Big Lagoon State Park – The Gateway to the Florida Birding Trail
1. Is there is a wheelchair accessible trail (and name and length of that trail)?
No, there is not a specified trail at Big Lagoon State Park (BLSP) that is wheelchair accessible.
However, BLSP has four wheelchair accessible boardwalks that provide opportunities for visitors to see
many bird species. The boardwalk between the campground and the West Beach day-use area is over
1000 feet in length and traverses sandpine scrub and through sand live oaks and across a brackish
water pond; the West Beach day-use area has a short boardwalk to a scenic overlook that gets visitors
very close to the shoreline of the Intracoastal Waterway; the East Beach day-use area has two
boardwalks that bridge over the estuary leading to Grand Lagoon. The three-story birding platform at
East Beach is not wheelchair accessible.
2. Is there is an easy, low-impact trail (and name and length of that trail)?
The Estuary Trail is a 2-mile loop trail that is fairly easy to walk, but has a few areas of soft sand.
3. Can the site be birded from a car?
Yes. The park drive is almost 3 miles in length and has many opportunities for birding, Finches,
warblers, and doves are typically found throughout the sand and slash pines while herons, pelicans,
and osprey can be found near the shoreline. The boat ramp pavilion area allows vehicles to drive down
near the edge of the water to watch for shorebirds and wading birds.
4. Will interpretive programs modify site tours for wheelchair birders?
Definitely! Rangers will do everything they can so everyone has the opportunity to participate. Beach
wheelchairs may be available; please inquire at the Ranger Station.
5. If wheelchair accessible picnic tables are present
Yes! Many wheelchair accessible picnic tables and pavilions are present in the park.
6. If wheelchair accessible restrooms are present
Yes! Both of the day-use areas have wheelchair accessible restrooms. Additionally, two of the
campground restrooms are also wheelchair accessible.