Point Washington State Forest

Point Washington State Forest is not as recognizable to SoWal lovers as the beaches or State Parks, but the protected forest is crucial to the entire ecosystem of the area. The forest is not only a precious place for plants and wildlife, it also keeps development from completely overtaking South Walton. Point Washington State Forest must be defended to keep SoWal beautiful enclave for future generations.

Point Washington State Forest is a 15,000-acre forest which is home to more than ten miles of trails to challenge bikers, hikers and nature lovers. One of the most popular is the route from Eastern Lake to Cassine Garden, where visitors to Point Washington may spot an endangered red-cockaded woodpecker or a gopher tortoise, a species of special concern to environmentalists.

Point Washington State Forest is made up of 10 natural communities. The majority of the area consists of sandhill, basin swamps/titi drains, wet flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress swamps. Although much of Point Washington State Forest has been cut over, there are some excellent examples of intact sandhill ecosystems. 

Several plants and animals that are listed as threatened, endangered or species of special concern can be found on the forest. These rare species include American kestrel (Falco sparverius), gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, white-topped pitcher plant (Sarracenia leucophylla), and the world’s largest population of Curtiss sandgrass (Calamovilfa curtissii).

An important management tool used on the forest is the prescribed burning program. Controlled fire is used to manage timber, wildlife and ecological resources. Reducing fuel loads (undergrowth), improving hazardous conditions, and maintaining biodiversity are some of the objectives of the prescribed burning program.

Point Washington State Forest is available to the public for various types of outdoor recreation. The forest is widely used for hunting, off-road bicycling and hiking. Point Washington State Forest is part of the Point Washington Wildlife Management Area. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates the hunting seasons and game limits on the forest.

The Eastern Lake Trail System was the first trail established on the forest. This trail system consists of three double-track loop trails. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loop. The Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail is included in the Florida Forest Service’s Trailwalker Hiking Program. The trail system can be accessed at the Eastern Lake Trail parking lot and trailhead on County Road 395 or at the 30A Trailhead on Scenic 30A in Seagrove next to the Lodge 30A at Greenway Station.

In addition, a greenway trail system that crosses the forest is being developed. This trail will provide connections to Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Topsail Hill State Preserve, Butler Elementary School and numerous residential developments. Upon completion, this trail system will provide over 27 miles of trails for recreational use. 

Overnight camping is available at Eastern Lake Campground 1, which is located near the 4-mile marker on the Eastern Lake Trail. There are four primitive campsites and reservations are required. Campground 2 also has four sites, with views of Eastern Lake, and a floating dock for kayaks and canoes. For camping information and reservations visit FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com or call 1-877-879-3859.