Hiking trails that mimic the Appalachian Trail.
The Setting
With steep bluffs rising more than 150 feet above the river, Torreya State Park overlooks the Apalachicola River and is named after an extremely rare species of Torreya tree.
The Gregory House was built around 1849 by planter Jason Gregory. After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery the plantation declined.
The river swamp, steep head ravine and high pineland are some of the forests of the park. The park contains several plant communities that contain many different kinds of trees, shrubs and wildflowers that offer variety during each season of the year.
The endangered Torreya (Taxifolia), tree was once plentiful within the park, but a fungal blight has declined the numbers drastically over the last 60 years. The Torreya tree can only be found along the high bluffs along the Apalchicola.
An array of animals commonly found are deer, beaver, bobcat, gray fox and the unusual Barbours map turtle.
The Facility
The full-facility campground offers 30 sites suitable for RVers and tent campers. The park offers a YURT (Year round Universal Recreational Tent), primitive campsites and two youth campgrounds, along with a state-of-the-art playground. Torreya has three large picnic pavilions with BBQ grills and picnic tables located next to a horseshoe pitching area.
Park Features
The Weeping Ridge Trail provides a healthy and pleasant walk to one of the park's deep ravines. A seven-mile loop and a six-mile loop meander through the park offering hikers a view of the park’s natural features. A total of 16 miles of hiking trails are available.
Overlooking the Apalachicola River is the historic Gregory House, a fully-furnished plantation home built in 1849. Ranger-guided tours are given at 10:00 a.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekends and state holidays. The house is currently furnished with articles from the mid-1850s, when the house was occupied by Jason Gregory and his family.
Camping Tips
- Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
- Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and well behaved at all times.
- Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station.
Address
Torreya State Park
2576 N.W. Torreya Park Road
Bristol, Florida 32321
www.FloridaStateParks.org
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