First day hikes at area Florida State Parks
Get the new year started off with a healthy hike at one of our area Florida State Parks on Jan. 1, 2024.
Grayton Beach State Park – 9 a.m.
Enjoy a guided hike of the flatwoods trail at Grayton Beach State Park. Meet across the street from the main entrance at the flatwoods trail at 9 a.m. Mon., Jan. 1, 2024.
Park Fees:
Admission Fee $5.00 per vehicle (2-8 people per vehicle) $4.00 single occupant vehicle
Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit – Admission Fee $2.00
Grayton Beach State Park is located in Walton County, South of U.S. 98 off of Scenic Road 30A. Take county road 283 south from U.S. 98, turn left at the stop sign on 30A (approximately 1/4 mile east of the intersection of C.R. 30A and C.R. 283 the main entrance is on the right). ::MAP::
Camp Helen State Park – 10 a.m.
Come and enjoy the park on a ranger guided nature hike and history tour and learn about the park and its wildlife on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Participants will take a hike along the Oak Canopy Trail and arrive at the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The trail is moderate level and relatively flat with roots, rock, dirt and beach dunes. To make sure your experience is even more enjoyable, wear weather appropriate attire and closed-toed shoes. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. Meet at the visitors center at 10 a.m.
Driving Directions
Camp Helen is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL, just west of the Phillips Inlet bridge on the Bay County and Walton county line. The entrance is south of U.S. Hwy 98. ::MAP::
Park Fees
There is an honor entrance station. The fee is $4.00 per vehicle and $1.00 per bicyclist or pedestrian. Click here for park website.
St. Andrews State Park – 11 a.m.
Join St. Andrews State Park rangers to celebrate the new year with a nature hike around Heron Pond Trail. Learn about some of the different natural plant communities in the park and spot wildlife on this one-mile hike. Directions: Heron Pond Trail head located behind the boat ramp restroom.
Contact email: aaron.richmond@floridadep.gov
Address: 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, Florida 32408 ::MAP::
Admission Fee:
$8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.