Adventures in Florida #4: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Exploring the 'crown jewel' of the Florida Panhandle
Located on Santa Rosa Beach, Topsail Hill Preserve encompasses over 1,600 acres and is home to a wide variety of habitats and ecosystems. This park contains several rare coastal dune lakes that provide some spectacular freshwater fishing.
On the far side of this coastal dune lake lies the park's namesake, 'Topsail Dune.' This particular sand dune when viewed from the other side looks like the top part of a ship's sail, hence the name Topsail Hill Preserve.
There are several trails that lead up the dunes throughout the park, but access is restricted on the majority of them. However, some trails have been 'grandfathered in' allowing access to visitors. Be sure to keep on the trail, the dunes here are home to very fragile ecosystems which is why access is limited.
Scattered along the edges of the dune lakes there are several Cypress swamps throughout the park.
As the trail leads towards the Gulf of Mexico the landscape opens up. The photos don't really do this serene setting justice, this park is truly a place you have to experience in person to appreciate it's natural beauty!
Finally we reached the ocean! Topsail Hill Preserve boasts 3.2 miles of secluded pristine beaches with a gorgeous backdrop of the coastal dunes. Visitors can hike or bike along the multi-use trails or take the timely tram to reach this Sun-drenched destination.
These little guys look like they're ready for some fun in Sun!
This voracious Sandpiper was working the surf foraging for a quick snack.
Thanks for joining me along this journey, I hope you'll follow me so you can tag along on my future adventures!
The panhandle, opposite corner of FL from me but beautiful area indeed!
Beauty lies in every corner of the Sunshine State! I've explored almost every nook and cranny of Florida, what general area are you in? Thanks for the support @scaredycatguide!
West Palm Beach/Boca Raton
Great, I love Florida. I love to dive there. Upvoted and resteem ;)
Thanks! Definitely some amazing dive sights all over the state, especially in the Keys!
Great landscapes and white sands! I take this holiday-feeling to my wall!
Nice white sand, 9th image can be mistaken for snow :)
Resteemed and voted
Thanks for the link. You are a great photographer! I totally love the one of the family. The little one in the middle touches hearts ❤️
Congrats to your first 100 followers, too. You are def on a good way. Resteemed hoping to provide you with even more attention ;)
Steem on!
Awesome @surfermarly, can't thank you enough!
wow I've never been to this part of FL as I am way down south. The white sand beaches are beautiful! Thanks for sharing :)
My pleasure @fitgirl. Me too, I'm in the Tampa Bay area but there are so many treasures to discover in North Florida! Please help me reach more people with a resteeem so we can share this great state we call home with the Steemit community!