Juniper Creek Trail

Parallels Juniper Creek in northwest Florida

Blackwater River State Forest offers a natural retreat set amidst the beautiful rolling hills of northwest Florida. Reaching from Conecuh National Forest along the Alabama border toward Eglin Air Force Base, the state forest is Florida’s largest at nearly 190,000 acres. The area is characterized by its many streams, including the namesake Blackwater River, which flow gently south as they make their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Certified as a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail, the Juniper Creek Trail runs through the state forest parallel to Juniper Creek. The trail is particularly inviting in spring when wild azalea, Florida anise, and mountain laurel bring beautiful blooms of color. At its southern end, it meets the Blackwater River, considered to be one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the world.

Juniper Creek Trail is blazed orange, and is a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Southern Access (Deaton Bridge/Blackwater River State Park

From I-10, take exit 31 to Hwy 87. Proceed north a half mile and turn right on Hwy 90. Follow for 7 miles to town of Harold. Take a left onto Deaton Bridge Road and proceed to Blackwater River State Park. The access point is at the bridge in the park.