This Florida State Park Looks Like North Carolina-With Waterfalls, Hiking Trails, and One of the World's Rarest Trees

"On a recent fall trip, magenta beautyberries dotted the curvy road, sultry summer temperatures had cooled ever so slightly, and amber and gold tinged the towering sweetgums throughout Torreya State Park. One of the original Florida state parks, opened to the public in 1935, the 13,000-acre expanse felt more like Georgia or North Carolina with its high plateaus, steep ravines, waterfalls, and seasonal foliage. The park, created by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression, is named after the rare, endangered torreya tree found only on the high bluffs along the Apalachicola River."

"It felt like paradise standing out on the bluff overlooking the rushing river surrounded by dense foliage with Florida state park ranger Brian Brown. "When you come to Torreya State Park, the world shuts off and being in nature is the only thing that matters," he said. "I feel lucky I get to share the rare plants and rich history of this land with visitors every day.""

"Open from 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year, Torreya State Park is free for all state park pass holders. If you don't have a park pass, entry is just $3 for vehicles and motorcyclists, and $2 for cyclists and pedestrians. Be sure to purchase your day pass or state park pass online in advance of your visit."

Torreya State Park encompasses about 13,000 acres of high plateaus, steep ravines, waterfalls, and seasonal foliage that resemble landscapes of Georgia or North Carolina. The park opened to the public in 1935 and was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. The park is named for the rare, endangered torreya tree that grows on high bluffs above the Apalachicola River. Scenic overlooks provide views of a rushing river and dense forest. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset year-round. Entry is free for state park pass holders; otherwise fees are $3 per vehicle and $2 for cyclists or pedestrians. Day passes can be purchased online in advance.

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