Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Blackwater Heritage State Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This is the westernmost rail trail in the state, extending from the small community of Milton in the south to Whiting Field Naval Air Station (NAS) in the north. Managed by the Florida Park Service, it also connects to the Military Trail (also identified on map) which is managed by the US Navy. It’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. It’s mostly a rural trail with only a few dwellings at some of the cross roads once you leave Milton and before you get on the military base. There are some nice creek crossings on wooden bridges with few hills or grades. This is a pleasant trip for the whole family with lots of access and safe riding.
Major Activities: Walking, Hiking, Biking, Mountain Biking, Equestrian, Inline Skating, Wheelchair, Accessible
Trail Length/Surface: Blackwater Heritage is 7.0 miles, non-motorized paved (asphalt 12’ wide); Military is 2.2 miles, non-motorized paved trail (asphalt 12’ wide); equestrian unpaved trail parallels a portion of the paved trail.
Fee: None
County: Santa Rosa
Nearby Towns: Milton
Notes:
The Milton Trailhead contains a covered picnic shelter, restrooms, a water fountain, and a bicycle rack. There is a visitor center approximately one mile from the trailhead that offers two picnic tables and parking. The Blackwater Heritage State Trail Citizen Support Organization operates a concession at the visitor center where snacks and souvenirs can be purchased. Benches have been located at various points along the trail for visitor convenience.
The equestrian portion of the trail travels adjacent to a segment of the paved trail with shared bridges. The equestrian trail itself begins about one mile north of the Milton Trailhead, but equestrian access is available at the parking area located at Munson Highway (see parking location identified on map). There is ample oversized parking available, as well as a newly constructed picnic shelter.
When you travel north of the Visitors Center, bring plenty of water with you because there are no facilities for potable water available.
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