Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead

The state of Alabama has created great trails for cyclists, walkers, and joggers in Gulf State Park. Recently my wife and I loaded up our bikes and made the short journey from Pensacola to Gulf Shores to ride the the trails. We discovered the trails on a camping trip we took with our kids at Gulf State Campgrounds. We went a short distance with the kids, but this time we would go further and faster.

We arrived at the trailhead located on State Park Road 2 around 9 am. The trail is a paved walking and cycling trail that winds through hard wood forests and wetlands.

The first leg of the trail is called Gulf Oak Ridge. I’m sure it inherited it’s name from the beautiful oak trees that provide shade and beauty to the surroundings. This is my favorite section of trail for it’s scenery and the small inclines which make for some good fun.

The next section which picks up at the Orange Beach Sports Complex is rightly named Twin Bridges. This section of trail takes you over two raised wooden boardwalks.

Gulf State Park Trails Pavilion

Adjoining Twin Bridge is Catman Road. This section of trail has a very nice screened in pavilion and restroom facilities. We stopped and spent a few minutes here refreshing and taking photos. We also observed some water bowls for walkers to refresh their pets.

Alligator Habitat Sign

Heading on Catman Road intersects a section of trail called Rosemary Dunes. We opted to take the Rosemary Dunes trail. The terrain changes from hills and oaks to marshy wetlands. One sign along the trail reads Alligator habitat. We had hoped to see one but to no avail. This section of trail dead ends to a few sandy trails that connect you to East Beach Blvd (Perdido Beach Road). The sandy trails are a short distance to the road. We were able to ride a small section but had to push our bikes a bit.

We completed our loop by following East Beach Blvd. and then took State Park Road 2. The total distance for this ride was 8.86 miles.

If you’re looking to walk, jog, or go for a ride these trails offer some beatiful scenic views. This is a great place to turn your kids loose on a bike as there is no worry about cars. Not up for an 8 mile ride? No worries. Take a map and go as short or long as you would like. Just have fun… Go Explore!

More on Gulf State Park

• Exploring Gulf State Park
• Gulf Oak Ridge Trail Map

If you’ve been searching for a healthy snack that your kids will like or something that your whole family can eat while out on an adventure, you’ll probably love these energy bars. They take very little time or talent to make and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Get creative and enjoy!

Ingredients

• Olive oil or margarine
• 1/2 cup honey or agave nectar
• 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups rice Chex
• 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ and/or soy protein powder
• 1/3 cup golden raisins
• 1/3 cup carob chips or dark chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Garcon Point Trail has a 1.7 mile loop and a 1.2 mile spur off that trail.

The trail is owned by Northwest Florida Water Management. The area includes wet prairie and flatwood habitats. Hikers may see many carnivorous plants, sparrows, bluebirds, red-tailed hawks, osprey and more.

Trail is located within the Garcon Point Water Management Area in Santa Rosa County south of Milton. From I-10 drive south on CR 281 to CR 191.

View more about hiking Garcon Point Trail

View Garcon Point Trail in a larger map

Juniper Creek hiking trail, located in Blackwater State Forest, is a nice trail that follows along the Juniper Creek. The trail is 8.8 miles long and is a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

We recently hiked a section of the northern trail. It’s a beautiful, well-marked trail and while hiking it you’ll enjoy a pine and hardwood forest. The northern section is lush with Magnolia trees that line the banks of the creek. In the spring, many shrubs and small trees will bloom. You’ll want to be careful with young children near the beginning of the trail where we were pleasantly surprised by a high bluff overlooking the creek. The view is stunning.

We took along the coordinates of a couple geocaches to find along the way. We found two large ammo container geocaches to add some more interest to our hike.

Enjoy a short video and some pics of sights you’ll see along the trail!

Directions to Juniper Creek Trail

To access the southern section of the trail take I-10 exit 31 (Highway 87). Go north to Hwy 90 and take a right. Go 7 miles and take a left onto Deaton Bridge Road. Follow that road to Blackwater State Park.

To access the northern section continue on Deaton Bridge Road to a four way stop. Take a left on Indian Ford Road. Take Indian Ford Road to Pleasant Home Road and take a right. Follow Pleasant Home Road to Red Rock Road where you will take a left. Park at the parking area at the first bridge which is Juniper Creek. The trail crosses Red Rock Road .3 miles to the east.

View Juniper Creek Hiking Trail in a larger map

Photos of Juniper Creek Trail

*Families with small children please use caution at this location. The beach area is on the other side of the river and there are currents. If you are looking for a place to swim with small children I recommend Blackwater River State Park or Krul Lake Recreation Area.

Fillingim Landing Map

View Fillingim Landing Kayak Launch in a larger map

Fillingim Landing Photos

Fillingim Landing Launch

Fillingim Landing Launch

Fillingim Landing

Fillingim Landing Hiking Trail

Fillingim Landing Picnic Area

Our mission was completed successfully. We had a nice time together in the great outdoors while getting exercise and we even learned a few things. After the nature walk we spent some time skateboarding before heading home.

There is so much to do at UWF for outdoor fun and it is centrally located for most people in Pensacola. The landscape is too beautiful not to enjoy time there. Whether you’re a student, a local or a vacationer, there are many activities from which you can choose. Here’s a list of activities to help get you motivated.

Whatever you decide to do, download the UWF Trail Maps for easy navigation and have a great time!

Trail Running

The cross country trail is near the multipurpose field on Campus Lane. There’s nothing like having a huge deer stand centered on the trail staring at you to wake you up on a morning run. That actually happened once. We also saw deer another time on the same trail while out geocaching with the family. Mostly you’ll hear lots of squirrels and birds and have a peaceful time.

Trail Biking

You can get to the bike trails off of the boardwalk for some moderate terrain riding.

Walking/Hiking/Birding

The whole campus is worth exploring. Walk the sidewalks on the weekend that meander through a variety of trees, shrubbery and flowers. Hike any of the wooded trails. Spend a morning bird watching and give yourself time for contemplation before getting back to the busyness of life.

Geocaching

There are geocaches all over campus. We’ve found a few geocaches during the day and even one night cache with friends.

Canoeing/Kayaking/SUP

Canoes are available to students for rental or bring your own kayak or stand up paddleboard and paddle through the marshes.

Weekend Skateboarding

There aren’t any signs and there are few people on campus during the weekend, so we take our kids and our longboard down the smooth, hilly sidewalks.

Pensacola is the gateway to outdoor fun in the Florida Panhandle. It’s been nicknamed the Western Gate to the Sunshine State and the Red Snapper Capital of the World. Pensacola Beach is known for it’s sugar white sands. When most visitors think of Florida, they think of sun and sand. The beach is a big draw to Florida, but Pensacola also has access to beautiful national parks, state parks, rivers, hiking trails, kayaking and paddleboarding spots and so much more. Explore with us as we share the many things to do in Pensacola.

Attractions In or Near Pensacola

• Lighthouse
• Navy Aviation Museum
• Sam’s Surf City
• T.T. Wentworth Museum
• Historic downtown Seville
• Arcadia Mills
• Milton River Walk
• Plaza de Luna

National Seashores and State Parks

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of the jewels of northwest Florida. Pensacola is in close proximity to Fort Pickens, Naval Live Oaks, Johnson Beach, and Opal Beach which are all part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens is located to the west of Pensacola Beach. It’s bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola Pass and Pensacola Bay. The park includes hiking, biking, historic Forts, fishing, bird watching and camping.

Opal Beach is located to the east of Pensacola Beach. Opal beach is a day use area located on the Gulf of Mexico and the Santa Rosa Sound. The amenities include covered picnic areas and bathroom facilities.

Naval Live Oaks Nature Trail

Naval Live Oaks is located in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Visitors to the park will enjoy exploring the history of this area in the muesuem, hiking among beautiful live oaks, having a picnic, or swimming in Santa Rosa Sound. The amenities include hiking trails, picnic areas, covered pavilion, bathrooms and a museum.

Johnson Beach is located in Perdido Key, Florida. You’ll have the white, sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico with covered pavilions for picnic tables, restrooms and outside showers. There is also a launch into the Intercoastal Waterway and a Discovery Nature Trail boardwalk.

Kayaking & Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

Kevin of Coastal Paddle Company

The team here at Outdoor Gulf Coast spends many of our summer days surfing, kayaking, and SUPing. The Pensacola area is surrounded by beautiful locations to enjoy nature while paddling. From Pensacola you can enjoy paddling in the Gulf of Mexico, bays, bayous, lagoons, and even cool flowing rivers. We’ve begun to compile a list of our favorite paddling locations which include Blackwater River, Perdido River, Big Lagoon State Park and many others.

Visiting Pensacola doesn’t mean you need to own your own SUP or kayak. There are many places to rent and take lessons. Here are a few of those locations:

Stand Up Paddleboard Lessons and Rentals

Ready to get your feet wet on a Paddleboard?  Pensacola has many places to get lessons, rent, and purchase paddleboards.

• Coastal Paddle Company – YOLO dealer located in Gulf Breeze. They offer lessons, rentals, parties and guided tours.
• Innerlight Surf Shop – locations in Gulf Breeze, Pensacola, Gulf Shores and Destin Florida. They offer lessons and rentals.
• Waterboyz Surf Shop – locations in Pensacola. They offer lessons and rentals.

Kayak Lessons and Rentals

Kayaking in Pensacola has been popular for years and for good reason. Pensacola has bays, bayous, rivers, and the Gulf of Mexico. Our family has enjoyed many hours kayaking in places such as the Blackwater River, Bayou Texar, Big Lagoon State Park, and many other great places near Pensacola.

• Pensacola Kayak and Sail – rentals and purchase kayak equipment
• Adventures Unlimited – Canoe and kayak rentals on Blackwater River, Coldwater Creek, and Juniper.
• View our list of places to kayak in northwest Florida
• Big Lagoon State Park – The park has a really nice lagoon area to paddle and kayak. Kayaks can be rented from ranger station.

Fishing Along the Coast

Know as the Red Snapper Capital of the World it’s little wonder that Pensacola is a fisherman’s paradise. Pensacola provides both fresh and salt water fishing. There are many places to cast a line from the Pensacola Beach Pier, the Pensacola Beach Bridge, Palafox Pier, to fishing charters. The fishing enthusiast is sure the find the perfect fishing hole.

• Pensacola Bay Fishing Pier
• Pensacola Beach Pier
• Reel Eazy Private Boat Charters
• Total Package Charters
• Snapper Trapper Diving and Fishing Charters

Places to Bike

From Pensacola Beach to Milton’s Blackwater Heritage Trail the area has many great places to bike.

• Fort Pickens
• Pensacola Beach – The beach has nice paved bike paths that run from the east of Portifino to Fort Pickens.
• Blackwater Heritage Trail
• UWF – The University of West Florida has many great off road biking trails.

Bike Stores in Pensacola and Surrounding Areas

• Bikes Plus
• Truly Spokin
• The Fun Store Rentals

Places to Hike

Tarkiln Bayou Trail

Hiking is always a fun activity for the family. This area has many great hiking trails to enjoy the beauty of creation. Some of our favorite spots to take our family is Shoreline Park, UWF Nature Preserve, and Arcadia Mills.

• Gulf Islands National Seashore Naval Live Oaks Park
• Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze
• Tarkiln Bayou (View Map | View Photos)
• Big Lagoon State Park
• Bayou Marcus
• Jones Swamp Wetland
• Johnson Beach Discovery Trail
• Fillingim Landing
• UWF Nature Preserve
• Bay Bluffs
• Krul Lake/Sweetwater trail
• Blackwater River Heritage Trail
• Arcadia Mills
• Chain of Lakes

Tarklin Bayou Preserve State Park, located just outside Pensacola, is the perfect nature getaway for a family hike.  This park has trails for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll and some trails for those who like a longer hike. The Tarklin Bayou trail is about 1 mile down and back on a paved sidewalk and boardwalk leading to a pier on the bayou. It offers a nice and easy trail which is handicap accessible. Another trail which branches out from the Tarklin trail is the Perdido Bay trail. It is a 7.2 mile loop.  The Perdido Baytrail is not paved and makes a great hike.

Arcadia Mill Discovery Center

Arcadia Mill is located in Milton, Florida. The Arcadia Mill trail is a nice historical hike which takes you on an elevated boardwalk with a view of the wetland ecosystem and the remains of the mills. Arcadia Mills is free to the Public. The site has a museum, however, it is not open on holidays. There is also a covered area with an old saw mill and waterwheel which is fun for the kids.

Big Lagoon State Park ,located near Perdido Key, is a nice place to spend the day or a few hours. This park has a kayak launch and many trails to hike on. I always enjoy the boardwalks over the lagoon and the observation tower which over looks beautiful Big Lagoon. This is always a fun place to take the kids.

Naval Live Oaks Park is located in Gulf Breeze and has around 7 miles of trails. It also has a beach swimming area and covered picnic tables. If you enjoy the beautiful scenery of Santa Rosa Sound and large live oaks, this may be the choice for you. This park is free to the public.

Chain of Lakes Nature Trail is located in Blackwater River State Park near Milton Florida. This hike is a one mile loop through the Longleaf pine forests. A section of the loop winds along the Blackwater River as well as through many small lakes known as the Chain of Lakes.

Bay Bluffs Park is located in Pensacola. It is a nice scenic area to take a walk. It is a 32-acre park along Escambia Bay located off Scenic Highway near Summit Blvd. The park has many boardwalks leading through the oak and pine forest along the bay.

On Thanksgiving take the opportunity to enjoy some of the many great trails in the Pensacola area. Have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family.

For more hiking areas visit our hiking page.

Have any favorite hiking spots? Let us know in the comment section.

Ready to explore the lower sections of Blackwater River? A good location to launch a boat, kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP) is the Oyster Pile Boat Ramp  located in Bagdad, FL  (right outside Milton). The boat ramp gives you access to the tributaries just off the Blackwater River. Although you can take larger boats out here to explore and catch fish, this area is great place to explore on a kayak or SUP.

The park includes a boat launch, picnic tables, and a portable bathroom. If you are looking for a new place to explore, this is a perfect destination.

View Oyster Pile Boat Ramp in a larger map

Deadman's Island

Looking for a paddle destination on the Florida Panhandle? Consider Deadman’s Island in Gulf Breeze. Deadman’s Island is a small island located in Gulf Breeze. The island is only accessible by boat and is a perfect place to enjoy white sandy beaches, calm water, snorkeling, fishing and paddleboarding or kayaking.

Visitors to Deadman’s Island can enjoy many coastal birds, crabs, fish and visiting dolphins. There are also a few man-made oyster reefs off of the island. This attracts fish and is also a nice place to snorkel and enjoy sea life.

Accessing Deadman’s Island

To access the island by kayak or paddleboard there are a few launch points within a close range.

Option 1:

Park at the public boat ramp at Wayside Park in Gulf Breeze. Approximately .5 mile

View Wayside Park in Gulf Breeze in a larger map

Option 2:

There is a small city park located in Gulf Breeze called Woodland Park. The park has picnic tables, a playground and a small dock. The dock makes a nice place to launch a kayak or paddleboard. Paddle out the canal and go left to access Deadman’s Island. This route is about one mile long.

View Deadman’s Island Option 2 in a larger map

Photos of Deadman’s Island

Our family with paddleboards on Deadman's Island

Beach view with boards

Dolphin just off Deadman's Island