Blackwater River State Forest

Blackwater River State Forest spreads across roughly 200,000 acres of Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, north of Milton and west of Crestview. It protects one of the last great longleaf pine forests in the Southeast, and its tea-colored rivers, white sandbars and quiet lakes make it the Panhandle’s inland playground for fishing, paddling and camping.

Fishing lakes

• Bear Lake: 107 acres near Munson, built in 1959. Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, black crappie, hybrid striped bass and catfish. Electric motors only, with a ramp, an accessible pier and jon-boat and canoe rentals.
• Hurricane Lake: 318 acres, about 12 miles northwest of Baker. Bass, bluegill, redear and catfish. No gas motors. Campgrounds sit on both ends, and the north one has hookups.
• Karick Lake: 65 acres with plenty of flooded timber, about 8 miles north of Baker. The same species, electric motors only, and campgrounds on both sides.

Swimming isn’t allowed in the lakes because of alligators.

Paddling and trails

• Juniper Creek: a scenic 6-mile paddling trail that suits beginners.
• Coldwater Creek: a 19-mile paddling trail, with horse trails at the Coldwater recreation area.
• Hiking: the Jackson Red Ground Trail runs 16.6 miles, and more than 50 miles of the Florida Trail cross the forest.

Good to know

• Fees: small day-use fees apply at the recreation areas. Camp through the Florida State Forests reservation site.
• Dogs: leashed pets are welcome at the campgrounds, but not in swimming areas.
• Weather: recreation areas close when a tropical storm or hurricane warning is in effect.

Plan a paddle with Blackwater Canoe Rental or Adventures Unlimited, and see Blackwater River State Park at the south end of the river.