If you're reading this and are in the craziness called "COVID-19" and want to get away from people for awhile, this is the trip! Pack a picnic, some sneakers you don't mind getting muddy, sunscreen, hats, and bug spray (we didn't ending up needing it, though), and bottled water in a cooler in your trunk. Get ready for hiking, berry picking and walking on the beach!
We started off at Franklin Gulf County Park. I will admit I'd never even heard of it until I did some research. I absolutely LOVE this trail, but it's more for kiddos 6 and up. It's was about a 4 mile hike in total, but if you don't go past the bridge and scenic river, it's only about 3 miles round trip. The river itself is a nice break, because the kids can actually walk along the rocks (unless it's been super rainy lately). There are no restrooms and it is not stroller friendly. However, it is a seldom-traveled path and you are out in true, undisturbed nature and it feels WONDERFUL! We were literally the only people there and we would definitely go back. It can get muddy fast, so go when it's dry. I think it would be breathtaking in the fall with the leaves changing. Take a small backpack with bottled water, as there are quite a few hills and it will be a workout. (My kids didn't notice, but I sure did!)
Keep in mind, there are NO RESTROOMS anywhere around, so plan accordingly. Since there was no one around, my kiddos learned to pee behind a giant tree. (I packed tissues in case we ran into this exact circumstance, and we did!) Be sure to pick a tree without grass/brush around, just in case there are ticks or poison ivy.
Next, we had a basic picnic sitting on a log by the entrance of the trail. For whatever reason, by city-slicker kiddos got a big kick out of this!
From there, we took a short drive (about 6 minutes) to Awald Farms. (Watch your GPS, as ours tried to take us in a weird circle for no reason). At the farm, drive way, way to the back and you can pick whatever kind of berries are in season. We got to pick strawberries when we were there and enjoy some blueberry beef jerky and strawberry yogurt covered pretzels. (If COVID-19 is still a "thing" when you're reading this, be sure to bring a mask for every member of the family)
Next, take a drive straight west to Evangola State Park & beach. This one is a rocky beach, not a sandy one, and it's not typically a beach for swimming. However, it has a nice playground, great picnic areas, and smooth rocks to collect (if you're into rock painting) and it's really relaxing.
As you head back north, be sure to head up route 5. There are places to stop to grab dinner (ex. Hoak's is a favorite, but a BUSY favorite) and there are places to stop for a hot dog and ice cream.
All in all, this is a really good trip to get some fresh air and get away from germs, viruses, people, and the hustle-and-bustle of the city and suburban life.
