The Nature Conservancy Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (Garden of Eden trail)

Went here on a whim, and I am sure glad I did. Very challenging hike, very pretty too. Well maintained as well. Be sure to do the River Loop. Great views.

Great hike with some amazing views. The walk thru the ravines is amazing in itself, then the view of Apalachicola from the bluff was just epic.

I love this trail for it's variety of terrain and fun little ups and downs. More elevation gain than you get on most trails in Florida. Very well maintained trail. Lovely overlook with great views. Very doable with kids although I would bugdet 3 hours with a picnic lunch at the bluff.

This would be a place to train for the Appalachian Trail in Florida. Lots of ups and downs, with some navigating of rough terrain. This isn't a trail for the less able-bodied. If you're out of shape, you could take it slow and spend 5 hours. However, it has narrow stretches with dropoffs, washed-out stairs, downed trees, and many parts that the trail are essentially just tree roots holding the soil in place. The River Loop is more strenuous and not marked well. Skip that if you had trouble on the trail to the bluff. I totally enjoyed the trip and saw many wildflowers even in a dry May. I loved the challenge, though there were times I slowed down so much that the bugs caught up with me. Repellent in the bug season would be a good idea for comfort. Check the weather forecast before heading out. You don't want to be stuck out there in a storm.

Very treacherous terrain it's a 6 and half mile hike no bathrooms and only one water fountain and garbage can at the beginning of park very interesting and beautiful overlooking the water once getting to it. But very dangerous ware proper foot wear and bug spray and be sure to bring cold drinks and backpack to carry it

This was an amazing hike. However, HIKER BE WARNED. I measured, this hike is 5 miles round-trip, not 3 miles as is listed. Also, there is a lot of ups and downs. I have no issues with either of these things, however I do feel like people should be aware of what they are getting into. I brought my 10 and 5 year old sons and they loved the hike, however I worried constantly about the narrow paths on the ravines. All went well though. It is a truly beautiful hike and I do plan to go again. There is an overlook on the river at the halfway point and it is very beautiful. A perfect spot to stop for lunch. The hike overall was amazing.

Beautiful, but includes steep ravine sections of trail. Make sure you're in good shape for hiking on steep inclines with some washout and exposed roots. Have shoes with a good bite because it's even more fun going back down the slopes! Mostly sandy pine habitat, but the ravines give you more of a clay soil/mixed hardwood shady habitat. Storm debris is cleaned up, but there are a couple of fallen trees you'll have to duck under. Give yourself a minimum of 3 hours to hike the complete loop, and take pictures along the river. Helpful tip- the numbered posts along the trail go up to 15, so you'll have an idea how far you've progressed along your hike.

Best hike I’ve ever done in Florida! Definitely the most topographical variation I’ve experienced in the state, when doing the loop trail you will go up and down massive (Florida standards) hills about 5 times. The trail weaves through small creeks, dense forest, and sandy grasslands, there’s lots of variation! Be warned, this is not an easy walk in the park, be sure to bring water, boots, and a snack, and expect to be out for at least 3 hours if you want to see the bluffs (definitely worth the hike). Also, don’t rely on your phone for the time. The time zone change will likely kick in, even though you don’t cross the Apalachicola. Regardless, I highly recommend this trail, it was a blast and unlike anything else in the state.

This is not an easy trail. It's a nature preserve. There is no water for you. It's difficult. Cool place though.

Absolutely beautiful trail, probably my favorite within day driving distance from Tallahassee. The views are worth the hike to be able to see over the Apalachicola river. The trail is definitely harder, very hilly, and you have to watch your step because some of the built in stairs for the hike are falling apart a little bit and are a little slippery but again it's a beautiful hike. It took my boyfriend and I about an hour and 45 minutes to complete the trail of about 4 miles (we were racing against Florida weather). Definitely worth the walk and a great afternoon activity, but bring bug spray for the first part of the hike. The bugs are pretty bad in the beginning and if you go in the morning watch out for spider webs. Other than that it's amazing and should definitely be on your bucket list.

Truly a piece of paradise! (but bring bug spray) The Garden of Eden hides off the beaten path just outside Bristol down a dirt road. But, once you find the trail head, the trail itself is well marked, even at junctions with other paths. The Garden of Eden winds through the forest at the base of the bluffs and then climbs to a beautiful vista of the Apalachicola River. Seriously, it's a view worth the hike! The trail isn't especially difficult, but it can be steep for short stretches. Make sure to bring your bug spray along though and reapply often, as the bugs, being in the forest and near a river, can be intense. Otherwise, enjoy the hike!