Main Page - Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

A cloudy blue sky overlooks a wooden boardwalk surrounded by water

Manager's Message

Hiking, nature and wildflower study, and bird watching are fantastic fall and winter outdoor activities offered at Tarkiln Bayou State Park. Weather is always a factor in spending time outdoors; but the cooler temperatures, and of course, the pitcher plants, keep the insects away. Tarkiln is the perfect place to hike the wilderness trails or stay on the Tarkiln Bayou Trail for an easier walk.

The Tarkiln Bayou Trail is a 1.3 mile (round trip) trail on sidewalk and boardwalk and is stroller/wheelchair accessible. The trail leads you through several ecosystems including pine flatwoods, wet prairie and pitcher plant habitat and culminates with a pier overlooking undeveloped Tarkiln Bayou. Here you may see mullet jumping out of the water or possibly dolphins looking for an easy meal.

Prescribed fire is an essential part of this ecosystem. Tarkiln Bayou may be closed to visitors on occasion during a prescribed burn. We apologize for this inconvenience, but it enhances the ecosystem and the wildflower population for the following year!

If you would like to camp while visiting the area, nearby Big Lagoon State Park has campsites available. Check the Big Lagoon State Park website.
- David Colbert, Park Manager

Welcome to Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

The preserve is home to four species of endangered pitcher plants, as well as other rare and endangered plant species. The rare, carnivorous white–top pitcher plant is unique to the Gulf Coast and found only between the Apalachicola and Mississippi rivers. Almost 100 other rare plants and animals depend on the wet prairie habitat, including the alligator snapping turtle, sweet pitcher plant, and Chapman´s butterwort. A boardwalk offers visitors a view of the wild and beautiful Tarkiln Bayou. Visitors can enjoy a picnic and then take a hike on the nature trails to observe the rare plants and animals. For a more adventurous outing, visitors can take a day–hike across the park to the Perdido River. Located in Escambia County about 1.5 miles south of the intersection of U.S. 98 and State Road 293.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, please call (850) 492–1595.

Hours of Operation

The park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, everyday of the year.

Driving Directions

The entrance to the park is located 10 miles southwest of Pensacola on CR 293 approximately 2 miles south of US 98 and 7 miles north of SR 292A (Gulf Beach Highway).