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.
Blackwater Bay and East Bay are visible from the trailsFor 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.
While not as showy as carnivorous plants, these oaks are a unique speciesMore 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.
Delicate orchids peep from prairie grassesResources
Resources for exploring the area
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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.
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.
Pine prairie pathwayBlue 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.
Parrot pitcher plantsParrot 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.
Water crossingThese 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.
Pitcher plants in bloomBeyond 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.
Wet trailAn 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.
Old life preserver and blue blazesTraveling 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 greenwayColorful 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.
Milkweed in bloomTrail Map
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Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
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 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.
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.
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.