TORREYA STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller July 13, 2025

Torreya State Park spans 13,735 acres in Bristol, Florida. It sits on high bluffs along the Apalachicola River. The park is known for its rugged terrain and rare plants.

Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring history. The park offers a peaceful escape into nature. 

Torreya State Park

The park began in the 1930s, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was one of Florida’s first state parks.

During the Civil War, Confederate forces used the bluffs to monitor river traffic. The Gregory House, a plantation home from 1849, was moved to the park in 1935.

Guided tours share its history. The park also preserves earthworks from the Civil War era. 

Torreya State Park is located at 2576 NW Torreya Park Road, Bristol, FL 32321. It’s 13 miles north of Bristol, off State Road 12.

The park opens at 8 AM and closes at sunset, year-round. Hiking trails can be steep, so wear sturdy shoes. Bring water and snacks, as no restaurants or stores are nearby.

Stock up in Bristol, about 20 minutes away. Check trail conditions before hiking. The campground is currently closed for maintenance but check their website for updates. 

• The park is named for the Torreya tree, one of the world’s rarest evergreens, found only along the Apalachicola River. 

• Logan’s Bluff reaches about 300 feet, one of Florida’s highest points. 

• Over 100 bird species, like the Yellow-throated Vireo, can be spotted. 

• The park’s trails resemble Appalachian Mountain paths, unusual for Florida. 

• Rare plants, like the Florida Yew and Few-flowered Croomia, grow here. 

• The Atlanta Botanical Gardens helped clear debris to protect Torreya trees after Hurricane Michael. 

• The park’s hardwood forests display vibrant fall colors, rare in Florida. 

• A yurt offers a unique camping option with electricity and a lockable door. 

TORREYA STATE PARK WEBSITE