PARKS & OUTDOORS
Pine Log State Forest
Washington County · Panhandle & Emerald Coast
6,911 acres near Ebro, established in 1936 and the oldest state forest in Florida.
ABOUT THIS PLACE
It straddles the line between Washington and Bay counties and is run by the Florida Forest Service. Being the first one the state bought, it set the pattern for everything that came after: pine kept as working forest, opened to the public, and managed with fire rather than left alone. There is a campground, and a swimming area, which is unusual for a state forest and makes this one a summer destination for families rather than only a place to walk. A boat ramp gives access to the water, and fishing is allowed. Picnic areas sit near the ponds. Hiking and nature trails run through the pine and the cypress, and separate routes are open to bicycles and horses. A section of the Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the forest, so through-hikers walk the same ground. The town of Ebro is the nearest, and Panama City is about half an hour south, which puts the forest within easy reach of the coast without being on it
Keep comparing