34 beachLIFE EXPERIENCES THE PATH LESS TRAVELED
HIGHWAY 283 TO THE EASTERN TRAILHEAD
The final 2.1-mile leg winds through pines and palmettos . The finish line , of course , is the Highway 395 Trailhead , which doubles as a small park with restrooms and picnic tables . It ’ s also a jump-off point to explore WaterColor or Seagrove Beach just a couple of miles south on the Highway 395 bike path . Fill up on a shrimp po ’ boy at Village Seagrove Market near the corner of Highway 395 and 30A , or sink your teeth into a large slice of pizza at Pizza by the Sea . By now , you deserve it .
WHERE THE TRAIL LEADS
The Longleaf Greenway Trail is a place to find solace in nature — and it ’ s right here in my own backyard . In a strange way , it serves as a benchmark between the past year and the present , a lens to view the rearranged landscape around me , to locate myself in a world that has changed in countless ways over the past two years . Like 2020 , the trail is both close to home and far from the known .
IF YOU GO …
The Longleaf Greenway Trail is open 365 days a year . As of this writing , the cost to park at the Western Trailhead is $ 2.00 per person per day . Children six and under are free . While the trail is mostly flat , I recommend wearing closed-toed shoes . Also , bring water , sunscreen , a headlamp , a mask or buff , and a smartphone in the event you get a little disoriented . If riding a bike , always wear a helmet . Dogs are permitted on the trail but must remain leased at all times . Lastly , this is a multiuse trail . Please respect all those you pass . And , as always , leave no trace .