Milton (Florida)

A popular local company that helps plan and prepare outdoor excursions, mostly within the limits of Blackwater River State Forest. They are most well known for their canoe and kayak trips, which can accommodate trips on the Blackwater River, Juniper Creek, or Coldwater Creek, and may last a few hours, or up to four days. In addition, they offer lodging, camping, outdoorsman courses, and can accommodate large groups.

In the early 1800s, a group of men purchased a plot of land a few miles from Milton, dammed Pond Creek to create a retaining pond, and built two sawmills in order to process the timber being harvested from the north parts of the county. The industrial site was later expanded, adding a highly-productive textile factory, a log flume to take the logs to the Blackwater River, and later, adding a railroad for transport. The mill was abandoned in 1855, and was forgotten until a local historian rediscovered it; the site is now administered by the University of West Florida's Archaeology Institute. A small museum showcases artifacts found by local archaeology students, and a handicap-accessible boardwalk showcases the dams and flumes. Call ahead to schedule a tour.

This popular 10-mile-long (16-km) paved trail begins one mile south of downtown Milton and includes the 2-mile-long Military Trail terminating at NAS Whiting Field. The paved trail is open to cyclists, walkers, joggers, and is handicap accessible; an unpaved equestrian trail runs parallel to the trail for a shorter distance. The Blackwater Heritage Trail is meticulously maintained by the Florida Park Service, with mile markers, benches, and restroom stops scattered along the length of the trail. The first mile of the trail travels through the old neighborhoods of Milton, and cyclists should be cautious when crossing roads; traffic through the city can be busy. The remaining 6 miles (10 km) of the trail are rural, with few roads or homes, wooden bridges spanning winding streams, and an even, level grade for easy travel. Users of the trail should bring plenty of water since there are no sites to refill.

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.

Coldwater Creek is a small tributary of the Blackwater River; the two meet about three miles northeast of downtown Milton. The creek is designated part of Florida's state system of trails, and is an alternative to canoeing the Blackwater. The trail begins in Munson, at the intersection with Hwy 4, and ends 18 miles later at the SR 191 Bridge (Munson Rd), though you can continue another two miles to the Blackwater River and land at Downtown Milton instead, just north of the Hwy 90 bridge. During dry spells, this creek can get very low, and you may need to wade to get your canoe past some sandbars. Conversely, the creek floods easily after heavy rains.

One of the last remaining 'U-Pick' farms in Milton is also one of the most popular. During blueberry season, Lundy sells his berries at a dollar a pound, as long as you're willing to pick the berries yourself. Come early in the season; hungry birds and locals often pick the best berries for themselves.

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.