The Best Biking & Hiking Trails in Panama City Beach

re you a sports enthusiast planning your next vacation? Look no further than Panama City Beach. This Gulf Coast paradise offers some of the best biking and hiking trails in the country. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. We've done the research and compiled a list of the top trails in the area. From lush forests and wetlands to sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Panama City Beach has it all. So grab your bike or hiking boots and explore the great outdoors in one of the most beautiful destinations in the US.

Conservation Park

Conservation Park is a 2,900-acre natural oasis located just 10 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Panama City Beach. The park offers 24 miles of trails, perfect for hikers and bikers of all levels. The main highlights are the Cypress Pond Trail, Osprey Trail and Buck Pond Trail which consist of a 4.8-mile loop that is adequate for hikers or mountain bikers of all levels and takes about 1hr 20 min to complete on foot. This trail crosses through coastal cypress swamps, where you can spot alligators, river otters, and a variety of wading birds, where you can observe ospreys nesting and feeding.

Camp Helen State Park

Camp Helen State Park is a 180-acre park located on the eastern edge of Panama City Beach, bordering Lake Powell and the Gulf of Mexico. Lake Powell is the largest coastal dune lake in Florida, making it the perfect place to explore on foot or with a mountain bike. The park offers a 3/4-mile nature trail through a maritime hammock, where you can see live oaks, magnolia, and wildflowers. The trail leads to a pristine beach, where you can swim, fish, and sunbathe. You can also explore the historic lodge, built in 1928 by Margaret Hicks, who then sold it to the Avondale Textile Mills Company and served as an employee retreat before becoming part of the National Historic Register in Florida.

St. Andrews State Park

St. Andrews State Park is a 1,200-acre park located on the eastern tip of Panama City Beach, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The park offers 2.5 miles of paved trails, including a nature trail, an all-purpose trail, and a bike path. The nature trail is a 1.5-mile loop through coastal sandhills, where you can see gopher tortoises, lizards, and shorebirds. The all-purpose trail is a 1-mile loop through a maritime hammock, where you can spot white-tailed deer, raccoons, and armadillos. The bike path is a 1-mile loop through the park, where you can enjoy scenic views of the bay and the Gulf.

Gayle's Trails

Gayle's Trails is a 10-mile paved trail system located in the heart of Panama City Beach. The trail system connects multiple parks, including Frank Brown Park, Aaron Bessant Park, and Pier Park. The trail runs through natural habitats, including wetlands, dunes, and beachfront. The trail is suitable for walkers, runners, bikers, and wheelchair users. You can also rent bikes and scooters from multiple vendors along the trail.

Deer Lake State Park

Deer Lake State Park is a 1,920-acre park located on the eastern edge of Panama City Beach, bordering the Gulf of Mexico. The park offers a 1.5-mile nature trail through rare coastal dune lakes, where you can see cypress swamps, scrub oaks, and pitcher plants. The trail leads to a secluded beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, and watch for dolphins and sea turtles. You can also fish for bass and redfish in the lake.

Aaron Bessant Park

Aaron Bessant Park is a 70-acre park located in the heart of Panama City Beach, adjacent to Frank Brown Park. The park offers a 1-mile paved trail along the perimeter of the park, where you can enjoy scenic views of the lake and the amphitheater. The park also hosts multiple events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and outdoor movies.

Conclusion

Panama City Beach is not just a paradise for sunbathers and party animals. It's also a paradise for sports enthusiasts who want to explore the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're a biker, a hiker, or both, you'll find something to love in the top trails we've recommended. So pack your gear, book your vacation rental, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the best destinations in the US. Happy trails!