State Parks and Forest

Walton county has long been known for its picturesque views of the jeweled Gulf of Mexico and its beautiful white sands. However, nestled throughout Walton County, visitors will discover more than beaches and water. They will learn and journey through unspoiled timbers, parks and preserves connecting as one with nature.

Throughout the diverse geological and ecological landforms in Walton County, lie five exquisite state parks. With unspoiled acres of natural vegetation, miles of hiking and biking trails and magnificent gardens, the beauty throughout the county is second to none.

Visitors can choose to explore the unique culture of coastal dune lakes via kayak or picnic under the towering mossy oaks. With over 265,000 acres of fragile ecosystems protected from future developments, visitors will continue to enjoy the wonder of Walton County’s state parks for years to come.

Deer Lake State Park
Seacrest
Located within Seacrest off Scenic 30-A, the south side of the park offers 172 acres of pristine beach and lake areas. North of Scenic 30-A, you’ll find over 1,900 acres of hiking trails meandering through unspoiled native vegetation. Public beach access available. For more information click here or call 850-231-0337.

Point Washington State Forest
This 15,000-acre forest is home to more than ten miles of trails to challenge bicyclists, hikers, and nature lovers, including one of the most popular trail systems in Walton County, the Eastern Lake bike/hike trail. Here visitors may spot an endangered re-cockaded woodpecker or a gopher tortoise, a species of special concern. For more information
click here or call 850-231-5800.

Eden State Gardens
Point Washington
Tucked away in historic Point Washington on the shore of Tucker Bayou is a beautiful turn–of-the-century mansion surrounded by azaleas, camellias and towering Spanish moss-draped live oaks, some dating back more than 600 years. Guided mansion tours re offered Thursday through Monday. Look for Eden State Gardens, tucked back one mile north of US 98 on County Rd.
For more information click here or call 850-231-231-4214

Wesley Mansion
The Wesley Mansion, located in the historic Eden State Gardens, was built in the 1890’s and houses the largest collection of original Louis XVI antiques. The Wesley family owned and operated the Point Washington Lumber Mill during Walton County’s thriving lumber period during the turn-of-the-century. The mansion was dedicated to the state for preservation. 850-231-4214

Grayton Beach State Recreation Area
Grayton Beach
Hailed as the “ Best Beach in the U.S.”, Grayton features pristine landscapes, camping, self-guided nature trails and picnic areas. A boat ramp is located on Western Lake. You’ll find this park off Scenic 30-A. Public beach access available. 850-231-4210

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Identified as the most pristine piece of coastal property in the stat of Florida, this undeveloped area features 1,600 acres of stunning gulf front pine forests, nature trails over mountainous sand dunes and two freshwater coastal dune lakes. Public beach access available. For more information click here or call 850-267-0299

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