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.
Camping at Blackwater River State Park
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.
Converging on the Panhandle Trace
With two hikes behind us, we drove toward west to join the Panhandle Trace Hike. Knowing that after ten years of leading this event long-time Florida Trail Association activity leader Peggy Grantham would be retiring, Sandy wanted to participate this year …
Florida Trail, Hutton
Milton 5.2 milesAn exceptionally scenic hike, the Hutton section of the Florida Trail navigates distinctive landscapes though clayhills, ravines, and pitcher plant bogs amid thick stands of pine.
Florida Trail, Jackson Red Ground Trail
Blackwater River State Forest 16.6 miles16.6 miles. On the very first trail built in Blackwater River State Forest, the Florida Trail rises up from the red clay bluffs of Juniper Creek to enter extensive longleaf pine forests.
Florida Trail, Juniper Creek
Blackwater River State Forest 7.3 miles7.3 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.
Florida Trail, Wiregrass Trail
Blackwater River State Forest 12.3 miles12.3 miles. On the northernmost segment of the Florida Trail, connecting to the greater Eastern Continental Trail at the state line with Alabama, the Wiregrass Trail immerses you in longleaf pine forests northeast of Pensacola.
Following Juniper Creek
On the third day of the 2013 Panhandle Trace Hike, we followed the Juniper Creek section of the Florida Trail away from the wildfires that burned to the north, experiencing beauty and absurdity along the way.
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.
In the Land of Tall Pines
Day 2 of the Panhandle Trace we rambled nearly 13 miles along the Wiregrass Trail and Jackson Red Ground Trail, finding wildflowers amid landscapes of longleaf pine along the footpath.
On the 2013 Panhandle Trace Hike
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.
South to Florida!
Kicking off the 2013 Panhandle Trace Hike at the Alabama border is no small task without help from a lot of friends. It's not easy to get to the terminus, but the hike south is beautiful.