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

We recently planned a day trip to the Florida Caverns. This is a perfect getaway for the day or for overnight camping. If you are looking for a day trip from Pensacola, it’s just two hours away. We decided to pack a lunch and head to the caverns for a picnic before the tour.

Florida Caverns is one of the few state parks with cave tours that are open to the public. On the tour you will see beautiful limestone formations of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies and learn how they are formed.

Hiking/Geocaching – Bluff Trail is approximately a thirty minute walk where you can see some of the other caverns and find geocaches along the way.

Swimming -  During the spring and summer seasons, there is a nice designated area with a deck for swimming. It’s surrounded by a grassy lawn for sunbathing or picnicking.

Camping – It looks like anything from a tent to an RV can camp here. Reservations can be on ReserveAmerica.com or by calling ReserveAmerica at (800) 326-3521, TDD (888) 433-0287.

Boating – The Chipola River and a freshwater spring in the park are nice areas for fishing, canoeing and even boating.

Biking – There are miles of hilly roads through the state park for a great ride while visiting.

Golfing – The park features a nine-hole, New Deal-era golf course set on rolling terrain. Golf course: (850) 482-4257

Horseback Riding – There are no horses to rent, however,  they have stables available if you bring your own horses while camping.

Location of Florida Caverns

View Larger Map

Located three miles north of Marianna on State Road 166.

There are no cave tours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week. However, canoe rentals are available at the Ranger Station on days the cave tours are closed.
For more info call:  (850)482-1228.

Photos of the Florida Caverns

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

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.

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.

The western most section of northwest Florida is considered the gateway to Florida. Here at Outdoor Gulf Coast we consider it the gateway to all Florida adventures. Beginning in this area of Pensacola there are many hiking adventures awaiting you.

It’s in northwest Florida we have the beginning of the Florida trail system. In addition to the trail system there are many areas to hike and explore. We hope you will discover new places to hike as we continue to expand our list, with Pensacola being the starting point to your hiking adventures. If you would like to contribute more places to the hiking areas we have listed, please let us know.

Pensacola

Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve and Nature Trail

Jones Swamp Wetland Preserve and Nature Trail is part of the Bayou Chico restoration project. The preserve includes 1,300 acres within the Jones Creek Watershed. It was created to provide protection for Pensacola Bay.

Terrain: sand/dirt| Park amenities: picnic table

Gibb’s Point

3 miles of paved walking/biking paths along Bayou Grande.

Terrain: concrete walking path | Park amenities: park benches, playground, bathroom

Gibb's Point Playground and path

Bayou Marcus

Raised boardwalk through the wetlands in west Pensacola. This boardwalk is at the water Reclamation facility. Nice place for walking and birding.

Terrain: boardwalk | Park amenities: none

Tarkiln Bayou Trail 

Beautiful paved/boardwalk that winds through wetlands down to the bayou. There is a small pier on the bayou to enjoy the surroundings. In addition to the paved trail there are many off-grade trails to hike.

Terrain: boardwalk & sandy trails | Park amenities: bathroom

Tarkiln Bayou Trail

Fillingim Landing

Located on the Perdido River Fillingim Landing offers paddlers and hikers a nice setting for exploring the outdoors. Fillingim Landing includes a kayak/canoe launch, hiking trails, picnic table, BBQ grills, and bathrooms.

Terrain: sand | Park amenities: picnic tables, BBQ grills, kayak/canoe launch, bathrooms

Bay Bluffs Park

Bay Bluffs Park is maintained by the city of Pensacola. The park 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.

Terrain: boardwalk | Park amenities: none

UWF Boardwalk and Hiking Trails

UWF includes over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. A section of trails includes the Edward Ball Nature Preserve Trail. This boardwalk is an enjoyable half-mile hike through Thompson’s Bayou. Visitors will enjoy viewing many birds, fish, and reptiles.

Terrain: boardwalk & dirt trails | Park amenities: none

Pensacola Beach (less than 10 miles from Pensacola)

Fort Pickens

There are many trails to explore in Fort Pickens. Hikers will enjoy much wildlife. Parking at Battery Worth will give you access to many of the trails.

Terrain: sand, crushed shells | bathrooms, covered pavilions, picnic areas, BBQ Grills, Forts, Beach areas

Perdido Key (15 miles from Pensacola)

Perdido Key Discovery Trail

The Perdido Key Discovery Trail is located in Johnson Beach. This park is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The boardwalk provides a unique setting to discover the natural beauty of the seashore. This is an easy walk and a great place for bird watching.

Terrain: boardwalk | Park amenities: covered pavilion at main beach, beach access, restrooms at main beach parking area

Perdido Key Discovery Trail & Kayak Launch

Garcon Bayou Nature Park

Bayou Marcus Nature Trail is located near Perdido Bay Country Club. The boardwalk gets takes you out over the wetlands.

Terrain: boardwalk | Park amenities: covered pavilion, BBQ grills, playground

Big Lagoon State Park

Big Lagoon State Park is a beautiful place for hiking, camping, bird watching, or having a fun family picnic. There are many trails to explore throughout the park. The trails range from boardwalks to sandy trails.

Terrain: boardwalk & sandy trails | Park amenities: restrooms, picnic areas, playground, camping

Gulf Breeze (3 miles from Pensacola)

Shoreline Park

Paved trail at Shoreline Park

Shoreline park has both walking paths and hiking trails. This is a beautiful park to explore.

Terrain: Concrete walking paths  & sandy trails | Park amenities: restrooms, picnic areas, playground, fishing pier, boat launch, dog park, pavilion. 

Naval Live Oaks

The Gulf Islands National Seashore Naval Live Oaks Park located in Gulf Breeze is the perfect place to enjoy some quiet time of hiking, picnicking, or relaxing by the water. The Naval Live Oaks park is located in Gulf Breeze and has has over 7.5 miles of hiking trails to enjoy.

Terrain: Sandy trails | Park amenities: restrooms, picnic areas, BBQ grills

Baker, Holt, Munson (30 – 47 miles from Pensacola)

Wiregrass Trail – Blackwater River State Forest

The Wiregrass Trail is located in Blackwater River State Forest and is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. On this trail hikers will enjoy some of the largest remaining longleaf pine/wiregrass found anywhere. The trail is 12.7 miles in length. Access this trail North of Hurricane Lake Recreation Area. For details directions visit here.

Terrain: off-road trails | Park amenities: restrooms, camping

Sweetwater Trail

The Sweeterwater trail is located in Blackwater River State Forest. The trailhead is located at Krul Lake State Recreation Area. The first section of trail is handicapped accessible with a boardwalk. The trail includes a suspension bridge and a gristmill on the boardwalk. The trail is 1.3 miles and connects to Bear Lake.

Terrain: boardwalk and off-road | Park amenities: restrooms, picnic areas, BBQ grills, swimming area

Jackson Red Ground Trail

Get a bit of history has you retrace on of the earliest trade routes of the Indians and settlers in Florida. This trail is a 21.5 mile hike and is certified as a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail. For directions, maps, and other information visit here.

Terrain: off-road | Park amenities: primitive camping at Red Rock Road Primitive Area

Blackwater River Juniper Creek Trail

Enjoy hiking along Juniper Creek. The trail is an unpaved trail that runs 8.8 miles. Juniper Creek Trails is certified as a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The southern end of the trails joins up with Blackwater River.

Terrain: off-road | Park amenities: primitive camping at Red Rock Road Primitive Area (northern), picnic area at southern area

Karick Lake Campground

It’s time to go camping . . . or fishing or hiking! You can do all this and more at Karick Lake. Located in the Blackwater River State Forest, just 7.5 miles north of Baker tucked away in our little neck of the woods is this spectacular 65-acre spot.  The park includes a 3.8 mile hiking trail around the lake.

Terrain: Sandy trails | Park amenities: restrooms, picnic areas, BBQ grills, camping

Blackwater River State Park

Blackwater River State Park has access to many hiking trails including Chain of Lakes Hiking Trail and Jackson Trail.

Chain of Lakes Hiking Trail

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/blackwater_jackson_red.htm

Ponce de Leon (90 miles from Pensacola)

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park

Ponce de Leon is a beautiful State Park located in Northwest Florida that’s perfect for a day trip. In the park there are two hiking trails where hikers will enjoy a lush hardwood forest.  The park also includes Includes a beautiful spring for swimming for those hot summer days.

Terrain: off-road trails| Park amenities: restrooms, picnic areas, BBQ grills, swimming area

Sweetwater Trail suspension bridge

Milton (20 miles from Pensacola)

Garcon Point Trail

Garcon Point Trail has a 1.7 mile loop and a 1.2 mile spur off that trail. We hiked the 1.2 mile spur then walked back another 1.5 along the  along Garcon Point Road.

Terrain: off-road trails| Park amenities: none

Arcadia Mill

Enjoy history and the great outdoors as you visit Arcadia Mill. This site once included a water-powered sawmill, lumber mill, textile mill, and more. There is a handicap  boardwalk and off-road hiking trails at this location. The off-road section of trail includes a suspension bridge over Mill Pond Creek.

Terrain: Boardwalk & off-road trails | Park amenities: Visitor Center and Museum, restroom, historical displays

Fairhope, Alabama (50 miles from Pensacola)

Weeks Bay

Weeks Bay includes two boardwalks. There you will enjoy viewing the natural surroundings around Weeks Bay and Fish River.

Terrain: Boardwalks | Park amenities: Free educational interpretive center, restrooms

One of our favorite outdoor places to visit is Shoreline Park. Shoreline park is located in Gulf Breeze, Florida on Santa Rosa Sound. It’s a great place to take the kids fishing, pack a picnic, launch your boat, hike among the live oaks on the nature trail or walk along the beach.

The water amenities include a fishing pier, boat launch, picnic tables, a swimming area, bathroom facilities and much more.

You can also enjoy the shade of the live oaks as you walk along the paved walking paths. For those who like to go off road there’s a nice winding hiking trail with beautiful live oaks draped with Spanish moss.

The address 1070 Shoreline Drive in Gulf Breeze.

Shoreline Park Amenities:

• Boat launch
• Fishing pier
• Swimming area
• Covered picnic tables
• Pavilion
• Bathrooms
• Dog park
• Hiking trails

Photos of Shoreline Park

What you’ll learn:

• Gulf Coast Hiking Destinations
• Snake Identification
• Knot Tying
• Backpack Cooking Demo
• Hands-On Gear Demo

Presentation Schedule:

• 9:00am -  Hiking the Gulf Coast: Where to Go Take a Hike
• 10:00am -  Hands-On Gear Demo Presented by Alabama Outdoors
• 11:00am – Snake in the Grass-Identifying Snakes on the Trail / Is Knot! Knot Tying with Gene Boothe
• 12:00pm – Backpack Cooking Demo w/Juli Day
• 2:00pm – Blakeley Historic State Park Hike

There will also be door prizes and raffles for amazing prizes including a brand new Ascend a10 Kayak!

Contact: Joe Cuhaj @ 251-533-1812 or jcuhaj@gmail.com

Optional NTD Hike: An optional hike will take place at Blakeley Historic State Park at 2pm (there is a $3 park admission fee). Meet at the park entrance at 2pm. Contact Juli Day for details at jujuhiker@gmail.com

St. Andrews State Park in Panama City is a great place to explore for the outdoor enthusiast or beach lover. The state park is located on the east side of Panama City. It has water on three sides, a coastal lake, and swamp areas.

We’d been looking forward to the opportunity to explore this park. This past spring we got the opportunity to do just that. We set up camp and had so much fun exploring this beautiful park. During our stay we saw nesting Egrets, deer, dolphins, snakes, and even an alligator. Yes, you’ve got to watch your step on the trail by Gator Lake. You never know what you may come across.

The park has many hiking trails, a spot to snorkel, kayaking areas, boat rentals, and even a boat launch. for your own boat. You may bring your own boat when you camp or rent a pontoon boat for exploring Shell Island.

St. Andrews Park at one time was a military reservation. Visitors can enjoy miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon.

View St. Andrews State Park in a larger map

Camping Information

Camping April 2011

The campground at St. Andrews park is located on Grand Lagoon. The park has some really nice waterfront camp spots. The campground includes two loops with 176 camp sites. The sites range from tent to RVs up to 40 feet. The grounds include nice bath and  laundry facilities. Within a short distance of the camp sites are hiking trails, beaches, boat launch, and a camp store.

Hiking Information

Choose from two hiking trails at St. Andrews State Park. The trails are Heron Pond and Gator Lake Trails. Gator Lake gives you great views of the lake which, yes, does include alligators. The Heron Pond trail takes you on a science hike through the Flatwood pine forest and past a historic turpentine still.

We hiked a portion of Gator Lake and enjoyed many surprises along the way such as snakes and even an alligator. These are great trails for view the beauty and wildlife these parks have to offer.

Boating Information

Pontoon boat we rented

The park includes a public boat ramp and a loading and unloading area. The ramp is located on Grand Lagoon. In addition, a local vendor is available to rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and jet skis.

From this location we launched our stand-up paddleboards. We had a wonderful experience paddling Grand Lagoon. While paddling at sunrise we had the welcome company of playing/feeding dolphins.

During our stay, we also had a great experience renting a pontoon boat. The staff were helpful and showed us the popular spots to go which included a wonderful place to stop and snorkel where you could see live sand dollars, sea urchins, and other sea life. After snorkeling, we anchored at Shell Island, which is an undeveloped island between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay.

Snorkel and Dive

The jetties located in the park are an excellent place for beginner divers and snorkelers. The area inside the jetties is called the kiddy pool. The protected and shallow water creates a safe place to explore the sea life in St. Andrews Park.

Didn’t bring your own equipment? You may rent equipment at any of the concession stores in the state park.

Beach Access & Day Use

Plunge into the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico at the public beach area. The park has over one and a half miles of sugar white sandy beaches and emerald waters. The public beach area gives you access to the open waters of the Gulf or a protected shallow water area in the inlet.

In addition, the state park offers shuttle boat tours over to Shell Island where you can enjoy both bay and gulf swimming.

Photo of St. Andrews State Park

Snorkeling Area

St. Andrews State Park Beach Area

Deer

Nesting Egrets

Nesting Egrets Viewing Area

American Alligator in Gator lake

Gator Lake Hiking Trail