Blackwater River State Forest

Topped with longleaf pine and wiregrass, the undulating landscape of Blackwater River State Forest seems to stretch on forever.

With six campgrounds, eight recreation areas, and more than a dozen trails to choose from, you won’t run out of things to do.

Lady balancing on a long half-cut log with guy wire over stream

Hiker crossing a narrow footbridge

A significant stretch of the Florida Trail traverses the state forest top to bottom, with connector trails to major recreation areas.

Many recreation areas provide outstanding loop hikes showcasing lake views and botanical wonders.

Clear creek next to bench in swamp forest

Along the loop at Bone Creek Recreation Area (Chris Stevens)

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

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Overview

Location: Milton
Headquarters: 30.854443, -86.875307
Address: 11650 Munson Highway, Milton
Fees: $2 per person at recreation areas
Restroom: At recreation areas
Land manager: Florida Forest Service
Phone: 850-957-5700

The ranger station in Munson on CR 191 (Munson Highway) is just a little south of SR 4.

Leashed pets welcome except at swimming areas. Day use areas open sunrise to sunset.

Most recreation areas charge a day use fee. Camping fees and advance reservations are required. Access to the forest is otherwise free.

Seasonal hunting occurs throughout the forest. Check in advance regarding hunt dates before hiking or paddling.

Recreation Locations

About the Forest

With multiple campgrounds and recreation areas, Blackwater River State Forest is a major destination near Pensacola for outdoor recreation.

Contiguous with Eglin Air Force Base to the south and Conecuh National Forest to the north, it protects one of the last grand longleaf pine savannas in the Southeast.

Tall pines with wiregrass covering forest floor

Pine savanna near Hurricane Lake

Highways and backroads crisscrossing the forest immerse visitors in the grandeur of this habitat, but it’s best seen up close along the forest’s many trails.

Walk these quiet paths to find surprising places of splendor, the showiest of which may be the Red Rock Bluffs above Juniper Creek.

Red Rock Bluffs

Other trails in the forest includes an established paddling trail on the Blackwater River, many miles of dedicated equestrian trails, an extensive OHV trail system, and a state bike path.

Coldwater Recreation Area hosts riders on horseback, with horse stalls and a campground. It’s also a launch point for crystalline Coldwater Creek.

Crystal clear tannic shallow water — Coldwater Creek

Clear Creek Recreation Area is the go-to for OHV enthusiasts to start their ride on 52 miles of offroad trails for ATVs, motorcycles, and Jeeps.

More than 50 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail also traverses Blackwater River State Forest on two different routes.

A major trail junction for the Florida Trail near Deer Lake

Hiking

Along the Florida Trail, orange blazes run east-west along the south edge of the forest near the Yellow River between Holt and Milton.

Florida Trail, Yellow River Ravines 10.9 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.

From the Deer Lake junction, blue blazes lead north through the Blackwater section, a 45 mile route north to the Alabama border.

Words Florida Trail Blackwater across red bluffs dropping to river

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.

The three oldest segments of the Blackwater section were built in the 1970s. The Jackson Trail quickly became the westernmost outpost of the statewide Florida Trail.

Florida Trail, Jackson Red Ground Trail 16.6 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 7.3 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 12.3 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.

The linear Hutton Unit portion of the Florida Trail starts south of Deaton Bridge. Loop hikes circle Bear Lake, Karick Lake, and Bone Creek Recreation Areas.

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.

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.

Florida Trail, Hutton An 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.

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.

Biking

Extending from Milton north to the edge of NAS Whiting Field, the Blackwater River Heritage Trail passes through the forest parallel to SR 191.

The 8.1 mile route from US 90 to the base traverses floodplain swamps and pine flatwoods within the state forest.

Bicycle parked along a paved path near a covered bench

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.

Camping

Campgrounds are largely situated in recreation areas along man-made lakes created by damming tributaries of the Blackwater River long ago.

These recreation areas include Bear Lake, Krul, Karick Lake (North and South), and Hurricane Lake (North and South). Each has access to hiking trails.

Bear Lake Campground

All sites at recreation areas must be reserved in advance. Bathhouses are provided.

Backcountry camping is available at designated campsites and shelters along the Florida Trail.

Camping shelter along the Juniper Creek Trail

Paddling

Paddlers can arrange shuttle services with several Milton-area outfitters for trips down Coldwater Creek, Juniper Creek, and the Blackwater River.

Designated paddling trails can also be tackled on your own. Be mindful of river levels, as the river and its tributaries are dangerously swift during floods.

Blackwater River (PDF) Coldwater Creek (PDF)

Stopping on a beach along Juniper Creek

Botanical Study

Careful conservation of habitat means the forest is a haven for botanical beauty, thanks to its healthy longleaf pine and wiregrass ecosystem.

Hundreds of small bogs on seepage slopes and along the edges of creeks makes it possible to spot pitcher plants throughout the forest. These carnivorous beauties bloom in April.

Dense swarm of pitcher plants on a seepage slope

In early spring, mountain laurel blooms along Juniper Creek and the Blackwater River in shades of pink and white.

Atlantic white cedars, distinctive with their whorled bark, rise to incredible heights, and there are longleaf pines too broad to wrap your arms around.

Mountain laurel near Juniper Creek

Articles

Two sides of the Yellow River (4/23/2013) Hiking through the Yellow River Ravines section on the Panhandle Trace Hike was a new experience for us all, as it's a newly opened segment of trail near Milton.

Hiking the Hills of Hutton (4/21/2013) 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.

Slideshow

Images from Blackwater River State Forest

Nearby Adventures

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.

Pitcher plants along the Clear Creek Nature Trail

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.

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.

Florida Trail, Weaver Creek 14.3 miles. Along the western side of Eglin Air Force Base, the Florida Trail traverses high, dry sandhills with some impressive views.

Trail Map (PDF) Hunt Dates Reserve Campsite Official Website

NEARBY: Blackwater River State Park, Crestview, Milton, Navarre, Pensacola | PART OF: Northwest Florida