Suggested Itineraries - Hikers Delight

Hikers Delight Itinerary
An hour, a day, or a weekend... it's up to you.

If you love to hike, I can tell you all about the ins and outs of Santa Rosa County. Spending much of my time airborne, I've pretty much seen it all, from the sand bars good for camping to the pitcher plants great for photographing to the slopes that will give your calves a working.

There are scores of trails along the beaches to rivers of Santa Rosa just waiting to be explored by foot, bicycle, roller blades, horseback, kayak, or canoe. But, whatever way you choose, CHOOSE. Take it from one who lives among the nature, the trails here are a "must experience."

Whether an outdoor adventurer or newcomer to nature, here's just a glimpse of trails I recommend:

Ready to rough it for a few days?
Okay, so you're a nature buff and an old pro. You're looking to escape from the bustle of everyday life and put your legs to the test at the same tine. Then, what locals have coined the "Eglin Trail" is just for you. Representing 56 miles of the Florida Trail on Eglin Air Force Base, this trail crosses 25 creeks and offers hikers chance sightings of endangered creatures such as the fox squirrel and red-cockaded woodpecker.

Characterized by deep ravines, the world's largest contiguous acreage of old-growth longleaf pine in the world, boardwalks, rolling clay hills, reliable water sources, and primitive campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, this is the perfect trail for a long backpacking trip. This is the way to see the real Florida. Plus, the further you hike, the greater your odds of catching a glimpse of me, Randy the Butterfly.

You will need a permit to enter the Eglin Air Force Base Reservation. Information about permits can be obtained by calling 850.882.4164 or writing Eglin Natural Resources, 107 Highway 85, Niceville, FL 32578. Website: www.floridaconservation.or/recreation/cooperative/eglin_afb.asp.

Looking for fun for the entire family?
Great, I love kids. And, kids love me, Randy the Butterfly. Bring them along. We'll have a blast, especially if you come to Bear Lake or Krul Recreation Areas. Or better yet, explore both. That's right, it's easy to get from one to the other because they are connected by the "Sweet Water Trail" - a favorite among kids thanks to its suspension bridge and the chance to hike past a working gristmill. This trail is an easy 1.25 miles and joins two of nature's best "playgrounds" in this region.

Kids love swimming in the spring fed lake at the Krul Recreation Area. There's also hiking and biking trails around Krul and Bear lakes, picnic areas for enjoying a P&J sandwich in the great outdoors, and perfect spots for camping - tent- or RV- style. Spends a few hours or a few days. Either way, we'll have fun under the sun together.

Oh, you want to stop and smell the flowers?
If you want to take your time, come along with me to the Clear Creek Nature Trail. It's at NAS-Whiting Field so you'll need a permit. Just ask the guard at the gate to get what you need and to get pointed in the right direction. At first it might seem like a typical upland trail, with lots of oaks and interpretive markers. But, wait until you find the boardwalk.

I took a travel writer on a tour here in springtime, and she laughed when she first saw a sign suggesting two hours for a 1.5-mile loop. I got the biggest kick out of it when she spent more than two hours and then I spotted her first thing the next morning - back again.

In her own words,: "On the boardwalk, I'd felt like I'd stepped into an 18th century painting of fairy land. Clear Creek is a crystal clear waterway with a sepia-toned bottom; fish float through as if on wings. But the magic came from the pitcher plants. First, clusters of them on hummocky islands, their blooms and trumpets reflected in the crystalline waters. Then armies of them swarming down the banks of this steep-sided ravine. Then constellations of them scattered throughout the bog grasses in every direction. I was mesmerized. Enchanted. I could stay there for days."

Spring is the best time to see the pitcher plants in full bloom.

Looking for something a little more peaceful?
While most people enjoy nature, not everyone is up for strenuous hikes and sleeping under the stars. If you want to enjoy nature rather than tackle it, I invite you to the Juniper Creek Trail. It's about a six- or seven- mile trail but I just love the beginning. It's a great trail to venture out on for a bit and then tuck behind the trees and read a book. Simply stated, it's gorgeous. There are uplands and lowlands, high bluffs, sand bars, and there's just something about it.

Sometimes I see hikers zip in and out in an hour. Other times, they settle in at Red Rock Point - an amazing vantage point overlooking Juniper Creek. It's not uncommon for them to gaze for hours. I often wonder what they dream about but then I get so caught up in the sites themselves that I, too, lose track of time. For 30 minutes or two hours, Juniper Creek Trail is a great place to be.

Wait, there's more!
It might seem like I've been rambling, but I've only breached the surface. To investigate the gamut of options when it comes to the trails of Santa Rosa County, please visit our Interactive Trails Map at www.beaches-rivers.com/trailsmap or call the Visitor Center at 1800-480-SAND to get more information or to order a nature trails map.