Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach Florida

Northwest Florida, and in particular South Walton County, is a haven of breathtaking state parks, making the beaches SoWal is famous for only one of the must visit stops for outdoors fanatics. Right off of the western portion of Country Road 30A, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is one of many locales for folks to explore and enjoy. However, us modern people aren't the only ones who enjoyed this natural wonder, as scientists have found plenty of evidence that Native American's used this land for fishing, hunting and camping. Between the freshwater dune lakes, the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, there is a plethora of available foods and natural resources in the waters alone, and that doesn't even take what can be found on land into account.

The history of Topsail is rich indeed. In the late 1800's up until the mid 1900's, laborers from the Quarters Turpentine Village turpentined the old-growth longleaf pines in this area. Back in those days, turpentine was incredible important for maintaining wooden ships, which weren't used to just transport people but cargo as well. To delve into their process a bit, chippers (not someone who makes fish n' chips) would carve cat faced patterns into the local trees and then would insert a metal strip into them, allowing the sap to flow freely into clay pots below. While touring the park today, these feline shaped scars can still be found on many of the living trees.

During World War II, as the world bled and burned, Topsail Hill Reserve became a munitions testing range for the United States Armed Forces. Specifically, this site was used to develop the first missiles used by our military in the war. Iron and rebar tracks were constructed along the beach to allow trucks to travel across the soft sand. These tracks are still visible today, and are especially prominent along the hiking trail south of the clear waters of Morris Lake.

Named for a majestic dune (which stands twenty-five feet above sea level) within the park which resembles a ship's topsail, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is one of the area's more popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. In it's massive 1,640 acres, The Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers several habitats, from freshwater coastal dune lakes to wetlands to old-growth longleaf pine forests to the white sand beaches this area is famous across the globe for. These coastal lakes, coastal forests and picturesque beaches stretch out for 3.2 miles. Swimming and sunbathing are of course some of the more popular activities for visitors to partake in, but do be careful as there are no lifeguards on site here.

Fishermen and fisherwomen the world over enjoy angling the saltwater at Topsail, although don't get caught fishing without a fishing license! Boats are also prohibited within the park. For hikers, the Morris Lake Nature Trail is a 2.5 mile walk along Morris Lake and the nearby ancient coastal dunes. Meanwhile, The Campbell Lake multiuse trail is great for hikers and bikers, and starts at the park's tram station. Additionally, the miles of abandoned jeep trails are perfect for outdoor exploring. When you're ready to break for lunch, picnic over at the beach's boardwalk or at Morris Lake itself.

Speaking of the tram, this public transportation assists visitors in making their way from the beach to the parking areas, although many people choose just to walk or ride their bikes. While visitors are encouraged to explore freely, regular hikes, as well as outdoors educational programs, are scheduled regularly, with exact dates and times being available at the Ranger station within the park. Campsites for RVs up to 45 feet long are also available at Topsail Hill. The campground amenities include water, electric, cable, sewer, bathhouses, a swimming pool, shuffleboard deck and of course beach access is right there as well. For those without an RV, there are also 22 tent-only campsites with water and electric. Lastly, for those wanting to live large, there are rentable cabins available in the park.

For those interested in visiting, which should be everyone really, below are the park guidelines.

Park Guidelines:

• Park hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.

• There is an entrance fee to enter the park.

• All of the plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited and illegal.

• Pets are only allowed in designated areas. Pets must be kept on a six foot or shorter leash, and they must be well-behaved at all times.

• Fishing, boating, swimming and campfires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required for saltwater fishing.

• Fireworks and hunting are prohibited in all Florida state parks, so leave the rifles and explosives at home.

• If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, inquire at the ranger station.

• For camping information, contact Reserve America at 800-326-3521, or visit ReserveAmerica.com.

• Florida’s state parks are committed to providing all visitors equal access to facilities and programs.

Thanks for reading! Hopefully you're sold on visiting this amazing park, and if you see me out there, be sure to say hi! If you'd like more information on moving to Destin, 30A and Beyond so you can go to parks like this whenever you want, visit BuyDestin30A.com and contact me today!