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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From the Deer Lake junction, blue blazes lead north through the Blackwater section, a 45 mile route north to the Alabama border.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Articles
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Slideshow
Images from Blackwater River State Forest
Nearby Adventures
NEARBY: Blackwater River State Park, Crestview, Milton, Navarre, Pensacola | PART OF: Northwest Florida