By Lindsey Luker
Published on November 21, 2007
Ah, the autumn months. The leaves are changing. The days are clear, cool and crisp, with the sunshine beating down, creating the perfect outdoor weather. Students are finally being lured outside by this welcome change in temperature. No more unbearably hot summer days, too sweltering for enjoying anything outdoors other than water activities.
Now is the time for enjoying other outdoor activities before the winter months set in, such as biking and hiking. There are many biking and nature trails throughout Pensacola that are ideal for keeping in shape and for observing the lovely colors of fall.
One familiar hiking spot, located about 10 minutes from the Pensacola PJC campus on Scenic Highway, is Bay Bluffs Park. According to www.visitpensacola.com, Bay Bluffs Park provides the highest natural elevation in the city. This 32-acre park has elevated boardwalks and nature trails which descend to the shore of Escambia Bay.
Also, an excellent biking and jogging trail is located in Navy Point, just off of Sunset Avenue.
Mrs. Patricia Horacek, developmental studies professor at PJC, considers this biking trail to be one of the hidden gems of Pensacola.
“It’s clean, family-oriented and well-maintained,” she said.
The 2.5 mile biking trail runs alongside Bayou Grande, and there is also a playground located inside the park.
PJC student Russell Hill often takes his niece and nephew there.
“It has a nice, scenic view,” he said.
Another great place for hiking, jogging or walking is located a bit further from town, but is the ultimate place to enjoy the natural beauty of autumn. Located 1.5 miles south of the intersection of U.S. Highway 98 and State Road 293 is Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park.
Monarch butterflies swirl around Black-Eyed Susans as the changing leaves display colors of gold, red, orange and yellow. This preserve is home to the carnivorous, White-Top Pitcher Plant and offers a variety of nature trails.
Tarkiln Bayou Trail is a newly-paved, 1-mile loop trail that turns into an elevated boardwalk which overlooks the beautiful Tarkiln Bayou. Perdido Bay Trail is a 7.2 mile unpaved loop that is great for hiking.
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there is no admission fee.
Whatever this wonderful weather inspires students to do this fall, hopefully no one will let this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors pass them by. The weather is just right, there is plenty of gorgeous scenery to be observed, and there is no better way to stay in shape.