Holy Stroll
Saturday, October 10 at 9:00 am
Back by popular demand, our largest group hike from the spring (2/28/26)
Battery Worth, in Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ft. Pickens/Florida Trail unit
From Pensacola Beach, head towards Ft. Pickens in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and meet up at Battery Worth, just past the campgrounds on the bay side.
For our next Holy Stroll in the fall season, we are returning to a trail beloved by all, the peaceful and beautiful trail from the campgrounds to Ft. Pickens. If you have previously enjoyed this trail before, then you know that it changes with every season, and is always new and capable of more surprises. And particularly during fall migration season, we never know what we might encounter.
As always, bring what you need to be perfectly comfortable in nature, in October, in Florida. This may include a shade hat, sunscreen, probably sunglasses, some preferred drink and snacks, and comfortable footwear for the one mile stroll, plus any extensions you tack on to the front beach, within the fort, or other optional destinations. If you are a birdwatcher, bring your binoculars for long distance views this trail affords.
So that we know you are coming, please text or call Ad Platt (850.982.8480) or Margaret Platt (850.384.3345) or email Margaret (mag.platt22@gmail.com).
Admission requires an America the Beautiful/National Parks pass, or paid admission at the Entrance Station to Gulf Islands National Seashore. This trail is packed sand, but has proved to be accessible for large-tire wheelchairs on previous visits, and we will likely also see bicyclists. Restrooms are available at either end of the out-and back trail.
We will meet at the Battery Worth parking lot and begin our stroll at 9 am. This stroll is approx. .75 mi. each way, or 1.5 miles roundtrip. It is possible with coordination to stage another vehicle at each end for those who do not feel up to retracing their steps.
(If you want to ride share or don’t have a parks pass, please let Ad or Margaret know when you sign up and we’ll see if we can help arrange a ride into the park. )
Dogs are not allowed on the beaches, but can be walked on the trail, provided they are on leash at all times.
Accessibility: The trail is wheelchair accessible but because it is packed sand, wide wheels/tires are advised. Terrain is minimal, but the route is scenic even though essentially flat, other than the one bridge over a creek with a rise of a few feet above sea level. Restrooms are available both at Ft. Pickens and at Battery Worth, along with covered pavilions for picnics or cooling down after the stroll. Bring a lunch and linger!
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