the trees, wildlife, and facts about the area. I think this would make it fun for kids because they could read the signs then try to spot the animals and trees on them.
The trail is mostly shaded by the large trees so you aren’t completely exposed to the harsh sun while still getting to enjoy the outdoors.
I would allow about an hour to walk the trail at a leisurely pace and a little more time if you want to stop for a swim or have a picnic lunch.
The Path of Memories dedicated to families who have lost children
Turkey Creek Nature Trail
Once you get to the end of the boardwalk, if you walk forward and left towards the sign there is a secondary trail that begins there.
This one is an unpaved nature trail that feels more like a typical hike – by that I mean walking in dirt as opposed to a wooden boardwalk.
It is a short and easy trail that just adds a little extra to the boardwalk experience.
If you do this one you may want to have some insect repellant because there were mosquitoes galore when I went, and they were hungry that day!
Start of the nature trail
Kayaking and paddle boarding at Turkey Creek Park
The Turkey Creek Park in Niceville is not just a good spot for a walk, you’ve also got the added extra of the water which is perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or even tubing.
I have this inflatable paddle board and it would be awesome for this kind of adventure! If you don’t have a truck or space to store a regular paddle board, I recommend just getting an inflatable. I also have a full video review of the paddle board here for more info.
There is a launch site at the start of the trail by the entrance and multiple rest stops along the way.
The rest stops also have ladders to get in and out of the water if you want to stop for a swim while you’re on the walk.
What to add to the day
This is the perfect spot for a quick outdoor adventure when you don’t have a full day to commit. I could definitely see myself visiting here more often just to get some steps in the outdoors.
If you wanted to add to your outing, I would recommend stopping by Black Rifle Coffee Co which is only a couple of minutes away. Coffee and nature walks just go together, don’t they?
Then you can always come back over to Destin to stop by the Back Porch for lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach there.
Other guides you might enjoy
The Absolute Best Local Coffee Shops In Destin / Fort Walton, FL
What You Need To Know For An Epic Day Trip To Florida Caverns State Park
A Complete Guide On How To Get To Cypress Spring Without A Tour
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