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White topped pitcher plants in bloom

Garcon Point Trail

Pitcher plants and orchids accent expansive coastal prairie landscapes and diverse pine flatwoods along a series of trails at Garcon Point.

Milton      ( 30.470433, -87.083802 )      4 miles

201 shares

Occupying over 3,200 acres of a peninsula between major bays, Garcon Point Water Management Area showcases unique ecosystems surrounded by biodiverse estuaries.

Developed and maintained by the Western Gate Chapter of the Florida Trail Association, the trail system at Garcon Point allows for hikes of different lengths and features.

Low lying habitat with water beyond Blackwater Bay and East Bay are visible from the trails


For a shorter hike, a start at the south trailhead loops through pine flatwoods and alongside a prairie, returning to the parking area in 1.7 miles.

Parking at the north trailhead and hiking the loop is longer at 4 miles, although this route provides the best views and multiple chances to spot pitcher plants.

Oak leaves up close While not as showy as carnivorous plants, these oaks are a unique species


More than a dozen rare and endangered plants are found on this peninsula, making this hike a delight for botanizing.

No matter the time of year, you’ll find showy blossoms among the prairie grasses and bogs.

orchid in grass Delicate orchids peep from prairie grasses


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover Hiking the Gulf Coast 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: Milton
Length: 4 mile linear and loop
Trailhead: 30.470433, -87.083802
Address: 972 Avalon Blvd.; Milton, Florida 32583
Fees: Free
Restrooms: No
Land managers: Northwest Florida Water Management District
Phone: 850-539-5999

Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. You may get wet feet on this hike.

Draping red pitcher plant bloom


Directions

 
From Interstate 10 at Milton, head south on SR 281 for 4.5 miles. The north trailhead is located on the left side of the road. For the south trailhead, continue south on SR 281 for 0.9 mile, and the trailhead will be on the left.

Hike

Starting at the north trailhead, follow a wide pathway that quickly narrows while entering a shrubby pine flatwoods environment.

Saw palmettos and gallberry border the trail alongside various lime green and golden grasses.

Worn path between pines Pine prairie pathway


Blue blazes lead the way along a well-defined corridor as it winds towards the bay, slowly opening to panoramic views of an open pine savanna.

Following a wide curve away from the savanna, the terrain becomes a bit soggier as patches of pitcher plants begin to flank the trail.

Up close of parrot pitcher plants Parrot pitcher plants


Parrot pitcher plants cluster low to the ground, intermixed with orange milkworts and tiny pink ground orchids.

At a half mile, tall white-topped pitcher plants protrude from the edges of the trail before it reaches a small bridge crossing over an old ditch.

Bridge over water with pitcher plants adjoining Water crossing


These fascinating carnivorous plants produce curious red-accented, yellow-green flowers in the springtime.

Along with many other plants in pine flatwoods ecosystems, pitcher plants rely on regular fire disturbance for access to the abundant sunlight they need to thrive.

Cluster of white topped pitcher plants Pitcher plants in bloom


Beyond the first mile, the path may seasonally flood for a short stretch as it approaches an intersection with the loop trail.

Turn right at the junction to begin the loop in a counterclockwise direction, saving more prairie views for later.

Water accumulated in footpath in pines Wet trail


An occasional oak tree casts shade onto the trail as it weaves through a dense covering of bracken ferns and blueberry bushes.

Passing the south trailhead at 1.5 miles, the path follows blue blazes to the east as tree cover gradually becomes scarcer.

Lifesaving ring on a dead tree Old life preserver and blue blazes


Traveling along the edge of prairie and flatwoods, the trail is strikingly bright green as it cuts through swaths of tall grasses.

Pine tree branches gently sway in breezes that sweep inland from nearby East Bay while frogs chirp intermittently in the distance.

Grassy path in wet flatwoods Grassy greenway


Colorful asters dot the landscape alongside milkweed and chaffhead, sporting a variety of showy blooms throughout the year.

At the end of the loop, turn right, retracing your steps across the prairie for 1.2 miles before returning to the north trailhead.

Close up of milkweed Milkweed in bloom


Trail Map

Garcon Point Trail Map


Related Articles

Small group of hikers at Garcon Point

Two sides of the Yellow River

April 23, 2013//  by John Keatley

Finding Pitcher plants in Santa Rosa County

April 12, 2013//  by Sandra Friend

White-topped pitcher plant bloom at Garcon Point

Picture of Beauty

April 10, 2006//  by Sandra Friend


Explore More!

Video


Slideshow

See our photos of Garcon Point Preserve


Nearby Adventures

More worth exploring while you’re in this area.

Pitcher plants along the Clear Creek Nature Trail

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.

Yellow River Marsh pitcher plants

Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park

East of Pensacola, Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park is a sweeping panorama of wet prairies, home to the largest concentration of pitcher plants in Florida.

Bicycle parked along a paved path near a covered bench

Blackwater Heritage State Trail

Long forested corridors, gentle curves, and trailside amenities make this 9.9 mile linear paved bike path a pleasant ride near Pensacola.

Pitcher plant slope

Florida Trail, Hutton

An exceptionally scenic hike, the Hutton section of the Florida Trail navigates distinctive landscapes though clayhills, ravines, and pitcher plant bogs, encompassed in thick stands of pine.

Official Map Official Website

Category: Day Hikes, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Northwest Florida, TrailsTag: Birding, Botanical, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Navarre, Pensacola, Pitcher Plants, Scenic Hikes, Wildflowers

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