Looking to spice up your training runs for this year’s Seaside Half Marathon? Whether you’d like water views, forest trails, quick routes, or a longer Sunday run, 30A Trail’s founder, JT Tollet, shares the most unique, off the beaten path, and naturally beautiful running routes along 30A.
“The 30A area has an abundance of trail systems that connect to wildlife rich pine forests, globally rare dune lakes, coastal meadows, and dune preservations. There’s something for everyone.” – JT Tollet
1. Grayton Beach State Park Flatwoods Trail + Lake Loop
-
- Distance: 4.8 Miles
-
- Terrain: Forests, meadows, and spectacular views of Western Lake
-
- Good for: One of the most scenic routes with a very unique view of Western Lake
-
- Pro Tip: The trail is mostly hard packed sand with some areas of loose sand, so it can be wet and muddy after rain
2. Seagrove Beach + Stairs
-
- Distance: 2.5 miles
-
- Terrain: 12 public beach access staircases between Seaside and Seagrove
-
- Good for: Elevation training
-
- Pro Tip: Run the length of the beach and then jog up and down each staircase
3. WaterColor Trails
-
- Distance: 8.9 Miles
-
- Terrain: Manicured, but wild gravel winding paths through forests, passed lily ponds, and on boardwalks across Coastal Dune Lakes
-
- Good for: when it’s rained as it’s mostly gravel and won’t get too muddy
-
- Pro Tip: This trail may be in the heart of Watercolor, but feels like it’s in the wilderness
4. Eastern Lake Trail Head
-
- Distance: 3 different loops – Yellow 3.5 Miles, Red 6 miles, Orange 11 miles
-
- Terrain: Forest, meadows, and creek crossings
-
- Good for: The runner who needs a variety of scenery to stay motivated
-
- Pro Tip: This is the most rugged of the local trails
5. Deer Lake State Park
-
- Distance: 1 Mile
-
- Terrain: Heavily forested and shaded with mostly hard packed ground
-
- Good for: The runner who wants to experience it all – forest, dunes, beach
-
- Pro Tip: Add distance by extending the run onto the Timpoochee Trail (along 30A) in either direction
Photo Credit: 30A Trail, used with permission
