Jackson Red Ground Trail (Blackwater River State Forest)

Blackwater River State Forest, Florida Forest Service (Red Rock to Karick Lake, northeast of Milton)

The Jackson Red Ground Trail is the oldest trail in Blackwater River State Forest, built in the 1970s, and part of the Florida National Scenic Trail in the far western Panhandle. Florida Hikes describes it rising from the red clay bluffs of Juniper Creek into extensive longleaf pine forests, with titi swamps in the folds between the hills. The full route from Red Rocks to Karick Lake runs 21.2 miles.

Florida Hikes describes it as a full backpacking journey, with two campsites along the way and a developed campground at the end.

The hike

Florida Hikes calls Blackwater River State Forest the largest state forest in Florida, about 190,000 acres surrounding the Blackwater River and its tributaries near Milton. It says more than 50 miles of the Florida Trail cross the forest on two routes, and that the Jackson Trail quickly became the westernmost outpost of the statewide trail after it was built.

The trail starts at Red Rocks, at the southern end. Florida Hikes describes the Florida Trail rising from the red clay bluffs of Juniper Creek there. The Florida Trail Association’s segment map gives directions to the Red Rock Trailhead: from Milton, follow SR 191 northeast 11.3 miles, turn right on Red Rock Road, and continue 3 miles to the trailhead before the bridge. The trail is 0.3 mile beyond.

North of Red Rocks, the route climbs into longleaf pine. Florida Hikes says that along the Jackson Red Ground Trail’s 21.2 miles between Red Rocks and Karick Lake, the Florida Trail immerses you in longleaf pine forests with titi swamps between the hills. It notes two campsites along the way.

Water comes from creeks. Florida Hikes says that at 12.5 miles, a sturdy bridge over a creek is the next place to get water before the Blackwater Shelter and campsite. It adds that the Florida Trail portion of the route leaves the Jackson Red Ground Trail at mile 16.6 to join the Wiregrass Trail. Hikers wanting the full Jackson Red Ground Trail continue east another 4.6 miles to the Karick Lake North or South Recreation Areas.

Florida Hikes suggests logistics for the full trip: leave your vehicle at Karick Lake North, which has a developed campground and a camp host, and get a shuttle to Red Rocks to hike back. Wikipedia notes that Karick Lake has two campgrounds, one on its north shore and one on its south shore.

The trail connects south to the Juniper Creek Trail. Florida Hikes calls the Juniper Creek Trail, also part of the Florida Trail, a gorgeous place to explore, with a panorama at Red Rocks and mountain laurel and dogwoods blooming in spring. It describes the Bluffs Campsite above a bend in the creek, and the FTA map lists a Juniper Creek shelter near a scenic river bend at mile 6.5 from Deaton Bridge. Together, these trails form a longer route through the forest toward Alabama, which Florida Hikes describes as the 45-mile Blackwater section of the Florida Trail.

Florida Hikes says backcountry camping in the forest is available at designated campsites and shelters along the Florida Trail.

For another Panhandle Florida Trail trip, see St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Tips

Leave your car at Karick Lake North. Florida Hikes suggests it, since there’s a camp host.
Fill water at the mile 12.5 creek. It’s the source before the Blackwater Shelter.
Camp only at designated sites and shelters.
Check hunting seasons. Ask the Florida Forest Service about current seasons and wear orange if hunts are on.
Add the Juniper Creek Trail. It connects south from Red Rocks.

Camping

Florida Hikes says backcountry camping in Blackwater River State Forest is available at designated campsites and shelters along the Florida Trail, with two campsites on this route, including the Blackwater Shelter and campsite. Karick Lake North and South have developed campgrounds at the eastern end. Confirm current campsite rules with the Florida Forest Service.

Inside Intel: Florida Hikes’ plan is the one to copy: park at Karick Lake North, where there’s a developed campground and camp host, shuttle to Red Rocks, and hike back east. Use the creek crossing at mile 12.5 to fill up before the Blackwater Shelter. If you extend the trip south on the Juniper Creek Trail, Florida Hikes points to the Bluffs Campsite, atop the bluffs above a bend in the creek.

Trail facts

Distance: About 21.2 miles, Red Rocks to Karick Lake (Florida Trail portion splits off at mile 16.6)
Route type: Point to point
Difficulty: Moderate
Campsites: Blackwater Shelter and campsite and one other on the route; Karick Lake campgrounds
Water: Creeks, including at mile 12.5. Treat all water.
Permits: None found; confirm with the Florida Forest Service
Trailheads: Red Rock Trailhead (Red Rock Road, off SR 191); Karick Lake North and South Recreation Areas
Last verified: October 2, 2026

The Lowdown

Dinner at the Blackwater Shelter:

A night in the longleaf pines of the western Panhandle calls for an easy trail dinner. See which meals testers keep coming back to.

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Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.