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Florida Trail Days & 2010 Annual Conference

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Incorporated in 1964, the Florida Trail Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization that builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the 1,400 mile Florida Trail, one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the United States, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. Our volunteers also build and maintain other trails on public land, known as the Florida Trail System. With 18 local chapters, FTA provides educational opportunities for people to learn to appreciate and conserve the natural beauty of Florida, as well as recreational opportunities for hiking and camping.

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Gateway Communities

Milton

Downtown Milton (Sandra Friend) Founded along the banks of the Blackwater River in 1844, Milton is the gateway to more than 150 miles of hiking at nearby Blackwater River State Forest and Eglin Air Force Base. It’s also the “Canoe Capital of Florida,” according to the Florida legislature.

This historic town has much to offer, including classic architecture, murals, antique shops, and historic sites like the L&N Depot, home of the Northwest Florida Railroad Museum.

Milton - Grab & Go
Milton - Map
Milton - Proclamation

Location

Milton is along US 90 between Pensacola and Crestview and is just north of historic Bagdad. Use the Bagdad exit of Interstate 10 to visit Milton.

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Background

The City of Milton, a rivertown on the banks of the Blackwater River, was founded in 1844 and is one of the oldest cities in Florida. From the earliest days of the City, the Blackwater River served as a transportation artery for the timber, brick, naval stores, and shipbuilding industries. Forests of longleaf pine once dominated the lands surrounding Milton and provided much of the “heart pine” lumber found in the restored historic homes and businesses in Milton. Step back in time and enjoy the sights and sounds of this gem of a small southern city - the diverse styles of southern architecture and the whistle of the train as it crosses the historic swing span bridge over the Blackwater River.

Today the river remains the heart of downtown Milton with the beautiful City of Milton Riverwalk Park gracing the banks. The Riverwalk Park is the site of several special events. The old Milton L & N Depot, restored by the Historical Society and occupied by the Northwest Florida Railroad Museum, features exhibits depicting Milton’s railroad history. Milton is also known for its outstanding canoeing and water sports along the Blackwater River. In 1980, the Florida Legislature declared Milton the “Canoe Capital of Florida.” The Blackwater Heritage State Trail, following the route of the old Florida-Alabama Railroad, provides exceptional walking, jogging, hiking and biking opportunities. In addition to the Rails-to-Trails project and hundreds of miles of canoeable creeks and rivers, there are also biking and equestrian trails on public lands surrounding Milton. Over 150 miles of hiking trails can be found at Blackwater River State Forest, Eglin Air Force Base, and Gulf Islands National Seashore.

www.ci.milton.fl.us

Trail History

The Florida National Scenic Trail passes 3.5 miles east of Milton, utilizing a portion of the “old brick road”. One of the first “paved” roads in northwest Florida, it was built in 1921 and connected Pensacola and Jacksonville. The old brick road is the top ranked Transportation Enhancement project scheduled over the next several years by Florida DOT and Santa Rosa County. When it is completed hikers will have direct access to the Florida Trail from Milton. The Trail north of Milton turns off the old brick road into the Hutton Unit, then into Blackwater River State Park. Hikers heading south leave the old brick road to follow FL 87 south, crossing the Yellow River before entering Eglin Air force Base where a Recreational Permit is required.

Trail Access

Dean Campsite. At the end of a blue-blazed side trail, this campsite has a fire ring and two benches. Leaving Dean Campsite to cross Dean Creek, hikers encounter some low stretches of titi swamp. Farther north the trail continues through shady oak hammocks and open pine forest along the sandhills.

Buck Pond. A dirt road leads to this camping area with a picnic table and fire ring. Car camping is allowed with a permit. North of Buck Pond the trail crosses the Yellow River where there is a trailhead with parking near the bridge. From here to US 90 the trail is a roadwalk until it can be relocatedthrough the western section of Eglin Air Force Base and the Yellow River Ravines.

Old Brick Road. Follow the historic Old Pensacola Highway for about 5 miles.

Hutton Unit. This brand new segment of the trail runs through the Hutton Unit of the Blackwater River State Forest.

Harold. The Harold Store has groceries and a picnic table and restrooms. Follow the orange blazes north from US 90 through the Hutton Unit to Deaton Bridge Road en route to Blackwater River State Park.

Deaton Bridge Trailhead. Day use parking is available for a fee. A white sand beach and swimming area are down a short trail to the right before the bridge. Cross the bridge over Blackwater River and turn left to follow blazes along riverbank. Blackwater River State Park is up the road 0.2 mile on the right. It has a campground and overnight parking available for a small fee.

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Where to Stay

Ashbury Suites and Inn
6560 Caroline St
(850) 623-2296

Red Carpet Inn
4905 Highway 87 S
(850) 626-7631

Red Roof Inn & Suites
2672 Avalon Blvd
(850) 995-6100

Emerald Sands Inn
6436 Highway 90
(850) 623-3821

Comfort Inn Milton
8936 Highway 87 South
850) 623-1511

Main Street Milton
6856 Caroline Street
(850) 626-6246

Hospitality Inn
6436 Highway 90
(850) 623-3821

Holiday Inn Express
8510 Keshav Taylor Dr
866) 270-5110

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