Escribano Point WMA
Navarre 3.3 milesExplore coastal habitats along the estuaries of Blackwater Bay at this remote wildlife management area with several miles of trails and a beach for paddlers to launch from.
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.
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
Freeport to Navarre 98.3 milesOne of the most compelling sections of the Florida Trail for backpackers, the 98.3 miles through Eglin offers rugged elevation changes and crystalline waterways.
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, Northwest Florida
Encompassing the sweep of Florida west of the Suwannee River, the Florida Trail through Northwest Florida offers some of the most dramatic panoramas and rugged terrain you'll find while hiking in Florida.
Florida Trail, Weaver Creek
Eglin Air Force Base 14.3 miles14.3 miles. Along the western side of Eglin Air Force Base, the Florida Trail traverses high, dry sandhills with some impressive views.
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.
Florida Trail, Yellow River Ravines
Blackwater River State Forest 10.9 miles10.9 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.
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.