Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring Crestview
A Florida Trail Gateway Community – where hikers walk right through the historic downtown – Crestview is located on a high ridge that receives a high amount of rainfall each year, the highest in Florida.
It is sandwiched between Blackwater River State Forest and Eglin Air Force Base, providing many recreational opportunities.
Trails and Parks near Crestview
Anderson Pond Recreation Area A trio of interconnected trails loop a landscape of lush forests and clear streams in folded landscapes on this 2.1 mile hike at Anderson Pond on Eglin Air Force Base.
Bear Lake Trail At Blackwater River State Forest, each of the recreation areas offers access to hiking, and popular Bear Lake is no exception. A 3.8-mile trail loops around this impounded reservoir, which flows into Sweetwater Creek. 
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.
Bone Creek Loop Trail Along a tributary of the Blackwater River, the Bone Creek Loop at Blackwater River State Forest is a well-maintained trail with a set of scenic boardwalks. 
Cimmaron Trail Sunny sandhill communities transition to the deeply shaded Yellow River floodplain along the well-maintained Cimarron Trail at Eglin Air Force Base. 
Florida Trail, Catface 14.2 miles. Climbing to the highest elevations along the Florida Trail, the challenging Catface section traverses hilly terrain along the northern edge of Eglin Air Force Base.
Florida Trail, Eglin One of the most compelling sections of the Florida Trail for backpackers, the 98.3 miles through Eglin offers rugged elevation changes and crystalline waterways.
Florida Trail, Eglin East 41.8 miles. Simultaneously rugged and scenic: that's the beauty of a backpacking trip across the Alaqua, Catface, and Titi sections of the Florida Trail in Eglin Air Force Base.
Florida Trail, Titi 14.8 miles. Paralleling the floodplain of Titi Creek and its tributaries, this hike on the Florida Trail across Eglin will surprise you with its mature longleaf pine forests and its steep descents into creek basins.
Florida Trail, Yellow River Ravines 10.9 miles. An acrobatic adventure, the Florida Trail Yellow River Ravines section between Holt and Milton tosses tricky swamp traverses and creative creek crossings your way.
Karick Lake Loop Crossing a series of boardwalks over creeks and a bog laden with rare carnivorous plants, the Karick Lake Loop at Blackwater River State Forest makes an excellent day hike for campers and day visitors. 
Lakewood Park Scale the lofty heights of Florida in the rolling rural ridges north of DeFuniak Springs at a Walton County park atop Britton Hill, Florida's high point at 345 feet.
Shoal River Headwaters State Park Opened to the public in January 2026, Florida’s 176th state park offers miles of wide multiuse trails alongside Gum Creek, a tributary to the Shoal River.
Wilderness Landing Park On this 1.6 mile loop, traverse sandy bluffs and pine forests along the scenic Blackwater River at a remote park northwest of Crestview.