FNST on Eglin: General  Infomation

The Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) on the Eglin AFB Reservation was developed and constructed as a cooperative effort of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) and Eglin’s Natural Resources Branch.  The FTA performs trail maintenance and makes improvements on a continuing basis.  The FNST is part of the Florida Trail system, which traverses Florida from the Big Cypress National Preserve to Ft. Pickens.

The FNST on Eglin: There are currently two separate segments of the FNST on Eglin.  A 44-mile segment from US Hwy. 331 to State Road 85 south of Crestview, and a twelve-mile north south segment paralleling State Road 87.  The trail generally follows Eglin’s northern boundary, and the State Road 87 corridor.  The trail route is orange blazed, with side trails and alternative routes blue blazed.  The FNST on Eglin is divided into four sections.  At the beginning and end of each section there is trailhead bulletin board where hiker registration is required (see Registration Requirements below).  Each individual using the trail assumes full responsibility for their own safety.  Users are expected to exercise due caution at all times.  This is a wilderness footpath and hikers can expect to encounter potential hazards (weather, wildlife, insects, uneven terrain, water crossings, heat exhaustion, etc).  Hikers must carry sufficient drinking water.  Streams along the FNST on Eglin are plentiful, but all surface water must be filtered or treated before drinking.  Hunting is permitted in all areas along the trail route.  During hunting season hikers should wear highly visible clothing and expect to encounter hunters.

Trail Use: The FNST is open to human foot traffic only.  All trail users age 16 or older are required to have a current Eglin Recreation Permit (Oct 1 – Sept 30) in their possession.  This permit costs $7. and can be purchased at the Eglin Natural Resources Branch, 107 Hwy 85 North, Niceville, FL 32578; (850) 882-4164.  Additional permits are required for camping, hunting and fishing.  Trail users are required to complete a Hiker Permit/Registration Card at each trailhead bulletin board (see Trailheads and Trail Sections and Registration Requirements below).

Unexploded Ordinance (UXO): Eglin is a military installation with ongoing military missions and exercises.  A primary military mission at Eglin is the development and testing of munitions (explosives).  The trail route does not traverse any area where hikers would be expected to encounter unexploded munitions.  However, should you encounter items you suspect to be unexploded munitions you are to: 1. Not approach or handle the item(s), and 2. Alert Eglin’s Natural Resource Branch of its location.  All trail users are required to view the UXO video when purchasing recreations permits.

Trail Closures: At the discretion of Eglin the trail may be temporarily closed to FNST hikers.  Normally these closures are mission related and last no more then a few hours.  While closures are in effect no hiking is permitted.  Closure notices will be posted on trailhead bulletin boards.  The ability to locate trail users during closures is essential to continued recreational use of the trail.  Locating a trial user is facilitated by the Registration Requirements outlined below.

Registration Requirements: Each trail users is required to complete and sign a Hiker Registration Card at each trailhead bulletin board.  The top portion of this card will be deposited in the permit box at the trailhead bulletin board prior to departing the trailhead.  While hiking that trail section each user will have the bottom portion of this permit in their possession.  The bottom portion of the card will be deposited in the next trailhead bulletin board.  If the trail user is hiking the next trail section completion of a new Hiker Registration Card is required.  This procedure is followed at each trailhead bulletin board until the hiker exits Eglin.  Each trail user must sign the liability release on these cards. 

Restrictions:  The trail tread, route, footbridges and water crossings were developed for use by human foot traffic.  Use of the trail is restricted to human foot traffic only.  No motorized vehicles, bicycles, or horses are permitted.  Wheel chairs and/or other handicap assisting devices are permitted.  Trail users are restricted to within 100 yards of the trail except in designated campsites.  Hiking is only permitted during daylight hours. The possession of and presence of dog(s) along the trail is restricted.  All trail users are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all governing statutes and regulations.  It is essential that hikers refer to Eglin’s current year Outdoor Recreation, Hunting and Freshwater Fishing Map and Regulations.

Camping: Campers are required to purchase an Eglin Camping Permit ($5).  Permits can be obtained at the Eglin Natural Resources Branch.  Camping is permitted only in designated campsites.  Hikers must be in designated campsites 2 hours after sunset to 2 hours before sunrise.  The designed campsites along the trail route are Eglin Portal, Alaqua, Bull, Red Deer, Speck Pond, Jr. Walton Pond, Pearl, Buck Pond, and Dean.  Campsite guidelines and information is posted on campsite bulletin boards.  Eglin Portal, Alaqua, Bull, Red Deer, Pearl, and Dean are primitive backcountry campsites that are accessible by foot traffic only.  There is no road access to the backcountry campsites.  Speck Pond, Jr. Walton Pond, and Buck Pond Campsites are road accessible.

Campfire Restrictions: The Eglin Reservation is highly susceptible to wildfires, and campers must exercise due caution with campfires at all times.  It is not uncommon for open fires to be prohibited.  Campers should contact Eglin’s Natural Resources Branch to determine the level of fire restrictions prior to camping.  Use of small backpacker cooking stoves is encouraged at all times.  Their use will be required during periods of high wildfire potential.  Campfires are restricted to established fire rings.  Gathering of firewood is permitted, but restricted to downed dead wood that can be gathered by hand.  The use of saws, hatchets or other tools to gather firewood is prohibited.

Trailheads and Trail Sections:

Alaqua Section: US 331 Trailhead to Alaqua Trailhead; distance 14.4 miles.

Catface Section: Alaqua Trailhead to SR 285 Trailhead; distance 14.6 miles.

Titi Creek Section: SR 285 Trailhead to SR 85 Trailhead; distance 15.4 miles.

Weaver Creek Section: SR 87 Trailhead to East Bay Trailhead; distance 12.1 miles.

The Florida Trail Association is a statewide organization that builds, maintains, and promotes hiking.  Local chapters include the Western Gate Chapter (Greater Pensacola) and the Choctawhatchee Chapter (Niceville / Ft. Walton Beach / Crestview).  If you are interested in joining either organization, assisting with trail maintenance, or participating in our recreational activities please contact any officer listed for either chapter.

Emergency contact information:

Eglin AFB Natural Resources Branch (Jackson Guard)                                                      (850) 882-4164

Eglin AFB Security Forces (Range Patrol)                                                                           (850) 882-2502