Garden of Eden Trail (3.75-mile hike)

Join us on a 3.75 mile hike ... and hike off some of those chicken wings you're going to eat later! This strenuous and gorgeous trail is located within the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. The views are worth the effort!

*Important note...Bristol is in Eastern time zone. Panama City is Central. Our hike will be a 12 pm CST/ 1 pm EST.

Be a responsible hiker: Eat a breakfast with protein before coming. Wear sturdy shoes. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and whatever else you might need to have a fun, safe hike. Many will find a hiking stick helpful on this particular trail. This is typical of forest hikes in Florida...sand, tree roots, uneven trail & a wet area or two. It's also rather hilly and has a reputation for causing the heart to beat faster & respirations to increase. Who here is used to that? The trees seem bigger & wilder, the woods deeper & darker, the vista more expansive. It's unique for Florida with a bit of magic sprinkled in...

***They don't allow pets here

***Don't sign up & not show up. It's super uncool- we're all just a bunch of volunteers who love the woods & nature. We love taking people out with us! Change your RSVP or leave us a comment to let us know. TYIA

Make sure you can receive Meetup notifications.

There is no fee to enter the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. A donation box is provided at trailhead.
There are also no restrooms; plan accordingly! Carpooling encouraged.

From The Nature Conservancy:
The Garden of Eden hiking trail is a 3.75-mile round-trip, self-guided trail through forests that local legend claims is the original Garden of Eden. Beginning in longleaf pine/wiregrass uplands, the trail soon skirts the top of a dramatic steephead ravine, descends steeply through the slope forest to cross a seepage stream and then ascends the opposite slope back to sandhills. The trail eventually opens to an iconic view at Alum Bluff. At 135 feet above the Apalachicola River, Alum Bluff is the largest natural geologic exposure in Florida.
Please keep in mind that climbs are steep and arduous. Many find a hiking stick helpful. For your safety, please stay on the trail, observe all signs, and do not follow service roads. Stay well back from the edge at Alum Bluff as you follow the orange-blazed trail along the river. Pets are strictly prohibited.