Big Lagoon State Park
12301 Gulf Beach Highway Pensacola, FL 32507 (850) 492-1595
Pensacola Beach Eco Trail
Slow down and look closely… There is so much more to the beach than the sand, waves and seagulls.
Those coming to Pensacola Beach to experience its natural beauty and the creatures that inhabit it now have even more to discover when they take advantage of the Footprints in the Sand Eco-Trail.
The 8.5-mile Footprints in the Sand Eco-Trail showcases the unique aspects of Pensacola Beach’s island ecology.
Learn about the different types of dolphins and try to spot each of them on a dolphin cruise. Read about the three species of sea turtles that nest on Pensacola Beach in the spring, learn how to protect a precious sea turtle nest and learn what to do if you spot hatchlings crawling the beach in summer, trying to make their way to the shoreline.
If you’re an avid bird watcher and tracker, the Eco-Trail guides you through the shore, wading, nesting and coastal seabirds you can spot when walking or hiking beach trails. The laughing gull is a favorite that gets its name from “laughing” high in the sky after it takes food from another bird or unsuspecting visitor.
The birds, turtles, and crabs that walk, crawl, and jump across the sand all leave different tracks behind. Spotting and following these footprints is another way to experience the beauty of nature along the trail. The “Footprints” portion of the trail’s name also reminds everyone that conservation is key on the beach: After you visit, leave only your footprints behind.
Footprints In The Sand Eco Trail Map
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