Both Avon Park Air Force Range and Eglin Air Force Base offer hiking along the Florida Trail. At Avon Park, hikers must call in advance (863-452-4254 on weekdays 7:30-3:30, or 941-452-4119 for a recorded message) to confirm that the range is not closed due to military operations. At Eglin, you must obtain an Eglin Recreational Use Permit in advance of your visit. Permits are good for one fiscal year, starting September 1, and cost $10. You may obtain the permit in person at the Jackson Guard office on SR 85 (Mon-Thu 7-4:30, Fri 7-6, Sat 7:30-12:30); you will be required to watch a brief video on recognizing ordinance (unexploded bombs). If you plan to backpack, you must also purchase a camping permit for an additional $5 fee. To obtain the permits by mail, write

Eglin Natural Resources Branch
107 Highway 85 North
Niceville, FL 32578

Include a photocopy of your driver’s license (or other id with current address and date of birth) and a check (payable to DFAS-LI Eglin AFB) or money order for $7. When hiking in Eglin AFB, you are also required to sign in at each trailhead kiosk by completing a user self-registration card (where the camping fee may be paid). Carry the bottom half in your possession at all times.

When hiking on a military installation, carry a photo id in case you are stopped by military personnel. If you come across unexploded ordinance (grenades, bombs, missiles) call the contact for that base immediately to report its position, and give it a wide berth.