Naval Live Oaks: Day 2 - Hiking the Trails
Naval Live Oaks Area, FL
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Gulf Breeze, FL
28 October 2018
Introduction
I went to a wedding reception in Alabama, just barely East of Pensacola. I made a stop along the way at the Naval Live Oaks area of Gulf Islands National Seashore. My first visit, I wandered around the HQ area and walked the Breckenridge Nature Trail. Link to post coming soon!
Today I explored the section North of Highway 98, where the trails were formerly dirt roads. I walked a three mile loop covering sections of four different trails.
Today I explored the section North of Highway 98, where the trails were formerly dirt roads. I walked a three mile loop covering sections of four different trails.
The Gear
- National Parks Annual Pass
- Passport To Your National Parks® Collector’s Edition
- Sony A6300 Mirrorless Camera
- Sony E-Mount 16-50mm Lens
- Sony E 55-210mm (SEL55210) F4.5-6.3 OSS Lens
- Garmin fēnix® 3 HR GPS Watch
- Google Pixel 2
The Story
Somewhat familiar with this area of Gulf Islands National Seashore from visiting yesterday, I knew there were small areas where cars could park along Highway 98. When I first reached one of these spots, I parked the car and walked down to take a picture of the main sign.
I then parked at the pavilion area by the park headquarters as it would be closer to the trailhead. I walked from the restrooms over to where picnic tables overlooked the water. The signs were both in English and Español.
There's a NPS Boundary sign leading into a neighborhood.
I got to see some cool flora and fauna at the Northern end of Beaver Pond before I returned South to jump on Brown's Pond Trail. Supposedly there is a beaver dam somewhere on the North part of the trail, but I missed it.
Brown's Pond Trail quickly ends at Old Borrow Pit Trail, where I begin the return part of my hike. The sand from the borrow pit was used to construct US Highway 98.
A mildly interesting saw palmetto island.
Strava
After the hike, I made my way to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park!
Walking the Rocky Bayou Nature Trail, Thanks to Colonel Fred Gannon
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| OAK |
I then parked at the pavilion area by the park headquarters as it would be closer to the trailhead. I walked from the restrooms over to where picnic tables overlooked the water. The signs were both in English and Español.
Walk to the Trailhead
With the trail map in hand, I walked along the road to get to the highway where I would cross over and arrive at the trailhead. I got to see a squirrel so that's cool I guess. There was also a family doing exactly what I was doing - walking to the same trail from the pavilion area. While they started after me, they didn't take too long to pass me once on the trail since I stop a lot to look around and take pictures.
Trailhead - Beaver Pond Trail
Is that the trailhead?
...Looks like it.
.........Next question - under or over?
...............Remember there's only like 6 people right behind you watching what you do.
...Looks like it.
.........Next question - under or over?
...............Remember there's only like 6 people right behind you watching what you do.
I went under. The faded trail sign details that I am in fact on the Beaver Pond Trail and that I will intersect with the Andrew Jackson Trail in 0.3 miles and the Old Quarry Trail in 0.8 miles.
Hiking the Beaver Pond Trail
My first impression at the beginning of the hike: This is very Florida. From the pine trees to the luscious growth on the trail that many non-Florida places wouldn't have in late October. As I hike the trails, it continues to be a cliche North Florida hike - saw palmetto, a marsh, confusing trail signs, and sand.
This is the first time I reach an intersection of Andrew Jackson Trail, which runs approximately East-West. Several of the other trails run perpendicular to it, including the Beaver Pond Trail which I am on.
Where the red fern grows...
Occasionally there will be narrow, single-track side trails that split off the named trails. These weren't marked on the map that I picked up from the HQ.
Confirming that I was right about the small unnamed trails, I reached the intersection with the Old Quarry Trail. If I took a right, I would reach the Borrow Pit Trail, which I would eventually hike back on.
It's a blurry woodpecker.
I pass over Brown's Pond Trail for the time being in order to walk the full Beaver Pond Trail.
There's a NPS Boundary sign leading into a neighborhood.
I got to see some cool flora and fauna at the Northern end of Beaver Pond before I returned South to jump on Brown's Pond Trail. Supposedly there is a beaver dam somewhere on the North part of the trail, but I missed it.
Brown's Pond Trail is swampy.
It must be butterfly season! I've been seeing them everywhere lately, including here at Naval Live Oaks HQ parking area yesterday.
Brown's Pond Trail quickly ends at Old Borrow Pit Trail, where I begin the return part of my hike. The sand from the borrow pit was used to construct US Highway 98.
A mildly interesting saw palmetto island.
I pass across the Old Quarry Trail again, which maybe I will hike next time.
I turn right onto Andrew Jackson Trail once I get to the trail intersection. From there I will return with the beginning part of the Beaver Pond Trail. If I took the Old Borrow Pit Trail to the end, I would have had a long stretch of highway to hike.
Strava
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| Link to Strava Hiking Activity: Gulf Islands NS - Naval Live Oaks Area |
After the hike, I made my way to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park!
Walking the Rocky Bayou Nature Trail, Thanks to Colonel Fred Gannon
Roar for More!
Interestingly enough, I feel like I saw a lot more pine trees than oak trees. Also checkout the palm.
Hurdles
None really. It's a bummer the HQ isn't open on weekends to get my first Florida NPS stamp.
Quote
"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." - Peter Marshall
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