Blackwater Heritage State Trail

Very Nice Ride
By soul.of.mine in December, 2009
Just moved back to town, and was happy to find this trail. I heard it was being built years ago, and I was honestly a little surprised at how well it has been maintained. Biked from the lot @ Hwy. 90 and rode up to Whiting and back in just under 2 hours.

If I were to have a complaint at all (which this is hardly a complaint), it would be that there are quite a few road crossings and stop signs with blind corners while you are in Milton. You have to get right up to the street, and definitely come to a stop to check for traffic. Not really a complaint. It breaks up the rhythm, which I guess can be good as a warm-up and cool-down if you are parked at that end of the trail. Once you are out of town there are far fewer road crossings and you can crank up the speed a little bit.

Didn't travel on the trail south of Hwy. 90. Didn't feel like trying to cross the highway as traffic was a bit heavy.

I will definitely do this one again. Nice ride.
Great Trail and Excellently Kept
By Marshall in October, 2007
"Blackwater Trail is perfect for a easy ride for anyone. The Trail is kept in excellent condition by very dedicated employees. I have spent some time talking with them and they truly love what they are doing and have plans for further improvements.

There is now a south part of the trail that runs approximately 1 mile south of Hwy 90.

If you stop in at Truly Spokin, the bike shop right across the street, they have maps that will allow you to get up to 100 miles of riding on the local roads that attach to the trail.

Truly Spokin is also a very friendly and well stafted bike shops if you need any repairs or a bike.

I have seen a large assortment of animals as well as varying plant life on the trail. I actually starting riding the trail when no one was on it. Now, if you do not arrive before 8 or 9 am you will not get a parking spot at the trail head. There is a church near by that does not seem to mind you parking there."
Fine trail for everyone
By Kay & Bill <>< in July, 2005
"We rode from Milton Trailhead to the Military property,line and back in the evening. It was an enjoyable ride and the facilities at the trailhead were excellent. We had alate dinner on their picnic table with freash water and restrooms available. Nice level trail with many shaded areas."
Easy to navigate
By Ritchie in November, 2004
The biggest thing I noticed during my first two visits to this trail was that the locals weren't too friendly. The trail itself is very easy to navigate. Going north seems to be more of a gradual uphill.

Most of the trail gives you a country feel but not the sort of woodsie feel that I was expecting. The trail is very clean until you get into the military base where they haven't cleaned up from the hurricane yet.
Easy Trail
By Tyheeman in December, 2002
"This is a nice easy trail. On the trail, I saw snakes, turtles, rabbits and deer. This would be a good trail to take the family out on."
"Pleasant trail, unique wildlife"
By Judy Young in November, 2001
"I live near this trail and often ride it as a relaxing change of pace from riding on local roads.

The trail has only minimal inclines and is very easy for families with children to do. Plenty of shade for hot days also. But what I like best about it the trail is the wildlife you're likely to see there. I've seen several deer, raccoons, rabbits of course, and one early morning an owl. The flora is also interesting--in addition to the wildflowers, there are loads of pitcher plants, this area's indigenous carnivorous plant. The pitchers are tall plants, rising from a green stalk to a white, purple-veined, trumpet-shaped ""pitcher."" They have a delicate beauty that hides their gruesome way of life--luring and trapping unsuspecting insects inside the pitcher of fluid, where they first drown, then are slowly digested to feed the plant. Yikes! But their habitat is slowly disappearing, so see them soon.

Very friendly bike shop (Truly Spokin') and Tastee Freeze (ice cream stand) at the trailhead, for those who don't live on insects."
Riding the Blackwater Heritage Trail
By "L McDonald of Pensacola, FL" in November, 2001
"This paved trail starts in the City of Milton and eventually enters rural areas before ending at the east gate to Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

Over the course of some nine or ten miles, the trail increases in elevation from about 25 Ft ASL to 150 ASL... a gentle climb. Most of the climb is in the northern segments.

There are numerous street crossings in Milton, but northeast of the West Florida Library, the crossings become more distant.

An excellent family trail. Peaceful."
Blackwater Heritage State Trail
By Clarice Hebinck in April, 2001
"In my other review, when I reread it, I felt that I had not made one point clear. The trailhead is at the intersection of higways 90 and 87, not 90 and 89. It is in Milton behind an ice cream/tastee freeze, not far from city hall. We enjoyed the trail and will do it again."
"enjoyable, easy trail"
By Clarice Hebinck in April, 2001
"I forgot to also mention in my review that there is a bike rental store at the trail head. My rental was a bit pricey, $12.50 for half a day but the bike was very good."
Blackwater Heritage Trail
By Clarice Hebinck in April, 2001
"The trailhead is a bit difficult to find. It's behind a Tastee-Freeze which is on 87North in Milton, less than a block North of the intersection of 87N and Highway 90. We saw two ""flocks"" of wild guineas and lots of wild azaleas, etc., in bloom. Very nice trail. We'd do it again."