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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.

Florida Trail, Central Panhandle  |  Econfina Creek WMA
( 30.548933, -85.435780 )      18.4 miles

18.4 miles. One of the most famous sections of the Florida Trail, Econfina Creek was radically changed by Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Although the landscape has been altered by incredible forces of nature, it continues to be a spectacularly scenic destination for hiking and overnight backpacking.

Bridge over sandy arc The Econfina Creek section has many bridges along it


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

The Florida Trail Guide book cover Florida Trail small coffee table book North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover

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


Overview

Location: Fountain
Length: 18.4 miles linear
Trailhead: 30.548933, -85.435780
Address: Scott Rd, Fountain
Fees: None
Restroom: None
Land manager: Northwest Florida Water Management District
Phone: 850-722-9919

Leashed dogs welcome. Hunting is permitted seasonally, so check hunt dates in advance of your visit and wear bright orange during hunting seasons.

Flooding is always a possibility along Econfina Creek, so before driving here to hike this section, always consult the flood gauge for this area.

Camping is free, but certain designated campsites must be reserved in advance through NWFWMD.

Sun streaming through forest above bluff over creek


Directions

 
From Interstate 10, head south on US 231 for 15.3 miles, and turn right onto Scott Rd. Follow Scott Rd for 2.6 miles, turning left at the sign for the trailhead. The parking area is located 0.2 miles down a dirt road.
 
The southern terminus is 10 miles west of Fountain along SR 20, on north side of the highway past the entrance to Pitt Spring. It is an obvious parking corral with kiosk in the middle of a barren plain.

Hike

Passing through a gap in the fence next to a kiosk at the south end of the parking lot, a narrow trail leads into a stand of young longleaf pines.

In 0.2 mile, turn right at a wooden sign assembled with four planks that indicate distances to upcoming trail bridges.

Orange blazes and FNST sign Trail entrance at Scott Road trailhead


The pathway slowly descends into a hardwood forest, although shade is limited.

Much of the long-established canopy was blown over from Hurricane Michael, exposing the forest floor to generous sunlight.

This sudden change has produced an interesting landscape as numerous plants compete, covering the sandy soils at a shrub-like height.

Tunnel of overgrowth Recovering forest


Grape vines shroud large swaths of low-lying vegetation adjacent to young southern magnolias and spruce pine saplings.

Within a mile, the sound of water rushing over Stairstep Shoal can be heard through the trees.

The trail opens along the bank of Econfina Creek at a scenic spot overlooking this feature created by underwater limestone formations.

Creek with limestone shoals Stairstep Shoal


Continuing southwest, the trail traverses sandy bluffs alongside this tannic waterway, crossing a series of small bridges over seasonal tributaries.

In a mile, an impressive feat of engineering known as Two Penny Bridge allows passage over Econfina Creek.

Long wood suspension bridge Two Penny Bridge


Large, toppled trees crisscross the trail and creek, expertly cut by Florida Trail volunteers who spent countless hours clearing the path after the storm.

The creek flows swiftly to the left now, providing picturesque views of the rippling current, and a waterfall that cascades down the opposite shore.

Waterfall beyond fallen trees Econfina Falls


At 2.5 miles, the trail crosses a tributary known as Branning Branch, using the sturdy Apple Bridge.

Mountain laurels sporadically border the trail, sporting striking white flowers accented with hints of scarlet that bloom in early spring.

Delicate white and pink bloom cluster Mountain laurel


The creek picks up pace as the geology changes, and surface limestone becomes more prevalent.

Nearly vertical walls of rock line the water’s edge at some points, forming an intriguing natural channel through the woods.

Trees fallen over creek Limestone wall


After crossing another large structure over the Econfina known as the Fender Bridge, the trail traces along the south side of the creek again.

In about three hundred feet, a small spring run of crystal-clear water flows underneath a sturdy bridge, providing an excellent source of cool water.

Wooden suspension bridge Fender Bridge


Venturing further south, the banks become taller, with the winding creek visible over steep edges.

The terrain becomes more rugged, and multiple bridges over creeks and ravines make trekking easier.

A few of the bluffs offer incredible panoramic views adjacent to flat areas suitable for camping.

Sharp curve in creek Panoramic bluff


Reaching the 8.5-mile mark, the trail passes a little campground and swimming area known as Devils Hole.

This sinkhole is spring-fed and can be blue under the right conditions, although debris and loss of tree cover due to the hurricane can make the water less inviting for a swim at times.

Ladder into water filled sinkhole Devils Hole


The next mile of trail passes through a few designated campgrounds that were radically changed by the storm.

Large swaths of trees were removed and mulched to mitigate the damage, leaving an exposed hilly landscape next to the creek. Camping is allowed in the spots by reserving in advance.

Trail blazes through chopped wood Trail alongside the cleared area


After crossing a road bridge over the creek and under powerlines, the trail delves back into dense forest.

The trail continues alongside the creek for the next mile before heading away from the water for the rest of the hike.

A tiny flow of clear-blue water rises from Tupelo Spring on the left, a remarkable water feature submerged near the shore.

Peering into clear water Tupelo Spring


Leaving the creek, the trail heads westward, climbing to the rim of tall sandy bluffs on a horseshoe curve in Econfina Creek.

After another climb, it dives steeply into a ravine to cross a clear spring run at Quail Farm Spring Run before an extremely steep ascent to the sandhills.

Ferns and logs in spring Quail Farm Spring Run


Follow the footpath through rolling hills, crossing Strickland Road before reaching Rattlesnake Spring Ravine.

Impressively steep by Florida standards, the sidehill path bites into the slope of the ravine, following the run until it opens to Rattlesnake Pond.

Dead trees in marshy water Rattlesnake Pond


Skirting the pond’s edge, the trail ascends through pine forest, passing a blue-blazed side trail to Rattlesnake Pond Camp, a designated backpacking site.

Crossing a forest road, the landscape changes quickly as rolling hills overlook depressions filled with distant prairie ponds.

Sign for campsite trail Blue trail to the campsite


In 1.5 miles, the trail passes through Little Porter Pond Campsite, situated next to a scenic vista overlooking this expanse of water.

A switchback eases the quick climb in elevation from the pond up to the neighboring sandhills and pine plantations.

Sign for campsite with pond beyond Little Porter Pond


The Chair, a trail-famous landmark sits alongside the path in the middle of a stand of pines.

Although its origin is unknown, the odd chair with a makeshift seat of old branches offers a spot to rest or take a photo.

Metal chair with sticks for seat The Chair


After crossing a few more forest roads, the trail slices across a hilly countryside dotted with longleaf pines.

This particularly scenic habitat is covered in golden grasses and showy sky-blue lupine that bloom in the spring.

Clusters of shrubs in wiregrass under pines Sandhills


The last quarter mile of trail cuts across a cleared area covered in longleaf pine saplings before following a forest road a short distance to the SR 20 trailhead.

The hike concludes at a small parking area next to a large kiosk with a Florida Trail sign.

FLORIDA TRAIL NORTHBOUND: SR 20 Roadwalk
FLORIDA TRAIL SOUTHBOUND: Chipola West Roadwalk

Young longleaf spikes New growth


Trail Map

Florida Trail Econfina Creek Trail Map


Explore More!

Learn more about the Florida Trail in the Eastern Panhandle

Florida Trail Nokuse

Florida Trail, Central Panhandle

99.3 miles. West of the Apalachicola River, the Florida Trail stitches a series of public lands together along the corridor of the Northwest Florida Greenway.

Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Bluff above Econfina Creek

Econfina Nature Trail

On the Econfina 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.

Pine Log State Forest

Florida’s oldest state forest, Pine Log State Forest north of Panama City Beach offers a variety of loop trails as well as a segment of the statewide Florida Trail

Cypress Creek boardwalk

Florida Trail, Choctawhatchee River

8.7 miles. Crossing majestic longleaf pine forests in Nokuse Plantation, the Florida Trail along the Choctawhatchee River also showcases natural features in the river basin between Cypress Creek and Seven Runs.

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.

Trail Map (PDF) Hunt Dates Reserve Campsite Official Website

Category: Backpacking, Florida Trail, Hikes, Northwest Florida, Trails, Water Management AreasTag: Best Florida Trail Backpacking, Big Trees, Econfina Creek WMA, Florida Trail, FT Central Panhandle, Hilly, Marianna, Panama City Beach, Primitive Camping, Sinkholes, Springs, Waterfalls

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Our Florida Trail Books

The Florida Trail Guide

The Florida Trail GuideThe comprehensive mile-by-mile guidebook to planning section and thru-hikes along the entire length of the Florida Trail. 356 pages, $19.95 + tax and shipping.

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Florida Trail HikesFifty of the best day hikes, overnights, and weekend trips on the Florida Trail, plus nine of the best section hikes. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. 376 pages. $24.95 + tax and shipping.

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Discovering the Florida Trail

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Our virtual walk along the length of the Florida Trail, covering more than 1,500 miles from the Everglades to Pensacola Beach. Hardcover, 196 pages. $24.95 + tax and shipping.

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The Florida Trail

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Our history of the first 50 years of the Florida Trail, from its founding in 1966 to becoming a National Scenic Trail to volunteer efforts today.

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The Florida Trail App

Comprehensive logistics and offline maps all in one: The Florida Trail Guide is now also an interactive map-based mile-by-mile app by Guthook Guides.

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Florida Trail Updates


Get periodic recaps of changes to the Florida Trail, which we accumulate between editions of our guidebook. Find all official Trail Closures & Notices here.

Hiking the Florida Trail

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Florida Trail by Section

Porter Lake, Apalachicola National Forest

Florida Trail, Apalachicola

Florida Trail, Apalachicola
Florida Trail Big Bend view

Florida Trail, Big Bend

Florida Trail, Big Bend
Florida Trail Big Cypress

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Florida Trail, Big Cypress

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Florida Trail, Blackwater
Florida Trail Nokuse

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Florida Trail, Central Panhandle
Eglin Weaver Creek

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Florida Trail, Eglin
Florida Trail Kissimmee

Florida Trail, Kissimmee

Florida Trail, Kissimmee
Florida Trail at Rice Creek

Florida Trail, Northeast Florida

Florida Trail, Northeast Florida
Juniper Prairie Wilderness

Florida Trail, Ocala

Florida Trail, Ocala
Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail

Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail

Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail
Florida Trail, Okeechobee

Florida Trail, Okeechobee

Florida Trail, Okeechobee
Florida Trail at Forever Florida

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Florida Trail, Orlando
Florida Trail Seashore Dunes

Florida Trail, Seashore

Florida Trail, Seashore
Florida Trail along a canal south of Clewiston

Florida Trail, Seminole

Florida Trail, Seminole
No Name Creek

Florida Trail, Suwannee

Florida Trail, Suwannee
Cypress Lakes Preserve

Florida Trail, Western Corridor

Florida Trail, Western Corridor

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