From the half-mile boardwalk, visitors can see tree frogs, bull frogs, snakes, muskrats, even an occasional alligator. The area is peppered with lush sand pines, majestic Atlantic white cedars and bay magnolias. While walking, look for the American beech tree with it's smooth bark. The trails are open all the time, and there is no admission fee. The entire 1,600-acre campus is a wildlife preserve, and while you are there you may want to take advantage of additional nature tours across the campus, where there are many diverse plant species.
Brochures are available at the information center near the campus entrance.
Located just east of Gulf Breeze, it is dominated by live oaks draped with Spanish moss that were once used for building 19th-century sailing ships. The oaks, southern magnolias, hickories and eastern red cedars tower over the meandering dirt trails. The nature trail is divided into two sections by U.S. 98. Much of it is bathed in shade, offering a welcome respite from the summer sun. The south side offers a picturesque view of Santa Rosa Sound, its cool waters lapping against a sandy shore.