Pitcher plants at Tarkiln Bayou

Years ago, when I first started looking for great places to hike in Northwest Florida, I discovered Tarkiln Bayou State Park. It’s a fabulous place to see pitcher plants in bloom, and right now is prime time: thousands of them in the bogs along the bayou in wet pine flatwoods. While the main trail is a combo of pavement and boardwalk, I discovered on my recent visit that there’s a new trail in the park that leads you on a 7.5- mile wander that you used to have to guess your way around. Also known as the “Perdido Pitcher Plant Prairie.” this is a soggy, boggy place you’ll love if, like me, you enjoy carniverous plants and birdwatching. Go check it out!