Torreya State Park, FL - Torreya Challenge (13 miles)

State: Florida

Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bGoh4mXnDyCkceRg7

Park: Torreya State Park

Length: 13 miles (My distance is a little longer, due to detours)

Fee: $3.00

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I will admit that I underestimated the Torreya Challenge Trail. Situated in northern Florida and dominated by wiregrass and pines, the trail provides the hiker with a constantly undulating series of elevation gains totaling over 1650 feet at the conclusion of the hike.

It's a rugged 13 miles *my total mileage came out to 14 due to a few intentional and unintentional side quests. Hiking in January meant that I was walking through a "feels like" temp of 17F with 16 mph winds. There was also the occasional chance of rain, which I anticipated would turn into sleet. Thankfully the sky held.

For the hike, you'll follow the orange blazes almost exclusively. The only time you deviate from this will be when you connect to the Torrey Challenge Loop. Prior to the loop, the connecting trail is blazed blue.

The Torreya Challenge Loop (one of the two loops seen on the map below) greets the hiker with a large sign and a warning at its starting point. The sign states that it will take an average hiker about 6 hours to complete. Keep in mind, I completed all 14 miles in 5.5 hours. However, I'm visiting from a mountainous area at a higher elevation. Be cautious starting here and know your limits if you're used to flatter hikes.

Don't be fooled by the location. This is not a flat-lander jaunt of a trail. If you're hiking in the summer, bring plenty of water, sun block, and electrolytes. The wind and temps were rough on this run, but I imagine Florida summer heat and peak humidity could make this trail particularly brutal.

There's plenty of wildlife in the park as well. At about mile 2, I heard a massive crash in the woods followed by something with a low profile running into the brush. I couldn't see the animal due to its speed. It's possible it may have been one of the local bobcats or black bear.

The trail is most memorable for well, its challenge. However, one of the key highlights is the chance to walk beside the Appalachicola River for a brief period of time. Keep in mind that gators occupy the waters here as well.

Overall, the landscape can be monotonous at times. But I'm happy I completed this Florida trail.

--Happy Hiking