Review
Intro
South Walton contains 26 miles of beaches and over 200 miles of biking and hiking trails. Some trails are paved, some are dirt, some are along the coast, some are in the woods. A paved, 18.6-mile (one way) bike trail follows the length of Scenic Highway 30A, traveling through state parks, neighborhoods, and shopping centers. You can bring your own bike or rent one for the day from various shops. This trail also provides access to many other bike routes, including Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, and Point Washington State Forest.
What Makes It Great
Taking a bicycle down the 18.6-mile paved Timpoochee Trail, along Scenic Highway 30A, is a perfect way to explore the many neighborhoods and parks of South Walton. Starting at the western end of 30A, where this highway splits off from US Highway 98, you can make a stop at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park ($2 entrance fee per cyclist/pedestrian) and ride a mile down a paved path to the unspoiled beach this park protects. Another 2-mile paved bicycle trail will lead you to Campbell Lake, a rare freshwater dune lake. As you continue down the trail, you will pass some more dune lakes and beach access points, as well as areas with shopping and restaurants in case you need to refuel or cool off before you reach Grayton Beach State Park. This park protects a mile of beautiful beach and also has a 4.5 mile bike trail through the forest and around Western Lake.
As you continue on the Timpoochee Trail, you will pass through WaterColor and Seaside, two picturesque neighborhoods that offer more places for refreshments and a break from your bike seat. After Seaside, another bike trail will travel north to the Point Washington State Forest. The Timpoochee Trail will then pass Eastern Lake and Deer Lake State Park. Past Deer Lake State Park, there are 4 more neighborhoods before you reach the end of the trail.
Who is Going to Love It
Cyclists of all levels will love riding in South Walton. Road cyclists can find plenty of pavement to ride on, while mountain bikers will have access to even more miles of trail. Families will enjoy taking a leisurely ride on the Timpoochee Trail. There is very little elevation change but the wind can still provide a challenge even to experienced cyclists. Bird watchers will enjoy riding along the coast and past freshwater dune lakes that provide a home for egrets, herons, osprey, eagles, and migratory birds. Photographers will appreciate the countless photo opportunities along Highway 30A.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
If you are vacationing in South Walton and you brought a bike or you are able to rent a bike for the duration of your stay, it is possible to leave your car parked at your accommodations and travel only by bicycle. There are public parking areas at each end of the trail as well, where US Highway 98 and Scenic Highway 30A meet. Parking is available in most of the neighborhoods of South Walton as well if you do not wish to ride the entire length of the trail.
Bicycles must yield to pedestrians along the trail. There are many road crossings and intersections along the trail, so be cautious of the traffic and stop at all stop signs along the trail. During the busiest times of the year, most of the summer, traveling by bicycle can be faster than traveling by car due to the traffic.
There is no fee to use the paved trail. However, there is an entrance fee of $2/bicycle to enter any of the state parks. It is a good idea to carry some money for lunch or snacks and drinks also, as there are many places to stop along the ride.
