Eastern Lake Bike & Hike Trail

The Eastern Lake Trail System is located on the eastern portion of Point Washington State Forest, in South Walton County. The trailhead is located on County Road 395, 1.1 miles south of U.S. Highway 98. Parking is available at the trailhead. A day use fee of $2.00 per person is required to enter the Eastern Lake trail system. A self-service pay station is located at the trailhead. Annual Day Use permits are available for $30.00 and allow access to all day use areas within any state forest for 1 year from purchase date. These are available from Forestry any Personnel.

The Florida Division of Forestry in cooperation with the Beach to Bay Connection Inc. established the trails for the enjoyment of bicyclists, hikers and nature lovers. The trails consist of 3.5 double track loops giving users the option of trekking 3.5, 6 or 11 miles. Colored trail markers with arrows and color bands on trees designate each trail. The 11-mile loop is marked in orange, 5-mile loop marked in red and the 3.5-mile loop is marked in yellow.

The trails weave through a variety of plant communities which include: sandhills, coastal sand pine scrub, longleaf pine flatwoods, cypress ponds, wet prairies and titi swamps. An abundance of wildlife makes their home on the forest, such as deer, alligator and coyotes. The gopher tortoise, which is currently listed as a species of special concern, also makes its home on Point Washington State Forest.