Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park - Pensacola

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park in Pensacola, Florida, is a great park for hiking, seeing endangered pitcher plants, and wildlife viewing.

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Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

Have you ever seen a carnivorous pitcher plant? They are really cool looking and endangered. Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park protect four species of endangered pitcher plants along with other rare and endangered plant species.

You can see the pitcher plants and other wildlife as you walk the boardwalk trail through the park.

The park's name came from Tar Kilns that were located on the adjacet peninsula to process the tar removed from southern yellow pines in the 1800s.

Some of the larger pine trees may still have a "cat face" scar from the spot ceramic pots were used to capture seeping tar. The pine tar was used in the maritime industry to help protect wooden ships, along with the production of soap and animal medicines.

Today, the beautiful Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park protects over 4,200 acres along the Florida Gulf Coast near Perdido Key and Pensacola, Florida.

Boardwalk Trail

There are two trails within Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park the Tarkiln Bayou Trail and the Perdido Bay Trail.

Tarkiln Bayou Trail - This ADA-accessible trail is a half mile long and features both paved sidewalks and elevated boardwalks. Visitors walk through prairie, cypress, and titi forests along the trail.

This is a great area for bird watching! Wildlife in the park includes white-tailed deer, opossum, raccoons, alligator snapping turtle, and bobcats.

Perdido Bay Trail - For a longer day-hike, check out the Perdido Bay trail, which is 6.5 miles with access to the bayshore beaches. The trail does cross through seepage streams and muddy areas, so make sure you are prepared! It also travels through oaks and pines.

Pitcher Plants

Within Tarkiln Bayou Preserve SP, you can see carnivorous white-topped pitcher plant, parrot, and purple pitcher plants.

Red pitcher plants are believed to still be in the park, but have not been observed lately.

Visitors may also see Chapman's butterwort, sweet pitcher plant, and other rare plant species in the park

Why you will love Tarkiln Bayou Preserve SP

• Unique flora and fauna
• Great accessible amenities
• Explore wet flatwood, tidal marsh, maritime hammock, sandhill and wet prairie habitat in one park.
• Great nature trails
• Fantastic birdwatching with migratory birds
• Geocaching in the park

Things to know when planning a visit to Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

Entrance Fees -  $3 per vehicle and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists

Address - 2401 Bauer Road, Pensacola, Fl 32507

Phone - 850-492-1595

Hours - 8 am until sunset, year-round

Accessibility - Tarkiln Bayou Preserve SP has accessible picnic facilities, a half-mile accessible Tarkiln Bayou Trail, and restrooms.

Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual! Don't forget to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and weather specific clothes.

Pets - Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a 6-foot hand-held leash at all times.

Parking  - There is a small parking area near the entrance to the walking trails.

Pensacola Restaurants and Attractions

Big Lagoon State Park - This is a great waterfront Florida State Park with hiking, camping, and beach access.

Perdido Key State Park - offers great access to gorgeous white sand beaches, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and birdwatching.

Things to do on Perdido Key - What not to miss while exploring Perdido Key!

Hub Stacey's at the Point, Perdido Key - Enjoy great sandwiches with a view of the water.

Perdido Key Breakfast Club - Epic foodie breakfast at a great local Perdido Key restaurant.

Pensacola Hotel and Lodging

If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.

Springhill Suites Pensacola - Enjoy comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, free self parking, and easy access to Pensacola.

Holiday Inn Express Pensacola - Fantastic family-friendly hotel

Lily Hall - Great boutique hotel in Downtown Pensacola.

The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.