Sun and surf aren’t the only activities that the Fort Walton Beach/Destin area have to offer. Just a few miles inland on the Eglin Reservation are over 26 miles of maintained biking and hiking trails for the outdoor adventurer. To access this recreation area visitors must first obtain a low-cost recreation pass from the Eglin Natural Resources Branch, known locally as the Jackson Guard, at 107 Hwy 85N in Niceville. This pass provides access and a detailed map to nearly 280,000 acres of natural area.
Timber Lake, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Timberlake Trail System
The trails at Timberlake are marked for various skill levels; green for novice, yellow for intermediate and red for challenging to expert. Many of the trails wind past scenic creeks and wetlands whereas the main trail encircles picturesque Timberlake.These same trails are open to hikers who must yield the right of way to cyclists. A map of the trails, courtesy of the Jackson Guard in Niceville, can be found on their website.
The Timberlake Bike Trail Recreation area is divided by Lightwood Knot Creek with trailheads and parking on Ranger Camp Rd and Range Road 234, both of which are accessible from State Road 189/Lewis Turner Blvd. A third parking area can be found at Timberlake itself.For those interested in camping, there is a camping area at the lake. Camping and fishing permits can be obtained from the Jackson Guard.
Resources:
Jackson Guard Natural Resources, (850) 882-4164 or 882-4165
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