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Length: .5-mile loop
Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
The Woodland Nature Trail is a short loop that starts at the right side of the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This is a typical nature trail with signage along the way that points out trees and other plants that live in the area.
The terrain is typical of the trails in the Florida unit of Gulf Islands National Seashore—sandy, smooth surface, mainly flat. The hike often passes through wooded areas, so there is no need for sunscreen and a hat. Anyone who can walk can make it around, but a few patches of deep, beach-like sand prevent those in wheelchairs from enjoying the trail.
The trail forks nearly from the beginning. This is just the start of the loop, and it makes no difference which way you go. The signs can be read in any order.
The neatest thing I found along the trail was a patch of lichen. They look soft, like cotton, but are actually quite firm. This is the same plant used for model railroad vegetation, though it must be processed and preserved before using it for railroad villages.
While not the most exciting trail, the Woodland Nature Trail is short and can make for a mild diversion if you have kids.
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Last updated on April 28, 2022