Arriving by boat to Milton and the Blackwater River is an incredible adventure.  The further you go the more beautiful it gets.  The entrance to the river is highly navigable. Always consult your charts before making the trip and even though the depths are suitable for large craft use your depth finder at all times. Leaving the Intracoastal Waterway  (ICW) at Pensacola and heading north, northeast you will leave Pensacola Naval Air Station and Pensacola to your port and pass under Three-Mile Bridge that  links Pensacola with Gulf Breeze.  As you enter Escambia Bay the Escambia River outlet will be to your north while you head northeast to pass under the newly constructed Garcon Point Bridge and on into East Bay.  As you enter East Bay the water will start to calm as you continue northeast.  Several excellent places to anchor can be found (Average 10’ depth). These anchorage spots are on the south side of the channel (before northern turn towards the Blackwater River).  This is an excellent place to stop if it’s past 7 PM because the Train Trestle is closed for the night.  

Train Trestle Crosses River Just South of 
Milton's Riverwalk South

Turing north as the Bay turns into river, you will pass under the I-10 bridge and follow the well-marked channel to the Train Trestle (Call Robert @ 850-623-1705 for bridge opening 7 AM to 7 PM). The Riverwalk Wharf will be on your left after you pass under the trestle.  You can dock there unrestricted for 24 hours or less.  If you want extended stay call City Hall Milton for a control number.  

Need gas for your boat?  Under new government regulations the Whiting Field recreational area now sells boat gas to civilians.  This dock is just north of Hwy 90 bridge on the south side of the river.  The word is that a civilian can purchase anything from this location except alcoholic beverages.  Just go in and ask them, their a great crew.

Map of Milton, FL

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Day Trips

 

The city of Milton itself can offer great day trips (See Main) but if you are a cruiser you will definitely want to continue up river.  The Blackwater offers great wildlife, swimming with white secluded sandbars, group gatherings with visitors cooking and camping along the river.  Most locals like to motor up and idle back down as the sun sets on lazy afternoons.  As you go up the river you will pass the Whiting Field (Navy, ID card only) recreation center on your starboard.  Further up you will be able to divert into several basins lined with houses and popular for the water skiing. Always remember that the deepest water in a river is on the outside of each turn and you should do well.  Suitable depth can be found as far as Pucker Point.  Past Pucker Point the water varies between 2.5 feet and 8 feet which can present a challenge.  This is an excellent place to turn around and drift back down the river at idle speed.  Pucker Point is a special place with friendly natives.  It is rumored that there is also a pirate clan in this area, but not to worry, they drink too much to attack anyone.  To join the Blackwater Pirate Crew go to:
 JOIN BLACKWATER PIRATE CREW.

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See Parks for: Hiking, Biking and 
Canoe Trails

Blackwater Heritage State Trail

Coldwater Creek Canoe Trail

Yellow River Canoe Trail

Sweetwater/Juniper Creeks Canoe Trail

The Florida Trail

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Food Served on the River

 

If you get hungry on the river, not to worry, food is available without getting off your boat.  There is floating food in the form of a pontoon boat that serves home-cooked hamburgers with chips and several other tasty meals.  They also sell some of the things you forgot to bring.  Look for them.  For on-shore eats go to Dining.