Torreya State Park - Orlando / Florida Guide
Florida Guide > Other Parks
Torreya State Park is sitauted 13 miles north of Bristol on the C. R. 1641 (off the S. R. 12) The park is called Torreya after the tree that grows here. You will find thesetrees on the Bluffs overlooking the river. Up to the 1960s this tree was not that unusual but it has been almost wiped out by disease.
The Native American was the first occupant of this area; this can be proved by the mounds (or rubbish tips) that they built up wherever they settled.
General Andrew Jackson is reported to have crossed the Appalochica River on the site of the park during the Semonole Indian War.
During the peak trading years (this was from 1840 to 1910) there were more than 200 steam boats on this river plying their trade.
A six cannon battery was installed on the bluff during the Civil War. You can still see the remains of the guns here today. The cannons were used to defend the area against the Union Army.
The original Plantation house was built across the river but it has been taken down and re built by the Civilian Conservation Corp. The house was originally the home of Planter Jason Gregory; he had a prosperous business until the abolition of slavery removed his cheap work force.
There are several good nature trails here. For the super fit among us the best to try is the 7 mile trail that takes you through all the natural communities.
For a river view, take the Apalachocola River Bluff trail and this is obviously where you can see the remains of the guns.
The Weeping Ridge Trail will take you through a ravine.
The terrain of this park includes hard wood hammock, high land pine and River Swamp. The very best time to visit is in the autumn when the hard wood trees burst into colour. These trees are also in Georgia in the Appalachia Mountains
Once the hiking is done, you may well be ravenous, so why not head for one of the 3 picnic areas with thier shady pavilions. If you are feeling ambitious, pack some chicken and sausages in a cool bag and make use of the free barbecue facilities.
After a restorative break, take the little ones to play on the great playground while the older ones play a game of horse shoe in the pit.
This park is open from 8. a. m. to sundown 365 days of the year. Entrance is a modest $2 on the honour system. If you require more info then call 850 643 2674.
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Page added on: 6 October 2009
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