Backpacking FNST-Side Trail Deer Lake Junction to Alabama

UPDATED 03/25/2026

4 day / 3 night backpack of Blackwater River State Forest
(section of the Alabama/FNST connector)

Experience level: intermediate with a high degree of fitness/conditioning and must be comfortable remote camping with zero amenities. You will gather all your own water from both potable and non potable sources. Trails and their streams have been extremely dry this season, you may have to carry water into camp as reliable water may not be available at some sites.

Planned route: 38 miles +/-
Alabama state line to Blackwater Canoe Rental

Day 1: 9.3 miles. AL state line trailhead to Blueberry Hill campsite. Collect and carry water from Kennedy Bridge (Blackwater River) at mile 8.1.

Day 2: 13 miles. Blueberry Hill campsite to Blackwater Shelter 2. Water cache at Bear Lake-Jackson Connector sign at mile 12.7.

Day 3: 9 miles. Blackwater Shelter 2 to Football Field campsite. Big Juniper Creek is water source at camp.

Day 4: 6.9 miles. Football Field campsite to Blackwater Canoe Rental.

Paper Map: FNST Map PH1 S&N Deer Lake Junction to Alabama.

Digital Map: FarOut: Florida Trail Connector:Blackwater.

Vehicles will be parked at Blackwater Canoe Rental in Milton, FL. Shuttle service to the AL state line has been reserved. Shuttle departure time is TBD, likely early morning.

Attendee Cost:
Shuttle service will be split between attendees, $50/person. CASH ONLY please.