99.5 miles. Working its way to a sweep of public lands making up the Northwest Florida Greenway, considered one of America’s top biodiversity hot spots, the Florida Trail heads west from the Apalachicola River into the Central Time Zone.
West of the paved Blountstown Greenway, it uses connecting roadwalks to tack together footpaths in the Chipola River Greenway, Econfina Creek Water Management Area, Pine Log State Forest, and the privately owned Nokuse Plantation.
En route, marvel at the “Look and Tremble” rapids of the Chipola River and waterfalls and springs pouring into Econfina Creek. Explore steephead ravines and rolling sandhills whenever the trail makes its way onto public lands.
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Trip Planning
Camping and Lodging
This section is tricky logistically because there are long roadwalks between public lands with designated campsites. Westbound from the Apalachicola River bridge, you walk past the unassuming Airport Motel before reaching other services in Blountstown.
Beyond the end of a spur trail off the Blountstown Greenway, the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement has permitted long distance hikers to pitch a tent. This living history center is run by volunteers and they can always use an extra hand. Call ahead and be sure to stop in their office for instructions on where you can camp.
Centrally located on the Chipola West roadwalk between Altha and Econfina, Hillcrest Baptist Church welcomes hikers with a small hostel and camping on site as part of their ministry.
At Econfina Creek WMA, camping at recreation area sites requires a free permit in advance from Northwest Florida Water Management District. The trail also has backcountry campsites that do not require a permit.
There are two designated campsites at Pine Log State Forest, plus a nicely appointed campground with bathhouse. On the west bank of the Choctawhatchee River, Walton County maintains a first-come first-served set of three camping shelters at Cowford Landing.
The Nokuse section caps off the Central Panhandle section at its western end with four designated campsites. Random camping is not permitted as it is private land.
Dogs
We are unaware of any restrictions on dogs along this section but they may not be welcome at lodgings. Keep in mind the roadwalks are tough on dogs, too.
Wildlife
Nokuse means “bear” in the Creek language. Hikers have spotted Florida black bears there as well as at Econfina Creek WMA and Pine Log. Use precautions for your food storage.
White-tailed deer are common. An uncommon species, fox squirrels may be seen in sandhill habitats. They are larger than a gray squirrel and chestnut brown to black.
Water
Access to water is mainly a problem along the roadwalks because of minimal to no services along rural roads. Our app points out water sources along the way. The Econfina Creek section has some excellent springs.
Resupply
Stock up at a full service grocery when you start this section northbound from Blountstown. A Dollar General is near the US 231 crossing east of Econfina WMA, and another is in Ebro. One lone convenience store is a third of the way along the roadwalk from Econfina to Pine Log.
Parking & Shuttle
See our mileage chart for trailhead locations. Shuttles can be difficult in this region due to the distances involved between rural towns. Long distance hikers should join the Florida Trail Hikers Facebook group to request assistance. Be sure to compensate any shuttle volunteers for their gas and time.
Safety
Flooding
Flooding is frequently a problem in this region, as the trail enters several major floodplains. If you run into flowing water anywhere, turn around. Check water levels for the following waterways before tackling the following pieces of trail:
Chipola River WMA (Altha)
Econfina Creek WMA
Choctawhatchee River Section Nokuse
Lafayette Creek in Nokuse is notorious for overflowing its banks and is very dangerous when it does so. If you discover that basin flooded when you reach it, use the blue-blazed high water trail along the power lines to avoid the hike along the creek.
Hunting
Seasonal hunting occurs at Chipola River WMA, Econfina Creek WMA, Pine Log State Forest, and within Nokuse where the trail enters Choctawhatchee River WMA and Lafayette Creek WMA for brief stretches where the designated campsites are located.
Wear a bright orange shirt or vest during hunting seasons. Check the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission website for the current year’s hunting seasons. They vary from year to year.
During general gun season (fall deer hunting), hikers may only camp at Sand Pond Campground (fee) in Pine Log State Forest.
Roadwalks
Although the roadwalks are lengthy along this section, you can often walk parallel to the highway on tracks laid down by utility trucks and ATVs.
Wear a bright shirt or safety vest so motorists see you. Walk against traffic. Be especially cautious crossing narrow highway bridges as large trucks barrel down these rural roads.
In cases where a sharp “no” doesn’t work with a loose dog, it doesn’t hurt to have pepper spray as a backup.
People
This is a rural farming and logging region that was economically devastated by Hurricane Michael in 2017. Expect some wrecked and abandoned buildings.
The people you meet are generally friendly and curious about your journey. Random acts of kindness sometimes surprise and delight hikers along this section. However, heed all “No Trespassing” signs. They mean it.
Trail Map
Mileages
Key mile markers south to north. For more detail including campsites see trail segments below or consult our guides or app.
0.0 – Apalachicola River highway bridge
2.9 – Depot Park BLOUNTSTOWN
4.3 – SR 71 trailhead
12.4 – Altha Trail, Upper Chipola WMA
13.3 – Look and Tremble Rapids
14.2 – Willis Bridge Park
15.8 – Shelton Park (0.2W)
20.3 – Hillcrest Baptist Church
31.0 – Scott Rd trailhead, Econfina WMA
38.8 – The Bluffs
39.9 – Devils Hole Recreation Area +*
40.9 – Walsingham Park (0.2W) +*
41.7 – Econfina Bluffs
50.0 – SR 20 trailhead Econfina WMA
64.3 – Pine Log State Forest boundary
68.3 – SR 79 bridge and underpass
68.6 – junction Dutch & Faye Trail
69.1 – junction Campground Trail
69.3 – Sand Pond Rec Area and Campground + $$
70.0 – Pine Log State Forest boundary
71.9 – Choctawhatchee River highway bridge
72.3 – Nokuse section begins
80.5 – Seven Runs trailhead (0.2E)
90.2 – Lafayette Creek trailhead (0.1W)
99.5 – Owls Head trailhead (0.1 N)
$$ fee charged. + designated campsite. * permit needed.
Trail Segments
Details about all segments of the Florida Trail in this section are in The Florida Trail Guide and app. The hikes below include some of our favorites for this section.
Each is described from the perspective of a day hiker, noting landmarks, water, and campsites along the way. Not all are oriented from south to north, but this is the order they are in northbound.
Side Trails
Trails that interconnect with and sometimes share a portion of the Florida Trail route.
Public Lands
Some of the public lands this section of the Florida Trail crosses.
Connections
Adjoining Florida Trail sections to the north and south.