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About 20 miles (32 km) north of Milton, the Blackwater River State Forest offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Camping, birdwatching, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, cycling, horse riding, and hunting are all available within the of park land.
Blackwater River State Forest is a state forest in the western panhandle of Florida, United States. It is administered by the Florida Forest Service, part of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Blackwater River State Forest is completely contained within Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties. The forest is managed from a common headquarters in Munson, Florida. There are local ranger offices in Molino, Milton,, and Baker.
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A favorite destination for canoeists and kayakers, Blackwater River offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation. The river is one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation. The park has such amenities as birding, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking areas, swimming, tubing, wildlife viewing and full camping facilities. The main picnicking area has covered picnicking pavilions, restrooms, and a spacious parking lot. Bring your tubes and enjoy a leisurely float down the river to the Deaton Bridge. It is a short 1 mile hike back to the parking lot to retrieve your vehicle. Very kid friendly park with a variety of areas for swimming.
The largest butterfly house in Northwest Florida, open between late spring and early fall. Entry is free, donations are recommended.