Find the top rated birding trails in Crestview, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
_0_st.jpg)
Five stars? Really? Okay, for the walkers and joggers in town, I can see five stars. For us folks on bikes, not so much,
On an absolutely perfect spring morning in late March, we started from the west trailhead where we were greeted by pristine white sand and a beautiful great blue heron. After that, for the next seven full miles, it was all downhill (figuratively, not literally). The first seven miles is essentially a poorly maintained asphalt sidewalk which crosses a multitude of hotel, restaurant, resort, and rental property driveways. In addition, there are an extreme amount of streets to cross. Again, fine and dandy for the huge numbers of pedestrians on Spring Break on the Redneck Riviera, not so great as you pedal along on high alert for two tons of steel possibly veering your way.
The Fort Pickens Road parking lot at the western trailhead has restrooms and beach access to the amazing white sand and rolling breakers, but once on the official Pensacola Beach Trail through town there's very little to see but hotels and businesses. After a few miles you reach the Highway 399 portion the trail parallels, but once you finally leave the business district it's then miles of homes and still no gulf views.
Finally, after passing the Portofino Resort, no more driveways or cross streets, nothing but white sand dunes on both sides of the trail with views of Santa Rosa Sound and occasional glimpses of the gulf. Unfortunately, the trail quality doesn't get any better for us bike riders, but at least your head doesn't have to be on a swivel to avoid being run over.
The payoff is reaching the eastern terminus of the trail. Be sure to cross the highway and soak in the natural beauty and tranquility. The beach was pretty much deserted since there are no homes, resorts, or parking lots at that spot. We had the beach all to ourselves! It was just us, the immaculate white sand, gentle waves, and yet another great blue heron!
For bicyclists, seven-ninths of the trail in my opinion is below average; two-ninths of it is pretty cool!
For walkers and people getting around town, 100% great.
SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT: On the way back to town, we turned onto Avenida 22 toward Santa Rosa Sound to avoid the hustle and bustle of Highway 399. We enjoyed marvelous views of the sound and amazing homes on quiet residential streets for a mile or two before being forced back onto the trail and the commotion along Highway 399.
Interesting trail but way too many curb cuts and people walking.
It’s mid February 2022 and the bridge is still closed.
Bridge closed just east of the 6 mile marker. No indication when it will reopen. A fun ride with a few small hills. Cross the road a few times but there is a traffic control at each crossing. Many shops and restaurants along the path.
My husband and I ride recumbent trikes, and I was looking forward to this trail. Our plan was to go from one end to the other and back to Topsail. The park we did was not trike friendly, and about 7 miles into the ride the trail was closed, so we were forced to turn around and cut our ride short- planned on 40 and got 14. The neighbor around are interesting, but many are gated.
This bike trail starts at Navarre Beach Park and meanders along Gulf Blvd. it was a pleasant ride (one way) and a windy ride back! Thoroughly enjoyed looking at all of the nice houses with the Gulf behind them. It is a shared walk/ bike trail and the walkers were reluctant to move over.
This bike trail provides a wonderful way to explore the quaint coastal life of Navarre Beach. I parked at the Navarre Beach Marine Park on the 1st clear day after Hurricane Ida. Sand had blown across the trail in some places but I was pleasantly surprised to see a crew blowing the sand off the trail (well maintained).
Lovely scenery. Intimate view of coastal community. Locals friendly to bikers. Fun, breezy, delightful ride with easy access to beach and Sound.
We enjoyed this trail so much. Smooth enough for our 4 year old to keep up easily.
Came from the east end of the trail. Parked across 98 where there was a little mall. Pretty well kept the whole way and goes through Seaside, Alys Beach, Watersound, etc. It does get very busy with foot traffic and when we went there were a bunch of high schoolers who had rented bikes so avoiding them was...interesting. You can take neighborhood roads off the trail to avoid some of the heavy foot traffic areas and also see some of the beautiful houses in these neighborhoods. The places in between the towns and to the west of the busy areas are great. Lots of places to stop and grab a bite to eat if you like.
This was a fun simple trail that went in multiple directions. They all led to different beach access. It was very quite and peaceful and not challenging in the sense of elevation. So a great time for anyone :)
We started this trail at the trailside Visitors Center, Visitors has parking for about 8 cars and has a Bathroom inside. This is a Rail trail, very limited car crossings , the trail is about 12 foot wide and is well taken care of. Its ends a Whiting Field Naval Station. It has a good amount of shade trees along the way. Take your time and enjoy this one.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Map Search
