Torreya

Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks History & Nature The high bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River make Torreya State Park one of Florida’s most scenic places. With steep bluffs rising more than 150 feet above the river, the park is named after an extremely rare species of Torreya tree. In the 1800s the Apalachicola River was an important interstate highway, when General Andrew Jackson crossed this river with his army. More than 200 steamboats traveled the Apalachicola River. After Florida became a U.S. territory, the first government road, constructed in 1828 across north Florida, met the river here in the park. The Gregory House originally sat across the river at Ocheesee Landing, was built around 1849 by planter Jason Gregory. After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery the plantation declined. The Gregory House was abandoned in 1935 and donated to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It was then dismantled, moved across the river and re-constructed in its current location. 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 river swamp, hardwood hammock and high pineland are forests of the park. The U.S. Champion big leaf magnolia, the rare Florida yew tree and many other rare plants found in the park. Torreya State Park 2576 N.W. Torreya Park Road Bristol, Florida 32321 (850) 643-2674 FloridaStateParks.org • • • • • • • • • • Park Guidelines Northwest Florida Torreya State Park One of Florida’s most scenic places Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. An entrance fee is required. All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and well behaved at all times. Fishing, boating and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited in all Florida state parks. Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station. For camping information, contact Reserve America at (800) 326-3521 or (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. 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. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. FLORIDA State Parks Created on 8/14 SM National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in Torreya State Park is popular for camping, hiking and picnicking. Bird-watching is also a popular activity. Over 100 species of birds have been spotted in the park. 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. 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. Directions Torreya State Park is located off S.R. 12. on C.R. 1641, 13 miles north of Bristol.