Connecting Karick Lake Recreation Area with the Red Rocks area of Blackwater River State Forest, the Jackson Red Ground Trail follows the path taken by General Andrew Jackson and his 1,200 troops in 1818 as they marched towards Pensacola from Apalachicola.
Jackson had just received orders to be in charge of the “Indian Removal” from the Florida Territory, which was still not quite fully wrested from Spain, another objective for the future president. The trail route itself pre-dated Jackson’s use, serving as a trade route for Native Americans between what are now Columbus, GA and Pensacola. Primarily immersed in longleaf pines and wiregrass, the Jackson Red Ground Trail also provides glimpses into bluff forests and titi swamps, and passes the historic Otathie Cemetery. Pitcher plants grow on seepage slopes along the trail. By arranging a shuttle, you can enjoy a weekend backpacking trip along the Jackson Red Ground Trail.
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Overview
Location: Munson
Length: 21.5 miles
Lat-Long: 30.896467, -86.641867 (northern trailhead, Karick Lake) and 30.785383, -86.886317 (southern trailhead, Red Rocks Rd)
Type: Linear
Fees / Permits: state forest entrance fee
Difficulty: Moderate
Bug factor: Low to moderate
Restroom: At Karick Lake
Local residents advise against leaving your car at Red Rocks Rd. Better to leave it at the Karick Lake Recreation Area (check in with the camp host) and arrange a shuttle to the Red Rocks Rd trailhead to hike this segment north. There is a camping shelter along the Florida Trail on this segment.
Directions
For the southern trailhead, follow SR 189 north from US 90 to Karick Lake Recreation Area. Use the Jackson Red Ground Trail, which starts at Karick Lake, to connect to the Wiregrass Trail (5 mile connector). Alternatively, access the trail via Hurricane Lake Recreation Area: follow SR 189 north to CR 28; turn west and follow signs to Hurricane Lake.
