A Florida Rail-Trail
Like the rail-trails popping up in northern Illinois in Chicago's western suburbs, the Military Heritage Trail is a product of an old rail road track converted into a pedestrian trail.
This is the westernmost rail-trail in the state, extending from the small community of Milton in the south to Whiting Field Naval Air Station (NAS) in the north. It’s actually two trails, one managed by the Florida Park Service (Blackwater) and the other by the U.S. Navy (Military), but it’s hard to tell where one leaves off and the other begins. It’s mostly a rural trail, with only a few dwellings at some of the crossroads once you leave Milton and before you get on the military base. There are some nice creek crossings on wooden bridges with few hills or grades. This is a pleasant trip for the whole family with lots of access and safe travel. Surface: Asphalt; 12 feet wide. Location: Santa Rosa County.
dialogue by David Gluckman
TRAIL GUIDE
Activity Type: Rail-Trails
Nearby City: Milton, FL
Length: 9.2 total miles
Trail Type: Point-to-Point
Skill Level: Easy
Season: Open all year
Other Uses: Bird-watching, horseback riding, in-line skating, mountain biking, road bicycling, running, walking/dayhiking, wildlife viewing, ADA
Local Contacts: Blackwater River State Park
Local Maps: Blackwater Heritage State Park (Military Heritage Trail) Topo Map
Guide book: Rails-To-Trails: Florida Guide Book
Source; Trails.com