Florida Hikes

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

Spring basin with aquamarine water

Econfina Creek Nature Trail

On the Econfina Creek Nature Trail, discover rugged climbs, steep drop-offs, bubbling springs, and deep crevices into the earth as you walk between two major springs where you can swim.

Fountain (30.431620, -85.545753)   2.1 miles   Econfina Creek WMA

Flowing for nearly 26 miles over hilly landscapes, Econfina Creek is notable for being a hotspot of spring activity north of Panama City.

Eleven spring groups empty into the river, contributing significant flow. The area around Pitt Spring features several vents, two of which have been developed for easy access.

A surprisingly rugged nature trail connects Pitt, Sylvan, and Williford Springs, providing views of the unique creekside geology.

interpretive sign about karst at recreation area This walk illustrates karst features

Resources

Resources for exploring the area
Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover Paddlers Guide Florida
 
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Overview

Location: Youngstown
Length: 2.1 mile linear and loop
Trailhead: 30.432530, -85.546680
Address: 6315 E. Highway 20, Youngstown
Fees: Free
Restrooms: At the trailhead
Land manager: Northwest Florida Water Management District
Phone: 850-539-5999

Open 8 AM to sunset. No pets permitted.

Iris along a spring

Directions


 
From the intersection of US 231 and SR 20 in Fountain (north of Panama City), head west for 7.1 miles, and the park entrance is on the right immediately after crossing Econfina Creek.

Hike

Beginning at the parking area near Pitt Spring, a tall boardwalk leads past the restrooms towards Econfina Creek.

Following the walkway to the end, a quick detour to the right leads to a view of the creek where tubes can be launched from a dock.

Boardwalk into forest Boardwalk to Econfina Creek

Turn left, continuing along the boardwalk over limestone formations with clear water surrounded by swampy wetlands.

At 0.2 mile, a trailside platform provides a scenic viewpoint over the serene waters at Sylvan Springs.

Clear spring water with rocks underneath Sylvan Springs

At an intersection with a trail to the Strickland Parking Area continue northward, climbing in elevation as tree cover becomes more scarce.

Many of the trees towards the higher elevations on the trail have odd leaf growth patterns as leaves sprout from wherever they can to provide nourishment.

They are survivors of Hurricane Michael, a Category 4-5 storm that dramatically changed the dense canopied forest that once stood on these hills.

Flat path among trees sprouting leaves from trunks Peculiar foliage

The previously well-shaded forest floor has exploded with vegetation competing with the sudden increase in sunlight.

Redring milkweed and red buckeyes dot the edges of the trail alongside lyreleaf sage, yaupon holly, and Walter’s viburnum.

Buckeye blooms Red buckeye

Reaching 0.7 mile, the trail begins a loop towards Williford Spring at a junction.

After following a wooden fence alongside a steep slope, the trail descends using a long, steep switchback to the spring basin below.

The elevation change between bluff and creek is 70 feet. Karst features are prominent at the base of the bluff.

Fence along the edge of a trail with a dropoff Ridge side trail fence before the switchback

The clear run becomes visible through the trees at first. Along the path are giant boulders split apart by tiny streams.

There are deep pits and cracks through the forest, some bowl-shaped sinkholes, and caves you can peer into as the trail circles to the beautiful blue spring head lined with lilies.

A large set of steps leads into the azure waters, providing an opportunity to take a dip in the refreshingly cool waters on a hot day.

aquamarine spring with blue flag iris edging water Williford Spring

From Williford Spring, the trail takes a gradual climb along the other side of the loop to a high point overlooking the rolling landscapes surrounding Econfina Creek.

Upon completion of the loop, follow the pathway back to the trailhead before crossing the parking area to the swimming area at Pitt Spring.

aquamarine water edged by native plants Pitt Spring

Trail Map

Econfina Creek Nature Trail Map

Explore More!

Learn more about Pitt and Sylvan Springs Recreation Area

Tropical creek setting with clear spring water Pitt and Sylvan Springs Distinctly different in nature, massive Pitt Spring and burbling Sylvan Springs make up a popular swimming and launch area along Econfina Creek.

Video

A walk on the Econfina Creek Nature Trail

Slideshow

See our photos from Pitt and Sylvan Springs

Nearby Adventures

View from the Econfina Bluffs Florida Trail, Econfina Creek 18.4 miles. Winding along rolling hillsides north of Panama City, the Econfina Creek section of the Florida Trail offers a challenging hike with stunning views of its namesake creek.
Dogwoods arching over a frame of pines Pine Log State Forest Florida's oldest state forest offers waterfront camping and a variety of loop trails for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, plus a 5.7 mile linear segment of the statewide Florida Trail.
Footbridge in a pine forest Faye and Dutch Trail Looping six miles through Florida’s oldest state forest, the Faye and Dutch Trail can be tackled as a day hike or a short backpacking trip.
Beckton Spring Paddling Holmes Creek With a dozen launch points and more than 15 springs along its 16 mile length, Holmes Creek, a tributary of the Choctawhatchee River, is a must-do paddling trip along a remote waterway.

Official Website

Chris Stevens
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