The Choctawhatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association, chartered in January 2006, builds and maintains trails on Eglin Air Force Base Reservation, Northwest Florida Water Management District land, and Nokuse Plantation. The chapter is home to the Florida Trail Gateway Community of Crestview. Major chapter activities include the Eglin Traverse, the Summer Sweat Hike, the Shoal River Float and Picnic, the Bear Lake Night Hike and Potluck, and the spring Yellow River swamp hike in the Cimarron Section.

CHAPTER MEETINGS are on the fourth Tuesday of the month, social at 6 PM with meeting at 6:30 PM at Ed's Hometown Seafood & Steak Restaurant, 1027 John Sims Parkway, Niceville, Fl  32578

DIRECTIONS: In Niceville on Highway 20 (John Sims Parkway) the restaurant is located in Palm Plaza next To Food Depot. 

CONTACT:  Wallis Mayo, Chapter Chair - (850) 682-6098, jeepersyj@embarqmail.com
or Tom Daniel, Trail Coordinator, 850-492-8258, perdidotcd@aol.com

The Choctawhatchee Chapter maintains the Florida National Scenic Trail through Okaloosa and Walton Counties from Eglin AFB Reservation east to the Choctawhatchee River.  The route traverses sand hill uplands, black gum and titi wetlands habitat, an alluvial river swamp, and features numerous pristine white sandy bottom streams.

On Eglin Air Force Base the Florida Trail provides over 60 miles of excellent hiking for day trips or backpacking on land that once was part of Choctawhatchee National Forest.  Seven primitive campsites are located along the trail.  An Eglin Recreation Permit is required and can be obtained at the Eglin Natural Resources Branch:  850-882-4164.     

On The Nokuse Section the Florida Trail meanders 19 miles on Northwest Florida  Water Management District land and the Nokuse Plantation conservation corridor where the ecosystem is being restored and preserved to support native plants and animals.  Two primitive campsites are located along the trail.