Blackwater Heritage State Trail is the westernmost rail-trail in the state. It extends one mile south of U.S. 90 and seven miles north from the town of Milton. At its northern terminus, the trail joins the 1.5-mile Military Heritage Trail which is managed by the Whiting Field Naval Air Station and concludes at the entrance gate to the military base. Altogether, more than nine miles of paved trail make for an enjoyable trip through a quaint North Florida town and out into the countryside.

The trail follows the path of the former Florida and Alabama railroad (F&ARR), which was owned and operated by Bagdad Land and Lumber Company. Built in the early 1900s, it extended from the lumber mill in Bagdad, Florida to Alaflora, Parker Springs and Whittey, in what is now known as the Conecuh National Forest in Alabama. The F&ARR supported the timber and lumber business in Bagdad from 1912 to 1939, at which time the line was closed. The southernmost 5.5 miles of F&ARR track was resurrected in 1943 by the U.S. Navy, adding 4 miles northward from Roeville in order to build and operate the flight training facilities which became Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

An unpaved equestrian trail runs adjacent to the paved trail with shared bridges. Equestrians may use the paved trail or unpaved shoulder at their discretion; equestrian use is prohibited on the Military Heritage Trail. Equestrian access is available at the parking area located at the Munson Highway Trailhead (see map). There is ample, oversized parking space here, as well as a picnic shelter and potable water.

The Visitor Center is located at 5533 Alabama Street across from the Santa Rosa County Public Library and is staffed on a part-time basis by volunteers with Blackwater Heritage Trail, Inc., a citizen support organization that assists with the management of the trail.

The trail is mostly rural, but there are several town street crossings before you pass the Milton City Hall and the trail’s Visitor Center. Further north, there are piney woods, a cypress/bay gall tree swamp, areas of rare, white-topped pitcher plants and several creeks. Nine bridges cross various streams and points along the way. Trail users of all experience levels and fitness will find this an easy, pleasant trip.

• Bicyclists and in-line skaters yield to other users; all trail users yield to equestrians.

• Obey all trail rules posted at trailheads.

• Stay to the right except when passing.

• Pass slower traffic on their left; yield to oncoming traffic when passing.

• Give a clear warning signal when passing.

• Always look ahead and behind when passing.

• Travel at a responsible speed.

• Keep pets under control on a maximum 6-foot leash; walk them along the edge of any shared-use trail.

• Do not trespass on private property.

• Move off the trail surface when stopped to allow others to pass.

• Yield to other trail users when entering and crossing the trail.

• Do not disturb wildlife. All animal and plant life is protected in Florida State Parks.

• Watch out for traffic at road crossings. Obey all traffic signals.

• Helmets are required by Florida law for cyclists and equestrians under the age of 16 and are recommended for all ages.

• Equestrians should carry a copy of the negative Coggins test. (Chapter 5C-18.010, F.A.C.). Without documentation, you could be subject to fine.

FLORIDAState Parks

FloridaStateParks.org7/12

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