Boardwalk trail around pond. Photo courtesy Pine Log State Forest

Sand Pond Recreation Area in Ebro offers miles of trails to explore

Looking for a fun place to take the family to explore nature? Head over to Pine Log State Forest for a day of hiking, biking or horse back riding. Located in Ebro on Highway 79, just south of State Road 20, Pine Log State Forest provides the perfect place for a family outing. Click here for map of Pine Log State Forest.

The Sand Pond Recreation Area is home to a diverse mix of flora and fauna. White tail deer, gopher tortoise, southern milkweed, white-top pitcher plants and Chapman’s crownbeard are just a few of the natural discoveries you may encounter along the trails.

Miles of biking, hiking, and equestrian trails are offered at Pine Log State Forest. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

There are various natural communities within the area including sandhill flatwoods, cypress ponds and titi swamps. Pine Log State Forest has 3 named streams running through it: Pine Log Creek, Little Crooked Creek and Ditch Branch as well as several small lakes and ponds. Wading birds, wood ducks, and songbirds can be found throughout the recreation area.

Pine Log offers an 11.5-mile horse trail in the main forest area, along with a 9, 4.5 and 5.5-mile bike/hike trail and 2-mile campground boardwalk trail to explore within the Sand Pond Recreation Area. Scenic boardwalks overlook cypress ponds, providing panoramic views. Picnic areas, grills and tables are scattered throughout the recreation area offering relaxing respite during your day of exploring. Click here for map of Pine Log trails

RV and primitive campsites are available at Pine Log. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

The main campground area offers 20 campsites fully equipped with electric and water hook-ups, along with a sanitary dumping station located on site. Three primitive campsites are located off the trails on Pine Log Creek. There is also a youth group camping area. Restrooms, showers, and electricity are available at the main campsite area, along with restroom facilities at the head of the equestrian trail and biking trail.

Hunting is available in the forest’s wildlife management area. Click here to learn more. Fishing is available in the ponds and creeks within the forest.

Location/fees:
Pine Log State Forest is located off of Environmental Road on Hwy 79. Admission is $2 per vehicle for day use, $25/night for camping with electrical hookup and $10 for primitive camping. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days during any 30-day period. A senior citizens (65 and over) and disabled persons discount is available. ::MAP::

For more information, contact Pine Log State Forest at (850) 535-2888. To make reservations for campsites,

To make campsite reservations call Reserve America at 877-879-3859 or to reserve online key in Sand Pond Campground and pavilion Pine Log State Forest. ReserveAmerica.com.

Six bat boxes were installed throughout the forest as part of an Eagle Scout project. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Interesting Facts:

There are six bat boxes throughout the forest. The boxes provide safe habitat for the bats that assist with mosquito control. The boxes were an Eagle Scout service project done by Dustyn Mabius of Troup 345.
Each year, Pine Log State Forest hosts a fundraiser in October for an Operation Outdoor Freedom event they also host each year.
Pine Log State Forest is the oldest in Florida and in 2016 are celebrating their 80^th year.
The Florida Trail runs through Pine Log State Forest. Click here to learn more.