Naval Live Oaks
Located in Gulf Breeze, Florida, Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve offers visitors a wide variety of outdoor activities. The nature preserve is open year-round and is located near Pensacola Bay. It is ideal for hiking, boating, and kayaking.
There are several different trails in the park, including a 7.5-mile hike. The main parking area is at the Park Headquarters building, which is on the south side of Gulf Breeze Parkway. This area has restrooms, a bookstore, an interpretive center, and a closed-caption orientation film. There is also a covered picnic area with tables that overlook Pensacola Bay.
The first federal tree farm in the United States was created at the Naval Live Oaks Area, which was designated as a land grant by President John Quincy Adams in 1828. The land was intended to be used for the preservation of valuable live oaks for the United States Navy. This was the first time the nation's government took responsibility for the protection of trees, and the land is still under federal control.
The Naval Live Oaks Reservation comprises over 1,300 acres and is the largest and oldest forest community in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. It is situated on the Santa Rosa Sound and was created to provide wood for the US Navy during the early 1800s. The area is still very richly wooded and is the perfect place to explore by foot or bicycle. Located between U.S. Route 98 and Pensacola Beach, the area features a paved bike path that parallels the highway.
Several attractions at the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve includea youth group camping area, which can be reserved for organized youth groups. The park is also the location of Big Kahuna's Water & Adventure Park. This park is a great place to rent a kayak, go on a guided tour, or just relax and enjoy the area's natural beauty. The park also offers fishing, swimming, and boating. Up next is Fast Eddies Fun Center
In addition to the recreational and cultural attractions of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve is an ideal place for hiking and kayaking. There are 7.5 miles of trails, which are accessible to both cyclists and walkers. The Brackenridge Trail is the park's shortest. This trail climbs uphill from the main parking area and continues east. The trail includes two spanned pedestrian crossings over Jones Creek. Click for more
The National Park Service maintains the Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve and has developed information on the preserve. There are many interesting facts about the area and its history.
The park features several trails and a nice picnic area. The area has three access points Park Headquarters, the Gulf Breeze Parkway, and the Brackenridge Trail. The visitor center is open on weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Sundays and federal holidays.
The park is also home to the Pensacola Bay Day Use, located on the north side of US 98. This day-use area has restrooms, and a covered picnic area, and is a great place to take a break while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
