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Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,006 Google reviews · Running trail in Niceville, Florida · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park features camping facilities, trails through old-growth pines & a bayou for boating & fishing.
What runners say about Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
“The bathhouse was very clean; had a handicapped/family restroom with shower as well - and heated!”
“My thoughts: Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”
“They also have a nice playground area for children and several shaded pavilions with grills for guests.”
“It's a great place to disconnect from everything and just spend some quiet time with your family/friends out in nature and create pleasant memories.”
“The park is quiet, family-friendly, and perfect for nature lovers looking to explore the Florida panhandle.”
Super beautiful and very clean state park. It may not be very big, however it's got little bit of everything. Whether you just want to have a picnic with your family & friends, or kayak/paddle board, or play with your kids in the playground, or just walk on the trails, or take your boat to water, or camp in your…
Great state park with very clean and well maintained amenities. Sites are spacious and wooded. Waterside sites are not level and ours (34) needed 7 inches under the nose to get close to level. You can rent bikes, kayaks, and hike three very nice trails.
One of the best State Parks I’ve ever stayed in. Very nice staff, the park was very clean and quiet. Lots of activities to do, very affordable. The men’s bathrooms were always clean. They have washers and dryer’s along with a small library. We will definitely be back! Great trails to take a walk on.
A beautiful, well maintained, bayou-front State Park with many amenities. You will find a friendly, informative person greeting you as you come into the park. Straight ahead is the bayou-front campground with 30/50 amp electrical service, water, and a dump station.
Trail conditions & character
“My thoughts: Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”
“The bathhouse was very clean; had a handicapped/family restroom with shower as well - and heated!”
“It's a great place to disconnect from everything and just spend some quiet time with your family/friends out in nature and create pleasant memories.”
“My thoughts: Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination for outdoor enthusiasts.”
“They also have a nice playground area for children and several shaded pavilions with grills for guests.”
“Waterside sites are not level and ours (34) needed 7 inches under the nose to get close to level.”
“There’s a water bottle filling station and even a water bowl for your pet.”
Plan your run at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitefloridastateparks.org
- Phone(850) 833-9144
Running trails near Niceville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Eastern Bench on Red Cedar Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Rocky Bayou State Park Aquatic Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 112 reviews
Park providing campsites, boat launches and trails, plus a playground, beach, and picnic tables.
Rocky Runway Municipal Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews
EOD Range Trail North
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Lions Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 525 reviews
Waterside park featuring boat ramps and docks, picnic tables and pavilions.
