98.3 miles. It was once a national forest, established in 1909 the same time President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Ocala National Forest into existence.
But Choctawhatchee National Forest, covering 640 square miles west of Pensacola, was to be managed for timber and naval stores for the U.S. government.
Pines along the Catface sectionManagement of the forest was transferred to the U.S. Army in World War II, greatly expanding the footprint of Eglin Field.
Eglin Air Force Base is Florida’s largest military base, a decades-old research center and one of the top munitions testing sites in the United States.
Eglin is also home to rare plant communitiesA dedicated unit, the Jackson Guard, oversees its old-growth forests and their inhabitants while providing public access for recreation.
Largely along the outer edges of the military reservation, the Florida Trail traverses deeply folded terrain carved by creeks through some of the highest ground in Florida.
Steep descent to Bullhide CreekThe landscape creates challenging and satisfying terrain for backpackers to tackle between DeFuniak Springs and Crestview.
The dead-end Cimmaron Trail is meant to extend the Florida Trail in the future, but the challenge of crossing the Yellow River floodplain remains.
Yellow River at the end of the Cimmaron Trail (Chris Stevens)For now, the Florida Trail exits Eglin Air Force Base to follow SR 85 into Crestview and US 90 west, returning to the woods near Holt along the Yellow River floodplain.
It dips into the Yellow River Ravines, a rugged traverse through steepheads and bayheads on the north side of the river.
Weaver Creek, the final section inside Eglin Air Force Base, crosses sandhills and steepheads near East Bay, north of Navarre.
Sidehill along the Weaver Creek steepheadOur Florida Trail Books & Guides
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Trip Planning
Access
Eglin Air Force Base requires you obtain a recreational permit in advance of your hike. Both day use and year-long permits are available via iSportsman.
Five segments of this section are on base and require a permit for access: Owl’s Head, Alaqua, Catface, Titi, and Weaver Creek. You will also need one to hike the Cimmaron Trail.
Boardwalk in the floodplain of Oakie CreekThru-hikers starting or ending their hikes fifty miles beyond the base may call to arrange a special permit for the length of their stay. Contact the Jackson Guard at 850-882-4164.
Before your hike, call the Jackson Guard or check the Public Access Map online to ensure the base is open.
You may also visit the Jackson Guard visitor center in person along SR 85 in NicevillePortions of the trail may close during the week for military operations including land management activities such as prescribed burns.
FPCON DELTA status means the base is closed to all public access.
Backpacker camping at Red Deer campsiteCamping and Lodging
A series of designated campsites spans Eglin Air Force Base. Backcountry campsites include include Eglin Portal, Alaqua, Bull, Red Deer, Pearl, and Dean.
Those located at public recreation areas JR Walton and Speck Pond absolutely require a camping permit via iSportsman. They are drive-in areas so can be very busy on weekends.
Alaqua campsite is the roomiest for groupsWeekends and section hikers should obtain a permit for campsites online as part of your planning for backpacking.
On the Yellow River Ravines section there are two designated campsites—Guest Lake and Wild Azalea—and random camping is also permitted.
Wild Azalea campsiteNorth of Eglin Portal trailhead, DeFuniak Springs has an excellent collection of hotels near Interstate 10 and full services a mile farther north.
Less than two miles north of the SR 285 road crossing is a Sleep Inn adjoined by a Love’s Truck Stop at Interstate 10.
In Crestview, the Florida Trail leads you past dozens of hotels, restaurants, and stores. A hiker in town runs Lil’ Cubs Place, a hostel a few blocks east of downtown.
In Holt, walk-in campers are welcome at River’s Edge Campground, a mile before the west end of the Crestview Roadwalk.
Several hotels and a KOA are 2.2 miles north of where the trail emerges onto SR 87 in Milton before you cross the Yellow River into the Weaver Creek section.
Following blazes through downtown CrestviewDogs
Leashed dogs are permitted across the entire Eglin section. However, the trail passes through a dog training area on the Catface section, where you may encounter loose hunting dogs.
Hunting dog with radio collarWildlife
Bears are active in Eglin, so a bear canister or bear bagging your food is recommended.
White-tailed deer are plentiful. So are hogs, and some of them are very large. Do your best to avoid them.
We’ve spotted otter and raccoon tracks along the spring-fed creeks and spied fox squirrels watching us from oaks in the sandhills.
Eglin Air Force Base is also home to one of the largest colonies of red-cockaded woodpeckers in the Southeast thanks to its old growth pines.
Mammal footprints at a water sourceWater
At the far eastern side of this section, no reliable surface water exists between Owl’s Head trailhead and Moccasin Creek.
Hikers headed from Nokuse into Eglin should top off water bottles at Sweet Spot Creek. However, most of the remainder of Eglin east of Crestview has plenty.
Many water sources are easy to reachTo the west, the trail drops into the Yellow River basin, with several small springs trailside.
The Weaver Creek section is largely devoid of water sources except at Buck Pond, Weaver Creek, and Dean Creek.
Sandhill habitat in the Weaver Creek sectionResupply
After a long dry spell of few services since Blountstown, DeFuniak Springs makes for a great resupply stop north of the Eglin Portal trailhead, with a Walmart among its offerings.
Or if you’re good for a few more days, hold out until Crestview, where you walk right past one in addition to major grocery stores like Publix.
A Dollar General in Holt makes for an easy stop before heading into the Yellow River Ravines section. The Tom Thumb at SR 87 is your last chance resupply for the finale of this section.
Trailside Dollar General in HoltParking & Shuttles
See our mileage chart for trailhead locations. Shuttles involve some significant distances between rural towns and congestion around Crestview and Navarre at certain times of day.
Long distance hikers should join the Florida Trail Hikers Facebook group to request assistance. Be sure to compensate any shuttle volunteers for their gas and time.
Trailhead along SR 87 in the Weaver Creek sectionSafety
Military Base
In addition to their own training missions, Eglin Air Force Base hosts training for other branches of the military, including National Guard and Army Ranger units.
Ongoing military activities are why recreational permits are required. Hikers must stay on the trail and in designated campsites. Do not venture off the trail corridor.
The trail is well blazed, with many bridges and boardwalksWhile the Florida Trail skims the edge of the base, Eglin is a testing ground for munitions and also has an area where ordnance is disposed of by setting it off, entered from US 331.
If you come across anything that looks like a missile, bomb, or hand grenade, note the location and call Eglin Security Forces at 850-882-2502 to report it.
Pine forest in the Owl’s Head section along US 331The Public Access Map, updated daily, should be consulted before you hike at Eglin. It details all closures, which must be roadwalked around when they happen.
We’ve learned from friends who live in the area that the best time to section hike Eglin with minimal chance of a closure is during three-day Federal holiday weekends.
Crossing a plank footbridge over Blount CreekFlooding
Although a new suspension bridge provides safe passage over Alaqua Creek, the trail spends some time crossing its floodplain.
With many creek crossings to navigate, some in deep ravines, this is not a place to hike when water levels hit flood stage in any of these waterways (links to water gauges):
Alaqua Creek
Shoal River near Mossy Head
Yellow River
Most of the Yellow River Ravines section and a portion of the Weaver Creek section in the Yellow River floodplain and will be partly innuduated when the river is in flood stage.
Never walk into water flowing across the trail in these sections or in the Alaqua Creek floodplain, which starts at Blount Creek.
Alaqua Creek is deep and swift; you don’t want to accidently walk into it on the approach to the suspension bridge.
Alaqua CreekHunting
Seasonal hunting occurs both on Eglin Air Force Base, managed by the Jackson Guard, and along the Yellow River Ravines section inside Blackwater River State Forest.
Wear a bright orange shirt or vest during hunting seasons. Check hunting season dates in advance on the Eglin iSportsman website and the FWC website for the Blackwater WMA Carr Unit inside Blackwater River State Forest.
An orange pack cover also makes you obvious to huntersRoadwalks
This section of the Florida Trail contains its longest roadwalk, 21.2 miles from Pearl trailhead through Crestview west to the Yellow River Ravines section.
Little of it involves walking on paved road shoulders except to cross highway bridges and to descend on rural roads into the Yellow River basin.
Walking west along US 90Along the two busiest highways, SR 87 and US 90, paralleling sidewalks and utility easements largely provide a place to walk.
The toughest part is crossing the Interstate 10 ramps in Crestview. But walking through Crestview gives you easy access to lodgings, restaurants, and resupply stops.
Interstate 10 at CrestviewWear a bright shirt or safety vest so motorists see you. Be especially cautious crossing narrow highway bridges as large trucks barrel down these rural roads.
We were harassed by loose dogs near the Yellow River Airstrip. In cases where a sharp “no” or a swing of your hiking stick has no effect, it doesn’t hurt to have pepper spray as a backup.
The Yellow River from the SR 87 bridge pedestrian walkwayPeople
Inside Eglin, you may encounter airmen or soldiers in the backcountry, either on foot or in military vehicles on their extensive road system.
Keep a copy of your permit(s) on you or in your smartphone in case you’re asked to show it, which is mainly likely at Speck Pond and JR Walton Recreation Areas.
When the forest quiet is suddenly shattered by the sounds of thunder, particularly after dark, it’s likely fighter jets screaming overhead or bombs being dropped in the distance.
Folks who live along the edge of Eglin Air Force Base are used to the commotion, as are the hunters you might meet.
Speck Pond is right along SR 285Crestview is a small city, a Gateway Community along the Florida Trail. As in any urban area, keep alert to your surroundings and don’t leave your backpack unguarded.
West of Crestview, the trail enters a rural landscape with scattered convenience stores, a couple diners, and a busy Dollar General in Holt at the turnoff off US 90 westbound.
Be cautious of traffic when crossing roads and heed all “No Trespassing” signs, particularly along Log Lake Rd.
Entrance to Yellow River sectionTrail Map
Mileages
Key mile markers south to north. For more detail see trail segments below or consult our guides or app.
0.0 – Owl’s Head trailhead EGLIN boundary*
2.1 – Owl’s Head section ends at Segrest Rd
3.9 – Eglin Portal trailhead*
6.8 – Eglin Portal campsite*+
7.8 – Alaqua Creek*
13.6 – Alaqua campsite*+
16.8 – Alaqua trailhead*
19.8 – Florida Trail High Point*
20.5 – Bull campsite*+
28.5 – Red Deer campsite*+
30.3 – SR 285*
32.4 – Speck Pond Rec Area*$+ (0.7E)
38.4 – JR Walton Rec Area*$+
44.9 – Pearl campsite*+
45.8 – Pearl trailhead EGLIN boundary*
48.5 – CRESTVIEW
51.0 – Downtown CRESTVIEW
55.2 – MILLIGAN
60.6 – US 90 parking area
63.1 – HOLT
65.9 – River’s Edge Campground $
67.0 – Enter Yellow River Ravines
67.7 – jct Guest Lake campsite and parking
68.5 – Blackwater River State Forest boundary
74.7 – jct Blackwater section at Deer Lake
76.1 – Wild Azalea campsite
78.0 – Exit Yellow River Ravines for roadwalk
82.3 – SR 87
84.5 – Yellow River trailhead EGLIN boundary*
90.7 – Choctaw Field Rd*
92.7 – SR 87 trailhead*
95.3 – Dean campsite*+
97.8 – Nelda Rd EGLIN boundary*
98.3 – East Bay trailhead
$ fee charged. + designated campsite. * permit needed.
Trail Segments
Details about all segments of the Florida Trail in this section are in The Florida Trail Guide and app. The hikes below include some of our favorites for this section.
Each is described from the perspective of a day hiker, noting landmarks, water, and campsites along the way. Not all are oriented from south to north, but this is the order they are in 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, 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, 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.
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.Side Trails
Trails that interconnect with this Florida Trail route. The Blackwater section is an official side trail leading to Alabama, a route incorporated into the Eastern Continental Trail.
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, Blackwater The 45 mile Blackwater section of the Florida Trail walks through Atlantic white cedar and longleaf pine forests, pitcher plant bogs and titi swamps to reach Alabama.Land Managers
Lands this section of the Florida Trail crosses.
Eglin Air Force Base Florida's largest military base is also a major destination for outdoor recreation, thanks to well-managed habitats across a former national forest.
Blackwater River State Forest At Blackwater River State Forest near Milton, immerse yourself in the largest state forest in Florida: 190,000 acres surrounding the Blackwater River and its tributaries. Connections
Adjoining Florida Trail sections to the north and south.
Florida Trail, Seashore In addition to bike paths and the scenic UWF-SRIA Dunes Preserve, the 32-mile Seashore section of the Florida Trail walks you along a beach to the trail's Northern Terminus. 
Florida Trail, Central Panhandle West of the Apalachicola River, 99 miles of the Florida Trail stitches a series of public lands together along the corridor of the Northwest Florida Greenway.Suggested Articles
Plan your Florida Trail Hike Thinking of section hiking, thru-hiking, or simply backpacking the Florida Trail? Plan ahead with this step-by-step guide of what to do in advance of hiking the Florida Trail. 
Florida Trail Backpacking Backpackers will appreciate the many places the Florida Trail provides a pleasant overnight, three-day-weekend, or multi-day hiking experience to escape to the outdoors.
Section Hiking the Florida Trail Section hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail provides some logistical challenges, but a sense of satisfaction in being able to complete an 1,100-mile walk across Florida at your own pace.
Thru Hike the Florida Trail A thru-hike in Florida takes 60-90 days through lush landscapes you won't see on other long distance trails
Best Hikes on the Florida Trail Explore our picks for the best scenic hikes along the Florida Trail. We've hiked the entire trail: these are pieces of the trail we'd be happy to hike again and again.Recent Articles
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