Named after a creek that was dammed to create a recreational reservoir, Bear Lake provides a variety of recreation opportunities alongside a developed campground with a boat ramp.
Two trails circle the lake, one for hiking, and the other for bicycling. They interconnect with a larger trail system which reaches the Jackson Red Ground Trail, part of the Florida Trail.
Boardwalk along the loopA 1.2 mile connector also leads to a nearby recreation area where swimming is allowed in the clear waters of Krul Lake.
In addition to the main campground, a primitive group campsite is available next to a launch for small watercraft. Fishing and bird watching are popular activities.
Circling Bear Lake on the Bear Lake TrailResources
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Overview
Length: 3.8 mile loop
Trailhead: 30.861745, -86.832280
Address: Bear Lake Rd, Milton
Fees: Free
Restrooms: At the trailhead
Land manager: Florida Forest Service
Phone: 850-957-5700
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed pets welcome. This trail is part of the Florida State Forest’s Trailwalker program.
Directions
From US 90 in Milton, take SR 191 north to Munson. At the junction of SR 191 and SR 4 in Munson, head east on SR 4 for two miles before turning left onto Bear Lake Rd. Continue for 0.6 mile to the end of the road, where it dead ends at the lake.
Hike
Several picnic benches overlook the tranquil waters of Bear Lake alongside a large parking area adjacent to the trailhead.
Starting at the edge of the pavement, head eastward toward a narrow path marked with white blazes leading into the forest.
TrailheadYou’re immediately immersed in a lush green landscape. Follow a pine needle strewn pathway through flatwoods habitat carpeted with various ferns, grasses, and shrubs.
The trail gradually descends while tracing the shoreline, reaching a boardwalk crossing over a swampy stand of tupelo trees at 0.3 mile.
Pine with trail markerAs the pathway winds out onto a peninsula, the lake comes into view through columns of pine. Near a half mile, a bench sits by a small dock, offering spectacular views of the water.
Carnivorous pitcher plants cluster close to the water’s edge, supplementing their nutrition with insects that are attracted to this soggy environment.
Lakeside bench and dockNearing an intersection with the Bear to Lake Jackson Connector trail, large clusters of white topped pitcher plants flank the path.
Threadleaf sundews extend from the soggy soils alongside the pitchers, where they catch insects using tall green tentacles covered with sticky hairs.
White-topped pitcher plantsTurn left at this junction. White blazes lead through wetlands dotted with majestic Atlantic white cedar trees.
A carefully crafted boardwalk extends across the swamp, circling one of the cedar trees along the route.
Boardwalk bench among strand of Atlantic white cedarAt the two-mile mark, the trail crosses a large clearing that is used as a designated group campsite.
Southern magnolia and bay trees become more prevalent as the corridor cuts northward, spanning tannic creeks on a series of short boardwalks.
Primitive camping areaAlong the north side of the lake, frogs chirp rhythmically in the distance where a wooden platform overlooks an impressive pitcher plant bog.
As the trail turns westward, red oaks and bright yellow blooms of greeneye wildflowers suggest elements of sandhill habitat mixed with flatwoods scenery.
Pitcher plant bog lookoutIntersecting the loop trail at 3.5 miles, the Sweetwater Trail provides access to Krul Lake, a popular spring-fed swimming hole.
From this junction, make a left to cross the dam that forms the lake, reaching the developed campground on the opposite end.
Follow white blazes eastward along the shoreline, reaching the trailhead parking in 0.2 mile.
Sweetwater Trail junctionTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Blackwater River State Forest
Blackwater River State Forest At Blackwater River State Forest near Milton, immerse yourself in the largest state forest in Florida: 190,000 acres surrounding the Blackwater River and its tributaries. Video
Hiking the Bear Lake Trail
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Florida Trail, Jackson Red Ground Trail 16.6 miles. On the very first trail built in Blackwater River State Forest, the Florida Trail rises up from the red clay bluffs of Juniper Creek to enter extensive longleaf pine forests.
Florida Trail, Wiregrass Trail 12.3 miles. On the northernmost segment of the Florida Trail, connecting to the greater Eastern Continental Trail at the state line with Alabama, the Wiregrass Trail immerses you in longleaf pine forests northeast of Pensacola.
Clear Creek Nature Trail The Clear Creek Nature Trail leads you to a wonderland of bright blossoms and lacy white-veined trumpets reflected against reflections of the sky.
Coldwater Gardens A private nature retreat north of Milton, Coldwater Gardens is a study in serenity, melding camping, gardening, and enjoyment of natural habitats along the Coldwater Creek basin.
- Oscar Scherer Green Trail - November 11, 2026
- Sandhill Preserve - November 9, 2026
- Calusa Heritage Trail - November 5, 2026