| Blackwater River State Forest |
HORSE TRAIL SYSTEM
to sparkling bays, to thick
pinewoods, to some of the
finest sand-bottom rivers in
the country, Northwest
Florida has much to offer
outdoor enthusiasts -
including a well-maintained
and permanently-marked
horse trail system!
the most scenic woodlands and gently rolling hills in northwest Florida. The 40+ miles are mostly
hard-packed sand, red-clay, or grass that wind riders throughout the forest of pine, oak, and juniper
trees. Paved, gravel, and red dirt roads intersect the horse trails, but vehicle usage is minimal.
Deep sand is limited to short distances. In addition, there are short sections of rock and gravel, but
for the average horse, shoes are not required. Numerous trickling clear streams provide a welcome
water source for horses. Animal encounters are limited to birds, white-tailed deer, and the
occasional turkey, armadillo, and snake.
One of the many outstanding features in the Blackwater River State Forest are the beautiful creeks
and rivers with their white-sand beaches that meander throughout the forest as they make their
way to the Gulf of Mexico. The most notable of these waterways are the Blackwater River, Juniper
Creek, and Coldwater Creek. While Blackwater River is named for its dark tannin-stained water, don’
t let the name fool you: these are the most pristine sand-bottom rivers in the country. As Florida’s
largest state forest at nearly 190,000 acres, Blackwater River State Forest beholds one of the largest
remaining stands of longleaf pine trees. Elevations in the forest range from 80 to 200 feet above sea
level.
| Routes to Coldwater (written directions are at the bottom of this webpage...) |
| Area Map |
| Location of Coldwater |
| Watch for the yellow Forestry sighs. |
| Trail Map with Mileage |
Campsites are partially shaded and have picnic tables and fire pits. There are heated and a/c bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers within walking distance of campground. Campground with 69 electric/water campsites along Coldwater Creek.
Facilities also include large kitchen and dining hall, large pavilion, grass pasture for temporary turnout, round pen, concrete washracks, large beach and clear sand-bottom river to swim in, and dump station. Dog Kennels available (call for fee). Barns are adjacent to campground. 12x12 uncovered paddocks, 12x12 covered paddocks, and 11x10 through 9x7 stalls. No temporary corrals or picketing allowed. No primitive camping.
No horses are allowed in the campground. Canoe/kayak/tubing outfitters and cabin rentals nearby.
Contact Forestry for more information and to make reservations at (850) 957-6161. Credit cards payments will be accepted soon. Reservations are strongly suggested. Current Negative Coggins must be presented before entering campground.
FROM THE NORTH (I-65): Take I-65 South to Hwy 113 (exit 69); head south to Flomaton, AL. Hwy 113
runs you into US Hwy 29 South. Take 29 South to Hwy 4/S.R. 4 east (red-light), in Century, FL. Follow Hwy
4 East to the blinking stop light at Hwy 87 in Berrydale. Go 1 ¾ miles farther to Gordon Land Rd and turn right (watch for Blackwater Division of Forestry/Coldwater Rec Area and Stables sign). Stay on paved road.
FROM THE EAST (I-10 westbound): Take I-10 to Hwy 85 (exit 56) and head north towards Crestview. Once in Crestview, head west on Hwy 90 for 4 miles. In Milligan, turn right and take Hwy 4 north through Baker and into
Munson. At Hwy 191 (Munson Hwy), turn left (southeast) for approximately 5 miles. After the second horse crossing sign, watch for the Blackwater Division of Forestry/Coldwater Recreation Area & Stables sign). Turn right on Buddy Hardy Rd. Stay on paved road.
FROM THE WEST (I-10 eastbound): Take I-10 east to Hwy 281/Avalon Blvd (exit 22). Head north and take Avalon Blvd to Hwy 90/Caroline Street, where you will turn right (east). Take Hwy 90 towards business section of downtown Milton. At Hwy 87/Stewart Street (red-light with Burger King on the corner), turn left (north). Go 0.8 miles on Hwy 87 and you will see a Shell Gas station on the right at the intersection of Hwy 191/Munson Hwy (there is no light or stop sign). Turn right (northeast) and follow Hwy 191 for 14.2 miles. Just before your turn, you will see a fire station sign. Turn left on Buddy Hardy Rd (watch for Blackwater Division of Forestry/Coldwater Recreation Area and Stables sign). Stay on paved road
NOTES: Your best choices for diesel, gasoline, food, and ice before getting to Coldwater will be in Crestview, Milton (Hwy 87/Hwy 90), & Berrydale (Hwy 87/Hwy 4). Also, don't forget we are on CENTRAL TIME!
***While tempting, it is suggested that you do NOT take the Hwy 191 Exit off of I-10. This section of Hwy 191 routes you through downtown and residential areas with lots of jogs. It's not fun for large rigs and it is easy to get lost.***