Rail trail · Florida
Blackwater Heritage State Trail
An 8.1-mile paved rail-trail through the historic Panhandle town of Milton, crossing creek bridges and passing native wildflowers before connecting to the Navy's Military Heritage Trail at Whiting Field.
Length
8.1 miles
Surface
Paved
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Milton (Elva Street Trailhead) to Naval Air Station Whiting Field
Season
Open year-round, dawn to sunset; fall through spring is most comfortable in the Florida Panhandle heat
Plan your ride or walk
Florida's westernmost state rail-trail, the Blackwater Heritage State Trail covers 8.1 miles of paved asphalt from downtown Milton north through North Florida countryside, crossing several creeks on wooden bridges with wildflowers lining the way. The trail is designated a National Recreation Trail and connects at its northern end to the U.S. Navy's 1.5-mile Military Heritage Trail, giving riders and walkers a combined 9.6-mile corridor to NAS Whiting Field. No admission fee is required. The trail accommodates bikes, runners, walkers, inline skaters, and equestrians (horses may use the paved surface or unpaved shoulder, but are excluded from the Military Heritage Trail).
Getting there
The main Elva Street Trailhead is near the intersection of State Road 87 and U.S. Highway 90 in Milton, about 25 miles northeast of Pensacola. A visitor center roughly one mile north of the trailhead offers parking, restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and a playground. Address: 5533 Alabama St., Milton, FL 32570.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Florida State Parks: Blackwater Heritage State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Blackwater Heritage State Trail?
The state rail-trail itself is 8.1 miles. It connects at the northern end to the Navy's 1.5-mile Military Heritage Trail, so you can walk or ride up to 9.6 miles total one way.
Is there a fee to use the Blackwater Heritage State Trail?
No. The trail is free and open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Is the trail paved?
Yes, the entire 8.1-mile state trail is paved asphalt, making it suitable for road bikes, inline skates, strollers, and wheelchairs.
Can horses use the trail?
Yes, equestrians may use the paved surface or the unpaved shoulder at their discretion on the state trail portion. Horses are not permitted on the Military Heritage Trail at the northern end.
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