Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321
Telephone: (850) 643-2674
Lat/Long (Corbin Creek): 30.558734, -84.949693
Website: https://floridastateparks.org/parks/and/trails/torreya-state-park/
Visit Date: November 11th 2023
Hardware: GoPro 10, Galaxy S22
Torreya State Park made for a perfect stop on my way to a Thanksgiving trip in 2024. The main trail is on the more moderate end for a Florida hike — there are a few elevation changes, but nothing that’ll break you. For the record, the Pioneer Trail in Jennings State Forest is still my benchmark for a genuinely challenging Florida trail. Torreya doesn’t quite reach that bar, but it has plenty going for it.
I’d read ahead of time that ticks are notoriously bad here, and the overgrowth backs that up. I wasn’t taking any chances — I soaked all my clothes and gear in permethrin before hitting the trail. Sure enough, not even 20 minutes in, I spotted a tick making its way up my pants leg. I watched it curiously. It took about 30 seconds before the permethrin did its job. Do not skip this step.
The main trail gave me zero trouble — but I hadn’t factored in the Challenge Trail. By the time I wrapped up, I was already three hours in with a two-hour drive still ahead of me, so that one will have to wait for a return trip. Honestly, that’s reason enough to come back.
I couldn’t leave without stopping at the Gregory House. I have a real soft spot for antique homes and local history, and this one did not disappoint. Head to the link above to read more about its story — it’s worth the few minutes.
After wrapping up at the park, I made my way over to Saint Joseph Bay for Thanksgiving. Managed to pull in a few trout, got some time on the water kayaking the bay, and called it a genuinely good holiday weekend.
Happy Camping!
See you on the trail!
~T.B. Pug