One of the largest forests in the state, Blackwater State Forest protects more than 213,000 acres of land in the Western Panhandle near Milton.
Although the trail through the Hutton Unit is blazed with blue instead of the typical orange blaze, it is a section of the Florida Trail.
The unique topography and vegetation make this a popular spot for day hiking and backpacking.
Rounded bench along the footpathOur Florida Trail Books & Guides
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Overview
Location: Harold
Length: 5.2 mile linear
Trailhead: 30.654909, -86.888359
Address: Pond Rd, Milton, FL 32583
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Florida Forest Service
Phone: 850-957-5700
Open 24 hours. Designated primitive campsite available. Leashed dogs welcome.
Seasonal hunting occurs. If you plan to hit the trails here, check ahead regarding hunt dates.
Directions
From Interstate 10 exit 31, Milton, follow SR 87 north for one mile. Turn right on US 90 and drive 5.2 miles east. Turn left on Pond Rd, immediately before the small community of Harold on the right. The southernmost trailhead nearly adjoins the railroad crossing you go over. The two other trailheads are along Deaton Bridge Rd, the next road on the left off US 90 past Pond Rd.
Hike
Starting at the parking area, follow blue blazes northward as the trail enters the woods, passing a sign indicating the start of the Blackwater trails.
After a short jaunt under forested canopy, the path opens to a scrubby clayhill habitat.
Blackwater trails signA well-defined sandy path weaves through this dry environment, home to skyblue lupine, persimmons, and prickly pear cacti.
Meandering across an open space, the trail turns to the left and into a forest of pine.
Skyblue lupineSeveral unique structures built by the Florida Trail Association are along the path, including rounded benches and a 90-degree walkway over Tiny Creek.
As the trail takes a jog to the east, it rises slightly, crossing a road that leads west to Summit Camp and offering views over the surrounding countryside.
Tiny Creek bridgeShortly after descending the hill, the trail is bordered to the right by a bog covered in white pitcher plants and bracken fern.
Pitcher plants are an intriguing carnivorous form of vegetation that capture insects to thrive in nutrient-poor soils.
White-top pitcher plantsContinuing northward, the trail cuts through a dense carpet of brackens under young pines and turkey oaks.
Scorch marks on the tree trunks serve as a reminder of how often this habitat is subjected to controlled burns.
Blue blazes through the pinesThe topography quickly becomes more rugged alongside seasonal creeks that drain to Blackwater River.
An unmarked forest road to the right leads to the equestrian trailhead for the Hutton Unit, a half mile SE across from Blackwater Canoe Rental.
Cross a bridge over a dry ravine. Soon after, a sign indicates a side trail worth following.
It descends to a steephead ravine created by a clear spring run. Wild azaleas flourish in the wet areas around this little oasis.
Native pinxter azalea in bloomIn a half mile, the trail enters Blackwater River State Park, tracing a path through an area of longleaf pine restoration.
This section is also burned regularly to help restore the habitat along the south side of the river.
Charred longleaf pinesThe trail continues through forest for the next 0.2 mile before taking a left onto Deaton Bridge Road, reaching the trailhead in another 0.2 mile.
Connections
Southbound, the trail crosses US 90 to proceed into the Deer Lake section, reaching the southern end of the Blackwater section at Deer Lake junction.
Northbound, Deaton Bridge crosses Blackwater River, offering views of this tannic waterway and its sandy shorelines. The Juniper Creek Trail starts from the trailhead north of the river bridge.
Northbound
Florida Trail, Juniper Creek 7.3 miles. Also known as the Juniper Creek Trail, the Florida Trail at Juniper Creek is a gorgeous place to explore, with its panorama at Red Rocks and botanical delights along and above the creek basin.
Blackwater RiverTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about the FT and Blackwater River State Forest
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.
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. Related Articles
Hiking the Hills of Hutton Hiking the Florida Trail across the Hutton Unit of Blackwater River State Forest means you're in for a hilly walk, as we discovered while searching for pitcher plants and the high point of the Florida Trail.
The Harold Store A hiker stop for resupply and refreshment along the Panhandle Trace, the Harold Store is right along US 90 in the tiny roadside hamlet of Harold. A visit was a must.Slideshow
See our photos of the Hutton Unit
Nearby Adventures
Blackwater River State Park Stunning white sand beaches along the Blackwater River tempt swimmers during the warm months and paddlers and hikers all year to this state park east of Milton.
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.
Clear Creek Nature Trail The Clear Creek Nature Trail leads you to a wonderland of bright blossoms and lacy white-veined trumpets reflected against reflections of the sky.
Karick Lake Loop Crossing a series of boardwalks over creeks and a bog laden with rare carnivorous plants, the Karick Lake Loop at Blackwater River State Forest makes an excellent day hike for campers and day visitors. 
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