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Blackwater River
State Forest Region

5. Bear Lake Hiking Trail

Counties
Santa Rosa
Nearby Cities
Munson
Trail Length/Surface
4 miles, unpaved
Activities
Hiking, Birding
Connects to
Jackson Red Ground Trail
Description

Sparkling waters will capture your attention as you enjoy a hike around Bear Lake, a 107-acre lake with camping and picnicking facilities as well as a kitchen pavilion. The lake is popular with anglers in spring and fall.

Birding:
From the camping area, hike the 4-mile trail that rings the lake, watching migrants like ovenbirds and swallow-tailed kites in springtime. Red-shouldered hawks echo across the lake and pied-billed grebes dive, hunting for fish. There is no hunting on the trail or in the vicinity of the lake. Nearby uplands can be good for chuck-will’s widows and turkey.

Access/Directions

Bear Lake Recreation Area (main access for Bear Lake Loop Trail)
From I-10, take the Avalon Boulevard Exit (Exit 22). Follow Avalon Boulevard to US 90. Take a right and continue to Burger King. Take a left at Stuart Street (Hwy 87). Go to Milton High School. Take a right across from Milton High School on Hwy 191. Follow for approximately 20 miles to Munson crossroads (Hwy 191 and SR 4). Take a right on SR 4 and continue for 2.5 miles to the Bear Lake Recreation Area sign. Go to kiosk in campground for information..

Resources

Detailed Map:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/
trails/blackwater_jackson_red.htm

Florida Division of Forestry: www.fl-dof.com

Visitor Information: www.beaches-rivers.com

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