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Reported: October 2015

Blackwater Heritage State Trail (Military Heritage Trail)

Milton, FL... near Pensacola

The trail is a linear state park, running on an old Florida and Alabama Railroad railbed. Rural, the trail is only lightly shaded. There are no water or refreshments other than at Milton so be sure to bring your own. At Whiting Trailhead, the trail links with the U.S. Navy's Military Heritage Trail and continues another 1.5 miles to the entrance to Whiting Field Naval Air Station. (Map link and photos below.)

Map link... Blackwater Heritage State Trail

Location: Milton (Santa Rosa County)
End Points: Milton to Whiting Field Naval Air Station
Mileage: 8.5 miles
Surface: Asphalt, 12'; equestrian unpaved trail parallels a portion of the paved trail.
Nearby points of interest: Blackwater River State Park

Bike Shops/Rentals:
Truly Spokin (Pensacola, Milton)

Biking on Blackwater Heritage State Trail

Milton to Whiting

The main trailhead in Milton, the Elva Street Trailhead is at US 90 and CR 89, with parking, restrooms and picnic pavilion - shops and restaurants are nearby, and a bike shop. The Heritage Plaza at the trailhead presents some historical information. To the south, the trail extends through a natural area for about a mile, with parking along Old Hwy 90. We biked north to Whiting Trailhead. After about 1 mile is the Visitor Center with parking, restrooms, picnic tables, grills and a playground. Although running parallel to the road, it's blocked by vegetation. Be careful at the road crossings in town. Continuing north, the trail runs through natural areas including scenic wooden bridges. Hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding are other activities along the trail.

Resources:

Florida State Parks - Blackwater Heritage Trail

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