Milton

Exploring Milton

Sitting at the edge of both Blackwater River State Forest and Eglin Air Force Base, Milton offers access to outstanding array of trails.

More than 60 miles of the Florida Trail slips through surrounding public lands, with comfortable campsites for backpackers.

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.

Florida Trail, Eglin One of the most compelling sections of the Florida Trail for backpackers, the 98.3 miles through Eglin offers rugged elevation changes and crystalline waterways.

Paddlers can put in at a variety of locations throughout the region to try out Coldwater Creek, Juniper Creek, or the Blackwater River, all tannic streams with a strong flow.

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.

Coldwater Gardens A private nature retreat north of Milton, Coldwater Gardens is a study in serenity, melding camping, gardening, and enjoyment of natural habitats along the Coldwater Creek basin.

Within Blackwater River State Forest, recreation areas provide waterfront campsites and access to expansive trail systems.

Bear Lake Trail At Blackwater River State Forest, each of the recreation areas offers access to hiking, and popular Bear Lake is no exception. A 3.8-mile trail loops around this impounded reservoir, which flows into Sweetwater Creek.

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.

Bone Creek Loop Trail Along a tributary of the Blackwater River, the Bone Creek Loop at Blackwater River State Forest is a well-maintained trail with a set of scenic boardwalks.

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.

Botanical beauty awaits along crystalline creeks, seepage slopes, and windswept bogs throughout the region.

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.

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

Finding Pitcher plants in Santa Rosa County In mid-April, the pitcher plants of Santa Rosa County are at their peak of bloom. During the 2013 Panhandle Trace Hike, we went in search of them and here's what we found.

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.

The Blackwater Heritage State Trail, one of the state’s oldest rail-trails, starts in downtown Milton and heads north through forests and bogs to end just outside Whiting Field.

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.

And a riverwalk along the Blackwater River offers a contemplative place for a stroll past a veteran’s memorial downtown.

Articles

On the 2013 Panhandle Trace Hike (4/25/2013) The 2013 Panhandle Trace Hike was the last that hike founder Peggy Grantham led, with about 15 people showing up on a daily basis to follow the Florida Trail south from Alabama towards the Seashore.

Camping at Blackwater River State Park (4/24/2013) A candid review of the campground at Blackwater River State Park near Milton, where we spent nearly a week, in numerous different sites, in spring 2013.