Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail
Old Florida Ocean to Oaks Scenic Drive Experience

Departure:	Granada Bridge, Florida
Destination:	Ocean Shore Boulevard, Florida
Time to allow:	1 day

Encompassing almost 36 miles of scenic roadways, the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail takes you from historic downtown Ormond Beach, along the Intracoastal Waterway, through inland Florida, and to amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a relaxing and photographic journey into the heart of Old Florida.

Day 1

• Start: Granada Bridge

  

  The peak of the Granada Bridge presents a breathtaking scenic bird’s eye view of the Intracoastal Waterway and the surrounding area, stretching north and south as far as the eye can see. All four corners of the bridge approaches have been developed into unique parks, with full walkway access under the bridge and a wooden walking and fishing pier extending far into the waterway. You can safely walk or bicycle the entire expanse of the bridge and savor the sites and history of this charming area.

• Stop 1: North Beach Street

  From previous stop:	1 minute / 0.1 mi (0.2 km)
  Directions:	Head north on Beach Street directly from Granada Boulevard (Granada Bridge).
  Suggested time at this stop:	30 minutes

  From the Granada Bridge, the journey into Old Florida will take you north along the Intracoastal Waterway on the amazing stretch of scenic roadway known as North Beach Street. Here, you will pass through a quiet residential area with large oak trees lining the roadway. Unexpectedly, the long line of homes ends, and the roadway is cloaked with lush woodland on both sides of the road, creating a full canopy over the road, which just might take your breath away. A break in the canopy reveals the entrance to the Tomoka State Park. Onward, the roadway crosses a short bridge and then traverses the Tomoka River, a popular fishing spot for Osprey and Belted King Fishers and the weekend fisherman. You will find tranquility in the breathtaking views of the marshes and open water of the Tomoka Basin, and you'll soon enter a forested canopy which is dotted by turnoffs to historic sites, including 19th-century sugar and rum factory ruins and the Fairchild Oak, which has a Whalin Trail that crosses a spring seepage area and meanders through hardwood hammock, pine flatwoods, open salt marsh areas and deep, cool wetlands in which you can find butterflies, numerous birds and deer. This trail links with the longer Bulow Woods Trail that goes all the way to Bulow Plantation State Park.

• Stop 2: Walter Boardman Lane

  From previous stop:	1 minute / 0.1 mi (0.2 km)
  Directions:	North Beach Street ends at Walter Boardman Lane. Turn right on Walter Boardman Lane.
  Suggested time at this stop:	30 minutes

  At Walter Boardman Lane, you will turn east while the road narrows and plunges into dark, forested wetlands with a full overhead canopy of trees filtering sunlight almost to the point of darkness. A close look reveals delicate white spider lilies dusting the blackness of the forest floor, and you feel like you are traveling in a green tunnel where time has stood still. Shortly, the woods open into a clearing and Walter Boardman Pond, teeming with wading birds, is at the bank of the roadway. Often wild pigs and a Belted King Fisher can be seen here as well. Other salt marsh birds abound as well. Make a brief stop at this site, and you'll observe a multitude of natural activities taking place.

• Stop 3: Bulow Creek

  

  From previous stop:	2 minutes / 0.5 mi (0.8 km)
  Directions:	Head east on Walter Boardman Lane to the Bulow Creek State Park
  Suggested time at this stop:	30 minutes

  Just before Walter Boardman Lane crosses Bulow Creek, there are pull-offs for the Great Florida Birding Trail to the south and to the north, rustic trails through a forest of oak and pine trees leading to the Bulow Plantation State Park. At Bulow Creek, experience the vast view and see birds flying high in the sky. Here, the full sunlight plays on the marsh grasses and the forest of trees through which the you have just passed.

• Stop 4: Highbridge Road

  

  From previous stop:	same location
  Directions:	Walter Boardman becomes Highbridge Road
  Suggested time at this stop:	30 minutes

  Turning to the south onto Highbridge Road, the roadway winds along a creek, where ducks and manatees meander. On the other side of the roadway, two stately white homes rest on a hill in a clearing, appearing to have been watching over the area for some time. The trees create another canopy over the road that continues to weave along the water. For some relaxing fishing, stop at one of the few remaining narrow pull-offs on the road and enjoy some of the few places left to bank fish in the area. The roadway continues to bend and curve sharply through a series of turns that at each point offers a new scenic vista across the salt marsh and adjacent waterways. This is Old Florida.

  Continuing along Highbridge Road lined with huge date palm trees, the adjacent waterway, and far off salt marsh areas, you'll encounter one of the few remaining bascule bridges in this part of Florida. High Bridge is actually a low draw bridge spanning the much narrower Intracoastal Waterway at this point. The bridge, built in 1955, is well-maintained and still fascinating to watch as it is opened and closed for the pleasure boats passing through. Stop on the bridge for a moment and take in the sights and sounds and you won’t be disappointed. This is a well-known starting point for many that bike the Loop roads and a favorite spot to just stop and relax.

• End: Ocean Shore Boulevard

  

  From previous stop:	same location
  Directions:	Highbridge Road dead ends into SR A1A

  While most travelers will be drawn immediately to the ocean view, the area between Highbridge Road and SR A1A thrives with wildlife such as gopher tortoises, Hawks, and Scrub Jays. The area to the north and south is the North Peninsula State Park, and a perfect Scrub Jay habitat. Stand for a moment in this area and wait for a family of curious Scrub Jays to visit. Look to the east and the whole Atlantic Ocean beckons. Walk down one of the well-maintained beach walkovers to the beach and enjoy the totally undisturbed natural coastline, full of soft, warm sand. Sea turtles nest on the beach, dolphins play in the water, and squadrons of pelicans drift by lazily riding on the warm gentle sea breeze.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled:	0.7 miles / 1.1 km
Total Travel Time:	4 minutes
Total Stopping Time:	2 hours