Here’s everything you better know before planning a trip to Floridas Torreya State Park.
The one road in NW Torreya Park Road dead-ends at theGregory House.
From western cities like Tallahassee, take Interstate 10 west for 40 minutes.
Hiking trail in Torreya State Park.Credit:TerryKelly/Getty Images
From eastern cities like Panama City, take Highway 231 to Highway 20 East.
Turn on SR 12 in Bristol to NW Torreya Park Road.
Brown let me in on a special event that happens in the spring: the Candlelight Tour.
Fallen trees in Torreya State Park.Andrew Dilanchian/Getty Images
Best Things to Do
Go hiking.
Considered the Mountains of Florida, Torreya has 16 miles of challenginghiking trails.
When my family visits, this is our go-to trail.
Torreya State Park walking trail through the forest.Andrew Dilanchian/Getty Images
It’s challenging enough to keep the kids interested, and the topography makes for beautiful photographs.
Established by the Florida Trail Association in the 1970s, the Torreya Hiking Trail contains two loops.
The Rock Creek Loop traverses approximately seven miles of ravines, creeks, subtropical forest, and small footbridges.
Observing birds in Torreya State Park.Courtesy of Visit Florida
Brown recommends looking out for the tulip trees with pale green and orange flowers.
Learn the history.
During the Civil War, 200 Confederate soldiers called the bluffs above the Apalachicola River home for two years.
A group birding in Torreya State Park.Courtesy of Visit Florida
The 3,000-square-foot Gregory House once sat on the other side of the river.
Torreya is also one of the stops on theGreat Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
For reservations, visit theFlorida State Parks reservations websiteor call 800-326-3521.
The full-facility Weeping Ridge family campground has 29 campsites equipped with electricity, water, and a picnic table.
Each campsite can accommodate two tents and two vehicles, or one RV.
Two rugged yurts with fire pits and large screened windows join the campsites.
With amenities like air conditioning and a screened porch, this accommodation can fit up to six people.
It features a queen-size bed and four bunk beds, plus tables and chairs.
Leashed pets are allowed in the park, but not in the buildings.
Brown advises stocking up groceries and provisions in nearby Bristol, approximately 20 minutes from the park entrance.
Picnic tables and charcoal grills are available at the campsites and pavilion.
