Florida Hikes

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

Paved path within a canopied shady tunnel

Blountstown Greenway

Connecting neighborhoods, parks, and services within a historic Apalachicola River town, the 3.4 mile linear Blountstown Greenway incorporates a segment of the Florida Trail.

Blountstown (30.456333, -85.062500)   3.4 miles  

An official Gateway Community of the Florida Trail, Blountstown has a quiet small town feel near the middle of the Florida Panhandle.

This city in mostly rural Calhoun County was built up alongside the Apalachicola River and a train station near the center of town.

Picnic area along paved woodland path Depot Park (Sandra Friend)

The multi-use Blountstown Greenway is a popular path for biking and walking, and it shares 1.8 miles of its length with the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Anchored at its ends by small parks, the highlight of this 3.4 mile linear trail is near the center of town.

The historic M&B (Marianna & Blountstown) train depot has been converted to an inviting public space with a railroad museum. Railroad-themed Depot Park adjoins.

Faded FNST marker on post Old Florida Trail marker

A round-trip along this paved path is 6.8 miles, described below from its northernmost trailhead to the river.

For a linear walk, stage a second vehicle at Neal’s Landing. Or choose centrally-located Depot Park for a full or partial round-trip in either direction.

A 0.7-mile spur extends to Sam Atkins Park, home of the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, for an additional 1.4 mile round-trip in the floodplain of Sutton Creek.

Canopied waterway Sutton Creek (John Keatley)

Resources

Resources for exploring the area
Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover
 
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.

Overview

Location: Blountstown
Length: 3.4 miles linear
Address: 15467 SE River St, Blountstown
Fees: Free
Restroom: At Depot Park and Neal Landing
Land manager: City of Blountstown
Phone: 850-643-6846

Trailheads:
30.456333, -85.062500 (SR 71)
30.445661, -85.045109 (Depot Park)
30.423389, -85.032889 (Neal Landing)
30.4505,-85.066 (Sam Atkins Park spur)

Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Use caution at road crossings.

Directions


 
Following SR 20 west into Blountstown from the Apalachicola River bridge, make a right on Pear St at the light. Depot Park, the central trailhead, is two blocks north on the right. Make a left to drive past the train to turn right on SR 71. The SR 71 trailhead is another 1.7 miles north on the west side of the highway. To leave a vehicle at Neal Landing, return to SR 20 downtown and head east for 0.3 miles. Turn right on SE River St. Follow the road to its end at Neal Landing, where the parking area is alongside the Apalachicola River.

Hike

Starting at the SR 71 trailhead, head south on the paved walkway, passing a couple of residences before trees begin to flank the path on both sides.

Orange blazes mark a shared section of the Florida Trail where evenly spaced benches provide spots to rest along the way.

Shaded bench along paved path in woods Shaded bench

At 0.6 miles, the trail crosses Franklin St, then takes a sharp turn at an intersection with a side path leading to Sam Atkins Park.

Past the junction, a small park with swings and covered picnic tables sits in a grassy clearing.

Park with grassy area and swings Trailside park

Nearing downtown Blountstown, the trail swings to the west after passing Sutton Creek. A short pathway provides views of the swampy, slow-moving waterway.

Crossing over Main St, a steam locomotive comes into view, the centerpiece of M & B Train Depot Park.

Steam engine Steam engine

The park features a pollinator garden with native plants, playground, and a museum dedicated to the historic rail line that ran from Marianna to Blountstown.

Continuing southward, cross a wide boardwalk before the trail ducks under SR 20.

Wooden boardwalk Wooden boardwalk

On the other side of the road, the Florida Trail ascends a hill to cross a bridge heading southbound towards the bridge over the Apalachicola River.

Stay on the paved path as it curves to the south, entering a dense hardwood forest.

Curve in paved path with wooden bench Florida Trail Junction

Blue blazes lead the way for the remainder of the Greenway as it crosses a couple of streets before turning to parallel River St.

At 3.4 miles, the paved pathway ends at Neal Landing, a small park with a playground, boat ramp, and a wooden overlook alongside the Apalachicola River.

Platform with river view Apalachicola River

Trail Map

Blountstown Greenway Trail Map
Red: Blountstown Greenway. Blue: Sam Atkins Park Spur. Orange: Florida Trail north and south.

Explore More!

Learn about the Florida Trail through this region

Florida Trail, Central Panhandle West of the Apalachicola River, 99 miles of the Florida Trail stitches a series of public lands together along the corridor of the Northwest Florida Greenway.

Video

Hiking the Blountstown Greenway

Slideshow

See our photos from the Blountstown Greenway

Nearby Adventures

Chipola River Florida Trail, Altha 1.7 miles. Following Bauldree Branch to the bluffs of the Chipola River, the Altha section of the Florida Trail is a fabulous destination for spring wildflowers.
Dead Lakes Recreation Area Dead Lakes Park Centered around a mysterious 6,700-acre swamp forest with open waters and shrunken bald cypresses, Dead Lakes Park provides paddlers, hikers, and campers with a place to play.
Pitcher plant bog Apalachee Savannas Scenic Byway In the Apalachicola National Forest, the Apalachee Savannas Scenic Byway is a winding stretch of scenic road through expansive wet flatwoods and open pine savannas
View from a river bluff with river below and ridges beyond Garden of Eden Trail Try one of Florida's toughest day hikes on for size: local legend has it this was the Garden of Eden, and from the lush forests and rare flora along this trek, they might be on to something.

Official Website

Chris Stevens
Latest posts by Chris Stevens (see all)
Category: , , , , , , , Tag: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,