Blackwater Heritage Trail

Blackwater Heritage State Trail

Take a path into history and experience the beauty of the state rail-trail

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

No fees required

Location

5533 Alabama St.
Milton FL 32570

Get directions

Contact Info

850-983-5338

Welcome to Blackwater Heritage State Trail

This westernmost state rail-trail winds through the historic town of Milton.

The 8.1-mile paved trail offers an enjoyable trip through a quaint North Florida town and out into the countryside where wooden bridges cross several creeks and native wildflowers dot the landscape.

Designated as a National Recreation Trail and part of Florida's State Greenways and Trails System, this paved trail is the perfect venue for biking, running, walking and skating, along with picnicking and bird-watching activities. Equestrians may use the paved trail or unpaved shoulder at their discretion; bridges are shared by all trail users. Equestrian use is prohibited on the Military Heritage Trail.

The trail extends 8.1 miles north to join the U.S. Navy's 1.5-mile Military Heritage Trail, which ends at the Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

The Elva Street Trailhead is located near the intersection of State Road 87 and U.S. Highway 90 in Milton. A visitor center, approximately one mile from the trailhead, offers parking, restrooms, picnic tables, grills and a playground.

Plan Your Visit

Blackwater Heritage State Park
Learn

Manager's Message

Now is a great time to visit the trail for a relaxing run or bicycle ride through the Real Florida. Our amazing staff is available to assist in all your outdoor planning needs.
A view of a group biking down the trail
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Cycling at Blackwater Heritage Trail

Blackwater Heritage Trail offers 8.1 miles of paved asphalt trail and is an excellent place to take the family for a safe, adventurous cycling experience. Grasp life by the handlebars and add Blackwater Heritage State Trail to your bike-it list!
Close up image of cardinal, a red bird with orange beak.
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Bird Watching at Blackwater Heritage Trail

Blackwater Heritage trail offers 8.1 miles of prime birdwatching tree line. The Florida Panhandle region covers the northern area of the Sunshine State and offers forest, wetlands and marine habitats for birds.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Hiking
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking
Picnicking
Picnicking
Roller Blading
Roller Blading
Walking and Running
Walking and Running
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Equestrian Trail
Equestrian Trail
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Meetings and Retreats
Meetings and Retreats
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Water Fountain
Water Fountain
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible

Blackwater Heritage State Trail Photo Gallery

Bicycling on Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Wildflowers at Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Clear Creek at Blackwater Heritage State Trail

Clear Creek at Blackwater Heritage State Trail, in Milton

Close
Information
Walking at Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Wildflower at Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Wildflower at Blackwater Heritage State Trail
A view of a group biking down the trail
A view of the water surrounded by brush.
Historical image of Florida Alabama line train circa 1935.
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History of the Blackwater Heritage State Trail

It all started with pine. The abundance of pine and the growing demand created a boom for West Florida and started a new era of rail transportation.

People Make the Parks

Park Services Specialist Gerard Greco in the Trail Visitor Center.

Staff Spotlight

Gerard Greco has been a member of the Florida Park Service since 2003, but he has been an advocate for nature and outdoors all his life.
Vernon Compton

Volunteer Spotlight

Vernon Compton has received his 20 Years of Service Award. His efforts to provide plants and shade along the Blackwater Heritage State Trail ensures that native species will thrive.
Friends of Blackwater Heritage State Trail

Friends of Blackwater Heritage State Trail

Friends Groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

Park Map

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