If I could give 10 stars I would. Coldwater Gardens is a hidden gem about 15 minutes north of…read moreNAS Whiting Field. It provides an excellent opportunity to relax with family/friends in a beautiful environment. You can choose between cabins and glamping tents, all of which are wonderfully maintained. There are hundreds of acres with hiking trails all over. There are also multiple access points to the river that has crystal clear waters and huge sandbars on the river bends. Do yourself a favor and go.

This place is a hidden gem! We had an amazing family weekend experience here. Nice amenities with…read morefire pits, fully stocked kitchen, nature trails leading to river, playground. We saw the reception area hosting a yoga retreat. Different options for your stay whether tiny house, tree house, cabin. Highly recommend!

Best boardwalk nature trail from Florida to Maine!! Quiet, labeled trees, pitcher plants . ..easy…read more1.5 mile including forest.

As it descends through mixed pine-oak uplands, this charming and interesting 1.5-mile round-trip…read moretrail leads to a creek, beaver pond and associated wetlands. Listen for Red-breasted Nuthatches in fall in the uplands and Hermit Thrushes overwintering. At the water, Common Yellowthroats scold from brushy tangles and wading birds like Little Blue Herons and Least Bitterns are possible among the pitcher plants visible from the elevated boardwalk. Listen carefully for Barred Owl and Prothonotary and Hooded Warblers, all of which breed here. We went here to bird, but this is a must-see if you're into nature in any way, and in the area. The work someone did to build a first-rate boardwalk through a bog provides views rarely seen. They've also done a great job providing interpretative signage so you know what you're looking at. First rate facility -- except maybe for the restrooms. *** Directions: From the intersection of US 90/SR 10 and SR 87/Stewart St. in Milton, head north on SR 87/Stewart St. for 6.0 mi. following signs to NAS Whiting Field. Turn right (east) on CR 87A/Langley St. and go 1.0 mi. Turn left (north) at Magda Village, just before the entrance gate and proceed 0.2 mi. to the trailhead parking area. (Note: current construction activities may dictate that you must park and walk the 0.2 mi. to the trailhead). This area is part of a functioning military Naval Air Station and occasional noise from aircraft may occur. Access may be limited during times of elevated homeland security levels, so call in advance.

This is a hiking trail like walking the 20 yards to my mailbox is an undue burden on my endurance…read more The entire trail is only about 1/2 mile long, yet it is pretty nice. It's more like an unpaved road that hasn't been driven on in many years...probably because that is exactly what it is. River Road was a frequent hang-out on weekend nights when I was in high school. It was nothing but dirt, mud, bonfires, beer, and making out with chicks. Now it is actually quite a serene and nice park, with paved roads, pavilions, benches, etc. The new addition farther in has even nicer views of the river, with older trees and great landscaping. You'll find the trailhead at the end of the road, where the road circles around a parking island. The first half is very straight and there isn't much to look at. Immediately before the first turn, there is a short side trail (and when I say "short," I mean about 15 yards) to a small landing where you can peep the bayou and try to avoid being gnawed upon by gators and skeeters. I didn't see any of either, but it's still fairly chilly. Get past the first right-hand turn in the trail and you'll have the water on your left. Good views, if you like fresh water stuff. It's called the Blackwater River due to all of the tannins in it, which make the water very dark. The Loch Ness monster could be a foot under the surface and you'd never know it. I used to swim in that water 30 years ago, but if you started throwing handfuls of $100 bills in it today, I'd wish them bon voyage...no way I'd get in that soup. A couple of minutes later, you are at the end of the trail, met with a steel gate at the road and entrance to Whiting Landing, the Navy boat and recreation park. If you don't have military ID, you can't enter here, so turn around and walk back to your vehicle. It's not a sweat-inducing struggle or a cardio workout, but it was a break in my day to reflect on life and commune with nature. I saw only one other person, a lady walking her wet dog. There are several nice covered benches on which to rest, but if you are so thoroughly out of shape that you need to sit down more than once, you probably shouldn't be risking heart failure in such a secluded place. Although...I had strong cell coverage during the stroll (Verizon). This would be a great place to walk your dog(s), BTW. I didn't see any wildlife, nor did I see any signs of wildlife, but I'd wager that there are critters in them woods and marshes. If you are looking for a brief respite from the fast-paced life of downtown Milton, hop over the bridge, turn left onto River Road, and earn your notch for strolling the Old River Trail.

Great opportunity to see some nature, including fish, snakes, turtle, insects, and alligators. Only…read moredown side is occasionally loud people can take away from the experience and their is explicit language written on the walkway.

A real nice walk through some wet land and the best part is I am wearing flip flops with no care in…read morethe world for the mud under the walkway. Come check out this hidden trail to enjoy the outdoors and see some turtles, plants or trees with their scientific names attached or just for a date maybe. "10 minute walk roundtrip" Drive onto UWF and find Parking LOT G, from there follow the sidewalk leading down from the big building next to the forest and you will see a sign saying Edward Ball Nature Trail.

We absolutely love camping here. So many spacious sites. Most with full hookups (water, power, and…read moresewer) but some that just have water & power, and some primitive tent sites. Several access points to the river for swimming. At the largest area, there's a big concrete platform with a ladder to climb up and jump off into the water. You can pay $5 per person to tube down the river, or rent a kayak. You can also kayak, canoe, and fish in the lakes. There is a large playground area for the kids, horse trails, trails to ride golf carts down (electric only, gas carts and ATVs not allowed there.) They do not allow alcohol there, so don't bring it. Camping is $30 per night for RVs. Not sure about tents, but the website will tell you. You can get day passes to go swim for the day.

I loved my camping trip to this Wildlife Preserve. I swam in the river and took 4 showers. The only…read morereason that I am not giving this 5 stars is the camping is not clearly marked, and I got a camman18 sunburn. Wear sunscreen. :)

Plein Air painting event at The Lodge, Gulf State Park…read more... Hoping this will be an annual event, as the art community convened a plein air event, bringing together artists with the inspiration of Gulf State Park's many habitats. The result was a large number of paintings which were for purchase at the closing reception at the end of the week. The weather was mild, the food and drink at The Lodge was yummy (I had the steak and eggs for brunch), and it was so cool to watch the artists paint live.

Absolutely phenomenal park!!! I am blown away! Gorgeous landscape, beautiful sunsets, the flora and…read morefauna have me in awe. 28 miles of trails for biking and walking. I've spotted alligators, blue heron, turtles, lizards.. very cool! All the campsite hosts are friendly and our check-in was very easy and we were also greeted with welcoming service. We chose campsite number 479 right next to Mission Lake and the pedestrian bridge that takes you to the ocean. This campground is so clean, beautiful, and offers multiple bathrooms with showers and restrooms. The bathrooms are clean and the showers have enough space to shower and change. Each campsite I've seen has a dump station and water, which has come in handy. There's also Wi-Fi! There's also a restaurant on the campgrounds and tomorrow night we are going to listen to live music and have a few drinks. I've truly loved my stay here and would highly recommend it to anyone! We were only going to stay for four nights but we extended it to a week because we are having such a great time.

Nice hike man. It's pretty. So pretty. So very very pretty. Very pretty trail. There are waterfalls.read more

This trail was gorgeous! I highly recommend it. You will need 4 wheel drive to get to the…read moretrailhead. There are parts if the trail that stay wet. Most if it is easy to navigate, but there are muddy, wet areas. You will want to have bug spray! There are also some small creeks to go around or jump over. The trail has yellow markings on trees so that you know which way to go. When there are 2 marks, and one is on top of the other, it is showing you which way to turn. The trail was almost 1.5 miles to get to a sand bar on the Perdido River. From there you can continue on. About a mile further leads you yo shelters available for hikers and kayakers with another gorgeous area to relax and enjoy nature. The plan if for a 17.9 mile trail one way for backpackers to enjoy! Note: This is Forever Wild land and hunting is allowed there.