Take a hike on the Florida Trail along Econfina Creek

April 14, 2014

Mountain laurel blooms in April along the trial. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Mountain laurel blooms in April along the trial. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Scenic vistas await the explorer

Hiking the Florida Trail along the Econfina Creek just north of Panama City in Washington County is a must do for anyone who enjoys nature.

This portion of the Trail in Northwest Florida runs along the creek for a stretch of approximately 18 miles, with three convenient accesses. Choose from Scott Road trail head off of U.S. Hwy. 231 just north of Fountain; SR 20 trailhead between SR 77 and U.S. Hwy 231 near Pitt Spring or Walsingham Bridge, accessible via Strickland Road off of SR 20 north of Pitt Spring. Trail Map

From Scott’s Road access, Two Penny Bridge is a two-mile trek over moderate terrain. Enjoy extraordinary views of the creek as it rolls over limestone rock along this section. In the springtime, you can find mountain laurel and rhododendron blooming along with vibrant Florida anise. In the fall, a variety of hardwoods provide subtle color changes with red and orange hues along this shady trail.

Two miles in from Scott Road access is an incredible suspension bridge the Florida Trail Association recently built crossing the Econfina Creek. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors.
Two miles in from Scott Road access is an incredible suspension bridge the Florida Trail Association recently built crossing the Econfina Creek. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors.

For a short 4-mile hike, Two Penny Bridge will be your turnaround point. The trek from Scott’s Road to Walsingham Bridge is 10 miles. The Walsingham area has camping facilities, picnic tables and portable toilet facility.

A fall hike provides great colors along the trail. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
Fall colors along the trail. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

This section of the Florida Trail is owned by Northwest Florida Water Management District, and is chock full of recreation opportunities. Equestrian trails, paddling, birding, swimming, hunting and fishing are all available in close proximity to the creek. Econfina recreationarea map shows detailed information on the recreation area.

Pack a lunch and make a day of it, or pack your gear and camp out. This is Northwest Florida’s nature at its best. Note there is wildlife along the trail including snakes and ticks in the warmer months. Keeping an eye on where you are walking and check yourself for ticks when you exit the forest area.

Click here information about the Econfina Creek.

For more information about the Florida Trail, click here.