Hiking Eglin Air Force Base

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.

Exploring Eglin Air Force Base

In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt established this vast preserve of longleaf pine forest and coastal live oaks as Choctawhatchee National Forest, a working Federal forest for timber and turpentine.

When those resources tapped out, the Army Air Corps was eager to take on the land to expand their operations, gearing up to train pilots on bombing runs for World War II.

Covering 640 square miles of Northwest Florida, Eglin Air Force Base is now one of the largest military reservations on the East Coast.

For decades, the Jackson Guard, a branch of the service on base, has overseen outdoor recreation opportunities for the public.

First it was access for hunting, fishing, and camping. By the late 1990s, the Florida Trail Association was permitted to build a trail across the reservation.

The Eglin section of the Florida National Scenic Trail is one of the finest backpacking destinations in the state thanks to its rugged topography, plentiful streams, and old growth forests.

Popular mountain bike trails are located just north of Fort Walton Beach, and paddlers enjoy tackling Titi Creek.

Rules and Regulations

Since Eglin is an active military base, all visitors must follow posted rules and regulations.

Anyone planning to enjoy the outdoors at Eglin Air Force Base must obtain an Outdoor Recreation permit. Obtain your permit online.

Before heading to Eglin Air Force Base to hike, bike, paddle, or camp, you must always check ahead that the area you plan to visit is not closed due to military exercises.

Check the Public Access Map online or call 850-882-4164. FPCON DELTA status means the entire base is closed to public access.

Eglin Air Force Base is an active military base with ongoing ordinance testing on a bombing range.

If you notice any sort of ordinance – rocket, bomb, hand grenade – do not approach it but note the location and call Eglin Security Forces at 850-882-2502 to report it.

For your safety, stay on marked trails and in designated recreation areas.

Wear a bright orange shirt or vest during hunting seasons. Check the Eglin iSportsman website for hunting season dates.

Trails and Recreation at Eglin Air Force Base

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, Alaqua 12.8 miles. With significant botanical beauty, rugged climbs, and nice campsites, the Alaqua section of the Florida Trail in Eglin Air Force Base is one of the most scenic parts of the trail statewide.

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 98.3 miles. One of the most compelling sections of the Florida Trail for backpackers, 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, Weaver Creek 14.3 miles. Along the western side of Eglin Air Force Base, the Florida Trail traverses high, dry sandhills with some impressive views.