Quiet Trails & Pond Views: Hiking the Cypress Pond, Osprey & Buck Pond Loop with Simba 🐾🌲🌿

Hey trail friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and this week, Simba the Adventure Pup and I explored a peaceful and lesser-known trail system near Panama City, Florida — the Cypress Pond, Osprey, and Buck Pond Trail Loop.

This quiet stretch of pine flatwoods, shaded forest, and pond views was the perfect escape from the busier parts of the Panhandle, and a great stop if you’re road-tripping through North Florida with your pup.

🗺️ Trail Overview

Location: Panama City, FL
Loop Distance: ~3.5 miles (combining all 3 trails)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Natural surface trails, flatwoods, boardwalks, occasional roots/sand
Dog-Friendly: 100% – Simba approved every step!

🌿 What to Expect on the Loop

This loop is a combo of three trails — Cypress Pond, Osprey, and Buck Pond — each with its own charm, but all offering the same peaceful, forested vibe. Here’s what you can expect:

✔️ Shaded pine forest trails with wide, natural paths
✔️ Pond overlooks where you might spot birds, turtles, or gators
✔️ Quiet and uncrowded — we only saw a couple other hikers
✔️ Great mix of forest, wetland, and wildlife habitats
✔️ Well-marked trail signs and easy-to-follow loops

Whether you're out for birdwatching, a light workout, or just some mental refresh, this trail delivers a little bit of everything.

🐶 Simba’s Favorite Moments

Simba absolutely thrived on this one. Here’s what stood out for him:

🐾 Cool dirt paths under paw — perfect for warm Florida days
👃 Endless sniff zones in the flatwoods and pond edges
🦆 He loved watching birds at the water’s edge (no chasing allowed, of course!)
💦 We took a few water breaks at shady trail junctions — always a must

This is a perfect trail if your dog loves a calm, nature-rich environment without steep climbs or crowds.

🧭 Tips for a Great Visit

🐕 Leashes required — and appreciated, since wildlife is active
💧 Bring plenty of water (no fountains on the trail)
🦟 Bug spray is your friend, especially near the ponds
📷 Bring your camera or phone — the pond views are photogenic
☀️ Visit early or late to avoid mid-day Florida heat

🚐 RV Travel Tip

We stayed nearby in our RV and made this a relaxing midday trail stop. There’s ample parking for regular vehicles, but we suggest bringing your toad or van instead of your full rig, unless you confirm RV-friendly parking in advance.

🎥 Watch the Full Loop Hike

In our latest video, we guide you through all three trails, share highlights from the peaceful scenery, and of course, show Simba doing what he does best — being curious, happy, and completely in his element.

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📲 Follow along: @lifeonpawsandwheels

Why We Recommend This Trail

✔️ Scenic and relaxing without being crowded
✔️ Dog-friendly and well-maintained
✔️ Peaceful ponds and pine forests in every direction
✔️ A refreshing break from Florida’s busier destinations

If you're looking for a calm, forested hike that’s just off the beaten path, this loop should definitely be on your Florida trail list.

Thanks for joining us on this adventure! Wherever the road (or trail) leads you next, we hope it includes shade, smiles, and a happily wagging tail. 🐾🌲🚐