By Anna McKay
Northwest Florida has rich wetlands and natural wildlife in abundance, but that often gets overlooked in pursuit of beachier pursuits. Look a little though, and you’ll find in and around Panama City Beach a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Both locals and tourists alike can appreciate the nature trails and parks that are in the area, but one of the area’s best kept secrets might well be Panama City Beach Conservation Park (shhhhh!).
Panama City Beach Conservation Park takes in an expansive stretch of over 2,900 protected acres and 24 miles of trail. Here you have the chance to experience beautiful ecosystems thriving and uninterrupted. From hiking to bird watching and biking (as well as the occasional bear or wild hog sighting), there are activities for all ages – and it’s free. Also, a $95,000 trail stabilization project was completed in 2020 in an effort to improve surface conditions for pedestrians and cyclists which means, for those of you who already frequent the park, no more muddy bogs along Cypress Pond Trail. In part because of the damage done to the trails by aforementioned wild hogs, Utilities Director Al Shortt explained in a recent press release that, “These trails were rough and uneven, creating a tripping hazard.” This project included the regrading of five trails with a more level gravel surface. According to Shortt, “These materials provide a better walking and running surface, yet allow stormwater to go through.”
The park is dog-friendly (leash required), with a good selection of trail lengths to enjoy, including short jaunts suitable for less-enthusiastic hikers (.6 miles in length) but also a more serious 11-mile route, with peaceful boardwalk passages and three-mile hikes in between. The park utilizes Bay County’s reclaimed water system to rehydrate the wetlands and also actively works to restore and re-nourish the habitats for wild species. A handy trail map is available upon arrival, and there is a park shelter, restrooms, parking, picnic tables, and a water station available for your convenience. Located just over a mile north of Panama City Beach Parkway, the Conservation Park can also be reached via the western arm of Gayle’s Trails, a paved walk/bike trail that starts from the north side of Frank Brown Park. The Conservation Park is open every day from dawn to dusk.
