14.2 miles. Climbing to the highest elevations along the Florida Trail, the challenging Catface section leads hikers up and down steep hills and through pine flatwoods along the northern edge of Eglin Air Force Base.
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Overview
Keeping close to the northern edge of Eglin Air Force Base, the Catface section is notable for its elevation changes.
It’s one of the few places along the Florida Trail where you do have to scramble down slopes and back up again in search of water and stream crossings.
Primarily crossing oak forests and stretches of Choctawhatchee sand pine, it is generally less botanically diverse than the adjoining segments, with the exception of Anise Creek, a hotbed of Florida star anise trees.
Most frequently tackled as an overnight backpacking trip, it offers two designated campsites along the route.
Trip Planning
All hikers must have a permit in advance of arriving at Eglin Air Force Base.
Day hikers and section hikers not continuing at least 50 miles beyond Eglin must obtain a $5 day use or $20 annual Outdoor Recreation permit. Obtain your permit online.
Eglin has a FREE permit for thru-hikers. After creating an online account and watching the required video via the link above, call them at 850-882-4165 to arrange your permit.
Before your hike, call 850-882-4164 or check the Public Access Map online to ensure the base is open: FPCON DELTA status means the base is closed to public access.
Eglin is an active military installation with ongoing training maneuvers. Aircraft may fly very low over the tree canopy and you may hear bombing.
Stay in the trail corridor and use established campsites. 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.
Check hunt dates as a part of your trip planning, and always wear bright orange clothing during hunting seasons.
Directions
For the eastern access to this section, Alaqua trailhead is along Bob Sikes Road, 6.6 miles west of US 331 in Defuniak Springs. It has a sloped, somewhat rough parking area adjoining the kiosk. On the western end, the Old SR 285 trailhead is 2 miles south of Interstate 10 at Mossy Head.
Hike
Starting out from the Alaqua trailhead, the first half-mile plunges you down through a beech-magnolia forest into a rare wonderland of Florida star anise trees, which sport red blooms in early spring.
Climbing up into sand pine forests on the higher ridges, the trail continues along the highest elevations in this portion of Eglin Air Force Base.
There is even a sign to mark the highest elevation on the Florida Trail, found not far from Bull campsite. The water source for the campsite is an adventure to reach, given the steep slopes down to it.
Traversing the tops of forested sand ridges, the trail frequently slopes off into ravines below, leading you into them as each tributary crossing comes up. Some of these scrambles require stairs set into the sandy bluffs.
Water here is fresh and clear, a pleasure to find and filter. Dense vegetation clusters around the waterways in these steep-sided ravines.
In the high spaces between them, sand pine – and former sand pine plantations undergoing restoration to clayhill habitat – is the most common forest you’ll traverse, with puffs of seafoam colored deer moss sprouting from the pine duff.
As elevations begin to drop, the trail settles into some marshy areas, particularly as it approaches the branches of Hog Creek. Bog bridges generally prevent wet feet.
Red Deer campsite is the second campsite along this segment, and has more pleasant wooded areas in which to pitch a tent.
Both campsites – and much of this segment of trail – suffer from proximity to Interstate 10. Noise carries, especially after dark.
Dropping down and over Red Deer and Wise Creeks, the trail crosses SR 285 and follows the crumbling asphalt of the old highway for a stretch before this section ends at the Old SR 285 trailhead.
Southbound / Northbound
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, 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.Suggested Articles
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Learn more about the Florida Trail, Eglin
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.Slideshow
See our photos of Catface section, Florida Trail Eglin Air Force Base
Nearby Adventures
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.
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