Sand pine scrub at Big Lagoon

Out past Pensacola within earshot of the Gulf of Mexico, Big Lagoon State Park is notable for being a gateway to the Great Florida Birding Trail, with a large observation tower overlooking the vast sweep of the namesake lagoon. There are always wading birds and raptors here, either poking around the shallows or diving for a fish. But the big secret of Big Lagoon State Park is its sweeping sand pine scrub, a forest that appears to be perpetually in the middle of snowdrifts due to the blindingly white sand. There are both easy nature trails and a longer, rugged loop through the sand pine scrub, all accessible from the campground, so c’mon up and take a look!

Hiking Big Lagoon State Park