Explore the extensive trail network and discover new places in the Key’s Great Outdoors!
On Perdido Key, you’ll discover nature at its most beautiful- a world of nature trails, endangered birds, marine life, and 16 breathtaking miles of dazzling white coastline. The pristine island is surrounded by a state park system that was voted “Best in America; for its federal parks, hiking trails, and iconic wildlife. Here, your outdoor excursions may range from an easy day trip to an extended nature weekend of campfires, stargazing, and nighttime discovery.
More than 60 percent of the Key is preserved for public use, giving nature lovers the year-round opportunity to explore wildlife refuges, natural wetlands, sanctuaries, and nature parks. The Key is a renowned habitat for nesting birds, newly-hatched sea turtles, butterflies, dolphins, rays, and more, and many species are endangered and protected under federal law.
Several sites in Perdido Key are listed on Florida’s Great Birding and Wildlife Trail (FGBWT) a 2,000 mile, self-guided trail encompassing 500 sites including one of the FGBWT’s premier Gateway sites, Big Lagoon State Park. Covering 655 acres, the spectacular park separates Perdido Key from the mainland and beckons visitors to camp, swim, fish, boat, canoe, and hike, or try crabbing in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon (also a great wading spot for toddlers).
Climb the three-stories-high observation tower there and watch for dolphins, but stop by the ranger station first-binoculars are available to loan there.
Looking for discoveries and trails in the Perdido Key Area?
Check out this list of seven unique trails in the area. Always remember to bring good shoes, as some of these trails could have portions of loose sand, and some could be wet. Also, be sure to bring sunscreen!
We hope you enjoy hiking in Perdido- be sure to take lots of pictures!
If you want to really experience natural Florida, you could do worse than hike this trail. Bette and Crawford Rainwater donated the 2347-acre property for a nature preserve, which the Nature Conservancy now manages. The 2.8-mile trail is not a loop. It traverses pitcher plant bogs, crosses managed longleaf pine forest, and terminates at an old bridge near Perdido River. The hiker will see various native plants along the route highlighted by the amazing white top pitcher plants. Birds and butterfly viewing will be good in the spring and fall. We have seen evidence of whitetail deer, coyote, and bobcat here. There are numerous information signs to educate you about the ecosystems you are experiencing. The trail is 2.8 miles from the parking lot to the terminus near the Perdido River. Half the trail is in a wooded environment, half in the open sun – so sun protection is a must, as is insect protection. We recommend bringing snacks and water. At the trail’s terminus is a covered pavilion where the hiker can rest before the return trip, but there are no seats. The trail is basically flat, hard sand, but some sections can be wet, so you should be prepared for that. Ticks are an issue, and everyone should do a tick check when they return to their car. You should plan 3-4 hours for this hike.
The trailhead is located at 5955 Hurst Hammock Road near Beulah, FL. Take Blue Angel Parkway (FL 173) north to Mobile Highway (US Highway 90). Turn left (west) towards Mobile, AL. Turn left (south) Beulah Road (Escambia Co. Road 99) and follow it to the parking area at the trailhead.
The Emerald Coast Utility Authority operates a wastewater treatment facility on Bayou Marcus just off Blue Angel Parkway. This facility treats 8.2 million gallons of wastewater per day. But unlike many other facilities, it discharges its treated effluent into a 1000-acre wetland where it is naturally treated further before reaching Perdido Bay. They have built a boardwalk that travels along the edge of this wetland for 1.2 miles. Hikers can find the trailhead near the front gate of the treatment plant. It begins as an easy gravel path before becoming an elevated boardwalk. Along the boardwalk, the hiker can view various wetland hardwood trees, aquatic plants, and pines. 70% of the boardwalk includes a large pipe that discharges treated water onto rock piles, where it then flows into the wetland. Â
Early morning and later afternoon hikes, you might find various reptiles that you can safely view from the boardwalk. This is part of the Audubon Florida Birding Trail and, thus, has a great variety of birds. There are hard copies of the FWC bird checklist at the trailhead for those interested. About halfway down the one-mile boardwalk are a handicap-accessible parking lot and access. Visitors can access this from Alekai Drive. Â
The boardwalk is wide enough to accommodate everyone. Bikes are allowed, but no motor vehicles, and all dogs must be on a leash. It is a wooded trail, so breezes are not strong, and direct sun exposure is mostly during the middle of the day. The hiker should still be prepared for heat and biting insects. The nice thing about the elevated boardwalk is that ticks are not an issue. The website states the trails are open from sunrise to sunset – however, signs at the gates indicate that they unlock them at 6:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM (handicap parking at Alekai Dr.) and 7:00 PM at the main gate (3050 Fayal Dr.). To find this trail, travel north on Blue Angel Parkway. After you pass Lillian Highway and before Muldoon Drive, you will see the green Bayou Marcus Wastewater Treatment sign, on Fayal Dr. Turn left and parked in front of the fence. Alekai Dr. is a little further north on Blue Angel Parkway. There are no restroom facilities at this location.