Group works to improve trails in Point Washington State Forest

There is a new group of cycling enthusiasts in South Walton, and they are looking for a few more members.

The Pine Trail Mountain Bikers have been exploring, enjoying and now maintaining the beautiful trails throughout the Point Washington State Forest. With only five members so far, the group is slowly making great strides in improving some of the rough areas throughout South Walton according to organizer Joe Godbee.

With the approval of the Florida Forest Service, the group has been working on a stretch of trail between CR83 and CR283 in the Blue Mountain area, along with several other areas. Using equipment borrowed from the Forest Service, the group has been clipping narrow brush covered areas, hand grubbing downed trees, and giving the trail some needed TLC. In addition, the group has also made repairs to a dilapidated bridge on the Cassine Trail in Seagrove.

“We are leaving little to no footprint, simply improving what already exists,” said Godbee. “We are hoping to make Point Washington a destination trail for visitors.”

With enough volunteers, the group hopes to improve the trails from CR83 all the way to the Eastern Lake trail.

The group meets at Big Daddy’s Bike Shop, at 2217 W. County Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach each Wednesday at 5 p.m. for a ride.

To learn more about joining Pine Trail Mountain Bikers, go to: www.pinetrailmtb.com or their Facebook page.

Click here to learn more about the Point Washington State Forest.