The Wandering Disciple

The Gregory House sits on some of the best property in the Florida Panhandle. Sitting atop the limestone bluffs over looking the Apalachicola River and surrounded by the rare Florida Nutmeg Trees, it is prime real estate. That is why Jason Gregory decided to built his plantation here. Today the plantation house and the land around the house is part of the Torreya State Park, a 13,000 acre state park outside Bristol, Florida. The park features some of the most diverse landscapes in the state, ranging from river swamps to ravines and bluff. The park's elevation is 300 feet, a rarity to typically flat Florida. (Photo: April 2, 2017)

A path winds through the woods at Torreya State Park in Bristol, Florida.  This is the Weeping Ridge Trail, one of several hiking trails within the park.  The thirty minute hike starts at the campground and leads to a waterfall.  Although the waterfall is only visible during wet seasons, the hike is an enjoyable walk through dense forests.  (Photo: April 2, 2017)

Sitting high atop a bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River, the Gregory House has a stunning view of the river and surrounding wilderness.  But despite its prime spot on the river, this is not the original location of this plantation.  Originally built by prominent planter Jason Gregory in 1849, the plantation sat at Ocheesee Landing, across the river from its present day location.  The home fell in disrepair following the Civil War and in the early 1930's the Civil Conservation Corp disassembled the home and relocated it to its location within Torreya State Park.  The home was reopened for tours and is operated by the Florida Parks Service. (Photo: April 2, 2017)

Bristol, Florida: Located on a high bluff overlooking the Apalachicola River, Torrey State Park is in Florida yet feels like you’ve left the state. Check the flat landscape at the gate, Torreya is at an elevation of over 300 feet, making it one of the highest elevations in the state. Torreya is home of the Gregory House, a plantation built in 1849. It was built at Ocheesee Landing, opposite its current day location. It was relocated to the park by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. Today guests can take a tour of the historic plantation and take a glimpse of live during the antebellum period. The park is also home to the rare Torreya tree in which the park gets its name. The tree is only found along the limestone bluffs on the eastern bank of the river. At over 13,000 acres and 16 miles of hiking trails, there is plenty of natural wonder to view within the park. Along the trails you can view the six Confederate gun pits uses to help protect the river during ...