Torreya

Torreya SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/torreya-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torreya_State_Park Torreya State Park is thirteen miles (19 km) north of Bristol, Florida. It is located north of S.R 12 on the Apalachicola River, in northwestern Florida (Florida Panhandle), at 2576 N.W. Torreya Park Road. It was named for the Florida Nutmeg (Torreya taxifolia) trees, a rare species of Torreya tree endemic to the local east bank of the Apalachicola River's limestone bluffs.

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. 

Torreya State Park µ Bristol, Florida Ap a l ac Torreya Trail Rock Creek Trail Approach Trails ! Back Country Campsites # * Foot Bridges h Waterfall ! ( Trail Junctions 1.97 Mileage between Trail Junctions Rock Creek hi c ! Primitive Camp ! ! ! Q Æ o la ( 0.07 ! River 0.31 ( ! ( 0.13 ! Æ _ # * 0.40 0 # * ( ! # * 0.22 P ( ! 0.59 Youth Camp Æ Q I Æ P ( ! 0.41 Æ _ 0.99 This map is best printed at 11 X 17. Youth Camp Æ _ Æ _ 2.03 # * 0.67 0.49 Q Æ # * Last Updated: November 17, 2005 Picnic Area Q Æ # * Family Camp ( ! 0.38 Stone Bridge 0.26 ( ! ( ! # * Torreya Challenge Backpack Camp # * Æ _ Q Æ 0.42 !!!! ( ! 0.28 . ! 0.28 h ( ! Waterfall !! !! Q Æ Æ _ River Bluff Primitive Camp # * 1.48 # * 1.54 1.97 # * # * 1.34 Æ _ 3,000 Feet NOTE: This map is not produced or endorsed by any agency of the Federal, State or Local government. It should be used for general informational purposes only. All trails and trail features have been located using GPS with an accuracy of +/- 5 meters. Copies of this map can be obtained from the Troop 82, Panama City, FL, website at www.geocities.com/troop82inpc or by sending a self-addressed envelope for each map to Tim Stuhr, 4010 Milano Rd., Panama City, FL 32405. # * ( ! ( ! 2,000 1 inch = 750 feet Gregory Mansion 0.13 # * 1,000 0.22 P ( ! Æ _ ( ! 



Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c