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Thomas Pilcher Park : A Water Lover’s Playground
October 19, 2017 - Laura Bernstien
Photo Credit – http://www.waltonoutdoors.com
Anyone going over the new 331 bridge will notice that there is a place to drive under it and I recently discovered where the mystery road ends. Thomas Pilcher Park is under the Clyde B. Wells Bridge aka 331 Bridge and it is a hidden gem.
The park is named after a lifelong Walton County, Florida resident who worked along the Choctawhatchee Bay and was a major influence in creating a deep boat ramp for launching along the causeway. Thomas Pilcher (pictured) worked for the Florida Department of Conservation as a boating safety officer and was part of the team who did search and rescue over many years. He also helped to enforce fishing regulations. His most influential years were in the 1960’s and 1970’s and he passed away in 2007.
This park would make Mr. Pilcher proud! I never knew the park had numerous amenities until I went there. Personally, I love fishing so the 380 foot fishing pier was a huge draw for me. All fishing enthusiasts will definitely love the park for this.
Apart from fishing, visitors can engage in several other water activities in the park. There are four boat ramps and five docks along the ramps. You can even have a little picnic with your family in either of the two picnic shelters available in the park. Restrooms are on site so there’s no concern there. Parking is plentiful as well. There is enough room for 30 boat trailers and 50 other vehicles.
There are breathtaking scenic overlooks as well. Although I didn’t take my camera along the first time, I took countless snapshots the second time. You can also visit the park with your bike as it has a great Western scenic walkway and a bike path. Imagine taking an evening ride through the park after enjoying some hours of water fun… That’s Florida living.
Thomas Pilcher Park
21987 U.S. Hwy. 331
Santa Rosa Beach. FL, 32459
Under the 331 Bridge