Bike ride on blackwater trail

Description & Parking
Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Overview
In Milton, just northeast of Pensacola, the 9.6-mile Blackwater Heritage State Trail is the rewarding result of a partnership between Florida's Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection and the U.S. Navy. The northern 1.5 miles are considered the Military Heritage Trail as it approaches the Naval Air Station.

About the Route
Five convenient trailheads provide access, while a smooth asphalt surface promises an enjoyable ride through flat rural and urban areas. The trail leaves off in the south from Old US 90, although the actual trail route continues towards a dead end a little further south. Ahead, the Milton trailhead offers parking and restroom facilities, nearby restaurants, and even a bicycle shop for last-minute gear and supplies.A mile north, local citizens staff a visitor center and provide information about this and other area parks and attractions. As the route streaks north, the surroundings become increasingly rural.
Telltale signs that you're leaving Milton behind include trailside pitcher plants and rabbit sightings.By the time the trail reaches the Munson Highway parking area, just under 3 miles along the trail, the rural setting dominates. Munson provides the only horse-trailer parking, so expect to spot more equestrians on the adjacent trail and at the seven nearby shared stream crossings.The trail ends abruptly at the gates of Naval Air Station Whiting Field. Before September 2001, the trail continued west to an active airport runway, but national and local security precautions now prevent that. Photographers take note: while the military embraces the trail, security officers at the base entrance may be uncomfortable with your snapping pictures of this area.
Trail History
The Blackwater Heritage State Trail follows the route of the old Florida and Alabama Railroad, operated by the Bagdad Land and Lumber Company and used to ship milled lumber from Bagdad to Whitley, Alabama. The railroad stopped running in 1939, but when America entered World War Il, the rails were rebuilt and used to ship aviation fuel to Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
Parking & Trail Access
The Blackwater Heritage State Trail runs between the Naval Air Station Whiting Field entrance gate and a dead end near Old US 90.
Parking is available at:
5533 Alabama St. (Milton)