Protecting over 600 acres of natural lands along an environmentally important rural waterway, Blackwater River State Park is a well-known outdoor destination west of Pensacola.
Its namesake river is popular for paddling, swimming, tubing, and fishing. A developed campground at the park allows for an overnight stay surrounded by expansive wilderness.
Among several hiking trails in the park, which include a linear portion statewide of the Florida Trail, is this scenic 1.5 mile gem on the south bank of the Blackwater River.
Rainbow swamp effect on one of the oxbow lakesResources
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Overview
Length: 1.5 mile loop
Trailhead: 30.704111, -86.881020
Address: Deaton Bridge Rd, Milton, 32570
Fees: $4 per vehicle
Restrooms: North side of the river
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 850-983-5363
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed pets welcome but not on beaches or swimming areas.
Directions
From SR 87 at Interstate 10 in East Milton, head north on SR 87 for one mile before turning right onto US Hwy 90 E. In 5.8 miles, turn left onto Deaton Bridge Rd. The parking area is on the right in 3.3 miles, immediately before a bridge crossing over the Blackwater River.
Hike
From the parking area, cross Deaton Bridge Road at the crosswalk, entering a shaded canopy on the opposite side.
The trail starts along a sturdy boardwalk that delves into a dense forest of pine, cedar, and oak.
Blackwater boardwalkIn less than a tenth of a mile, the boardwalk turns to the left, leading to the beach area.
Stepping off the end of the wooden walkway, follow a sandy path through tall white cedars and between swampy depressions lined with cypress trees.
Beach accessReaching 0.2 mile, the trail climbs to a low bluff at the water’s edge, providing scenic views of the Blackwater River.
On a busy day, folks float by on tubes and various watercraft, enjoying a day in this immersive wilderness.
River viewThe trail leaves the river at a half mile, tracing alongside a slough filled with dark, tannic waters.
Trailside benches offer a spot for tranquil reflection among softly chirping crickets and birds.
Shaded benchSmall bridges cross seasonal streams as the pathway weaves through undulating terrain, clambering over roots and low areas covered with cypress knees.
Tiny waterfalls trickle next to the path, following rivulets into the forested swamp.
Water crossingTurning to the right at 0.8 miles reveals a quick ascent from wetlands to an upland habitat. Tall pines rise above an open landscape of grass and palmettos.
Wind blows through the treetops while you follow a wide pathway over gently rolling hills.
Pine flatwoodsLush vegetation borders a stream crossing at the one-mile mark, where wisteria produces showy purple blooms in late spring, attracting a variety of pollinators.
At 1.3 miles, the trail reaches Deaton Bridge Road. Continue alongside the road for 0.2 mile, completing the loop at the crosswalk to the parking area.
Swallowtail on wisteriaTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Blackwater River State Park
Blackwater River State Park Stunning white sand beaches along the Blackwater River tempt swimmers during the warm months and paddlers and hikers all year to this state park east of Milton.Video
A virtual walk on the Chain of Lakes Trail
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
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.
Florida Trail, Hutton An exceptionally scenic hike, the Hutton section of the Florida Trail navigates distinctive landscapes though clayhills, ravines, and pitcher plant bogs amid thick stands of pine. 
Florida Trail, Juniper Creek 7.3 miles. Also known as the Juniper Creek Trail, the Florida Trail at Juniper Creek is a gorgeous place to explore, with its panorama at Red Rocks and botanical delights along and above the creek basin.
Juniper Lake Trail Connecting white sand beaches and an oxbow lake with a popular campground, the Juniper Lake Trail at Blackwater River State Park is an easy scenic hike. 
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