Welcome to Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
Tarkiln Bayou 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.
Tarkiln Bayou 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.
Enjoy the beautiful wildflowers blooming at Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park! Wildlife activity is picking up also, which makes now the perfect time to explore the park. Hiking and bird watching are fantastic outdoor activities offered at the park. Or, if hiking does not appeal to you, maybe a quiet picnic lunch under a shaded pavilion? Even though the temperatures are not the heat of summer yet, come prepared.When you visit the park, please be sure to bring extra drinking water, sunscreen, and insect repellant with you.
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 habitats. The boardwalk ends with a scenic overlook on undeveloped Tarkiln Bayou, where you may see mullet jumping out of the water or possibly dolphins looking for an easy meal.
