Introduction

Discover a geological and botanical wonderland unlike any other in Florida. Torreya State Park invites explorers to journey through a landscape that challenges everything you might expect from a Florida natural area. This extraordinary park offers a profound exploration of ecological complexity, where rare plant species, dramatic geological formations, and rich biodiversity converge to create an utterly unique natural experience.

Background

Torreya State Park is a biological treasure trove nestled along the steep ravines and bluffs of the Apalachicola River. Characterized by its dramatic topography and extraordinary biodiversity, the park offers a rare glimpse into a complex ecosystem that defies typical Florida landscape expectations. Visitors traverse terrain that more closely resembles Appalachian foothills than traditional Florida landscapes, with steep limestone bluffs, deep ravines, and a remarkable variety of plant communities. The park serves as a critical refuge for numerous rare and endangered species, including the critically endangered Torreya taxifolia tree, which exists nowhere else in the world with such abundance.

History

Established in 1935 as one of Florida's earliest state parks, Torreya State Park emerged from a critical period of conservation and environmental preservation. Named after the rare Torreya taxifolia tree, the park was originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, who constructed many of the park's original infrastructure elements. The park represents a crucial sanctuary for one of the most endangered conifer species in North America, protecting a unique ecosystem that exists at the intersection of geological, botanical, and ecological significance.

Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321Get Directions

Total Trail Length: 7 miles

Fees: $5 vehicle entry

Hours: 8am-sunset daily

Phone: (850) 643-2674

More Info: Florida State Parks