Not too many people are aware of a small, but enjoyable hiking trail in Santa Rosa County, called the Garcon Point Trail. It is located on the peninsula formed between Escambia Bay and East Bay. The land is a conservation area owned by the Northwest Florida Water Management District. There are two trailheads, the North Trailhead and the South Trailhead. Both are located on Avalon Boulevard, but the South Trailhead is the primary launching point, located just north of the Garcon Point Bridge Toll Plaza. From the South Trailhead, you can hike the 1.2 mile spur to the North Trailhead or take the 1.7 mile loop that ventures out onto the prairie and comes back to end at the South Trailhead.
If you plan to hike the trail, make sure to plan accordingly. Don't go if it has rained in the last few days. These are designated wetlands and you are likely to get bogged down or it may be impassable. Also, remember during the warmer months that mosquitoes, ticks, and other creepy crawlies are out. And for Northwest Florida, the summer months generally run from April through October. March and November has bouts of warm and cold. Make sure to keep an eye out for snakes. The path is generally well-worn, so you shouldn't be wading through brush or weeds, but a snake may be laying out on a path enjoying the sun.
I have hiked these trails several times and, aside from being beautiful land to enjoy, there's another reason why I am writing about this area today. As you may already know, I am a history student and avid local history buff. As it turns out, this general area was a mission site for Yamasee Indians who were fleeing the English in Saint Augustine. While archaeologists believe the site was probably closer to the west coast of the peninsula, and the trail is on the east coast of the peninsula, the fact is the mission site has yet to be found. Add to that the width of the entire peninsula is less than 2 miles. Probably closer to 1 mile.
The site was established around 1749 as Yamasee Indians moving into the area wanted grounds away from the main Fort at Pensacola. During this time, West Florida was under control of the Spanish. The site was named San Antonio de Punta Rasa. A small mission was established by a Franciscan missionary and sometime around 1750 a small garrison was established with a few Spanish soldiers. The mission continued in existence until 1761 when it was attacked by Upper Creek Indians during the French and Indian War.
Early work on identifying the history of the site was done by Dr. John Worth of University of West Florida. San Antonio de Punta Rasa
And further archaeological investigation was done and is expected to continue by anthropology PhD candidate Patrick Johnson with William & Mary College. Yamasee Mission
I plan to hike the trail again in the very near future, but this time with an eye to the possible historical nature of the area. I would like to explore the area around the trail, particularly closer to the west side of the peninsula in search of any identifiable features. I plan to video the adventure and you will be able to find it on my Youtube Channel as soon as I have it uploaded. I hope you will follow me on this adventure as I am looking forward to it. Click on the Youtube link above and Subscribe to my channel, hit the bell and check "All" so that you will be notified anytime I upload a new video that way you don't miss it. And while you are there, check out my other videos for some of my outdoor adventures. Thanks and see you outdoors!
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