Florida Trail Hikes – Bay View Trailhead to Yellow River – February, 2026

Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.

On February 24-26, 2026, my grandson Hunter and I camped at the Gulf Islands National Seashore campgroud – Fort Pickens, and conducted 3 day hikes on area sections of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FT).

On Wednesday, February 25 and Thursday, February 26, we day hiked the section from the East Bay Trailhead located on the west side of SR 87 (3 miles north of Navarre) to the Yellow River Trailhead located on the east side of SR 87.

We broke this section up into two day hikes.

Wednesday, February 25:
Parked at the East Bay Trailhead and hiked north to the first SR 87 crossing,
then returned using the same route (up and back method).
Distance: 11.2 miles (5.6 each way)

Thursday, February 26:
Parked car #1 at trailhead on SR 87 (stoping point for February 25 hike)
Drove north to Yellow River Trailhead to leave car #2
Hiked south to the SR 87 trailhead and car #1
Distance: 8.5 miles

Eglin Reservation:
Much of this section of the trail goes through a portion of the Eglin Air Force Base Reservation (640 square miles, or around 409,000 acres).
Most is used by the military for training.
However, they do allow the FT to pass through the northeast and northwest portions.
In order to walk on this section, one has to obtain a permit to do so.
That can be obtained by going to this web site: https://eglin.isportsman.net/Login.aspx
NOTE: This must be done at least 3 days before hiking.

Here are some views our walks on each day.

February 25: East Bay Trailhead to SR 87 Crossing

Entering the woods after a short road walk.
Note the palmettos on the right, will see many on this hike

Saw these frequently – they’re called “Ground Moss” (as told to me by a lifetime Florida resident)

Did I mention there were some Palmettos? 🙂

Campsites like this can be found all along the Florida Trail
They typically have good spots for tents, some benches, a fire ring, and are normally located near water

The water was crystal clear! We twice filtered some to drink – on the way out and the way back.

A long boardwalk after the bridge would help in times of flooding

Not only did someone dump an old boat here (full of trash), but on the otherside,
there’s what’s left of an old piano (you’ll see what I’m talking about when I make the YouTube video)
How sad!

I enjoyed seeing the different kinds of hardwood trees
Their trunks and limbs often do what is seen here

Another boardwalk section
These are sometimes seen in other sections due to the low areas through which the trail goes

Arriving at the FS 87 crossing where we turned around
This is where we’d end the next day’s hike coming from the north
Tthe parking lot was just to the left of this picture

February 26: Yellow River Trailhead to SR 87 Crossing

This section was different thnt the previous day’s
We walked through at least 4 clear-cut areas
There was also some elevation gain/loss as well

An old boat and piano on the previous section,and now this!

This is what’s left of a former boardwalk

The powerline afforded us our only open view of the day
This section contained some hills which offered easy ups and downs

The former recreation area known as Bucks Pond.
It was accessed by a short side trail down to the area.
At one time, there was fishing and other recreational opportunities.

A nice dropoff to a much lower area
There are hills in northwest Florida 👍🙂

Crossed many old roads in this section, which are used by the military
to access different parts of the Eglin Reservation

An enjoyable two days of hiking on this section of the Florida Trail

I plan to create a movie on my YouTube channel (Ken Brenner) of these hikes in God’s beautiful Creation.
Will update this article with the link when the video is completed and published.

God Bless!!!

Florida Trail Hikes – Dunes Preserve – February, 2026

Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.

On Tuesday, February 24, we hiked the Sand Dunes section, which I’d looked forward to doing for many years. This area is located just east of the condominium buildings located on the eastern side of the Pensacola Beach community.

Here are some views our walk through this very unique part of the Seashore:

The Florida Trail uses Orange 2″x6″ paint blazes to mark the route.
In this section, they had to use tall pvc piping to have something on which to mark the way.

An example of the various “species” of plants that grow on the dunes.
In some cases, they get quite large.

Two blazes indicate a turn in the trail.
Normally, the top one is offset in the direction of the turn.
But here, wasn’t enough room to do so.

Some of the dunes were high enough to offer good views of the area

Look what the rain and wind did to the side of this dune!!

Probably the tallest dune we saw in this section

The trail gives us one last look at the bay

The Dunes Section ends as the trail reaches and crosses the main road.
It then follows the shore for several miles east to the Navarre Beach community.

Very much enjoyed this scenic and unique section of the Florida Trail.

I plan to create a movie on my YouTube channel (Ken Brenner) of this wonderful walk in God’s beautiful Creation.
Will update this article with the link when the video is completed and published.

God Bless!!!

October, 2025 Hike on the Pinhoti Trail in Alabama

Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.
On October 21-23, 2025, I hiked 2 of the southern most sections of the Pinhoti Trail with my trail Brother Tom Booth.

The previous June, we explored this area to enjoy the views from Flagg Mountain (southern terminus) and find road crossings and trailheads for future reference when hiking the trail (it was too hot in June to do so).
Here’s the related article of this trip.

Hike Summary:

Tuesday, 10-21

– Drove to Flagg Mountain and hiked 5.3 miles to CR 56
– Drove to Pinhoti Outdoor Center to set up camp

Wednesday, 10-22

– Hiked 6 miles on first half of section for Trammel Gap to Bulls Gap
– Camped at Pinhoti Outdoor Center

Thursday, 10-23

– Broke camp at Pinhoti Outdoor Center
– Hiked 6 miles on second half of section for Trammel Gap to Bulls Gap
– Drove Home

Here are photos of each hike.

Flagg Mountain to CR 56

Here we go!
As info, it’s steeper going via the “Pavilion” route. But, I like it better.

The tower was closed the day we were there.

The trail is marked with blue paint blaes (markers)

Note the treee in the middle, “pointing” us to the nice view 🙂

Trammel Gap to Bulls Gap

Thankful for the great weather and views of the Creation on this series of hikes.
Always good to be with my long-time trail brother Tom.

Also, the Pinhoti Outdoor Center was a great place to camp and fellowship with others.
For more information, see this link: https://www.pinhotiforever.com/

God Bless!!!

Walks on the Longleaf Trace – November/December, 2025

Hi. Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.

In November and December, 2025, I did three hikes on the Longleaf Trace.
The November hikes were on the traditional paved bike/walking trail.
The December hike was on the horse trail, which parallels the Trace.

November 15, 2025:

I walked Trace from the Jackson Station north (by trail) 3 miles, then returned to the car. Here are some scenes from that walk:

Milepoint 8 on the Trace.
On this walk, I started at milepoint 7 (Jackson Station and
turned around at milepoint 10 (Eply Station).

There were a few signs of the now-ended Fall season,
as seen in the remaining leaves on these small trees.

These 4 horses trying to find any remaining grass to graze.
The fenced area behind them goes around a pond.

Note the high “wall” next to the Trace.
This bike/walking paved path follows the route of a former train line.
Having a higher area next to the Trace indicates
the original tracks went “through” a small hill.

There are several of these “rest areas” along the Trace.
Sometimes, they offer views (here: the pasture the horses were grazing in)

Always a pleasant time, walking along the Longleaf Trace.

November 28, 2025

I walked the Trace (bike trail) north from Sumrall towards Lott Circle, then returned to the car.
Here are some scenes from that hike:

A “back” entrance to a very scenic ranch.

They’re not real, but they sure looked like it!

December 13, 2025

I walked Longleaf Trace Horse Trail north around 6 miles from the the Lott Circle parking area, then returned to the car. Here are some scenes from that walk:

Had nice weather and skies for this hike, plus views into pastures with cattle.

Pasture is to the right, bike trail to the left.

A scenic look at how the horse trail fits into the Trace trail system.
Trace bike trail above and to the left, scenic woods and pasture to the right.

The bike trail below from the horse trail above.

Thankful for these opportunities to walk in the Lord’s Creation.

God Bless!

Flagg Mountain Alabama – June, 2025

Hi. Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.
On June 12, 2025, I drove to the Sylacauga, Alabama area (Weogufka State Forest) to meet my long-time hiking brother, Tom Booth.
Our goal was to:
1. See Flagg Mountain (1,152 ft.)
2. Find trailheads for the Pinhoti Trail in that area

The mountain is considered one of the southern-most 1,000+ foot peaks of the Appalachian Mountains.
The Pinhoti Trail starts at Flagg Mountain and heads north/northeast in Alabama for 171 miles before entering Georgia.

Here are some views of the mountain and surrounding areas.

The 53 ft. stone tower was built by the CCC in 1935, and has walls that are 2-3 ft. thick.

Views from the top of the tower are very nice
The windows can be opened to provide a clearer look.

Looking down the interior of the tower from near the top.

The Weogufka State Forest is managed by the Alabama Forestry Commission.

The CCC Program did a lot of good for our country, much of which is still enjoyed today!

Later in the day, we drove to Bulls Gap, approximately 43 trail miles north of Flagg Mountain.
Enjoyed nice views of the mountain range to the south!

One day, we hope to return to Flagg Mountain and start our section-hiking of the Pinhoti Trail in Alabama.

I love the beauty and peace found in the Lord’s wonderful Creation.

God Bless!!!

Hikes with Hunter – March, 2025

Hi. Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord

On March 24-26, I traveled to central Tennessee to visit with our grandson Hunter.
He is a travel nurse and was working at a hospital in Dickson Tennessee (he now is working on an assignment in Madison, Wisconsin).

We went on three hikes while there:
– Monday, 03-24: Short, afternoon hike to some lakes at Montgomery Bell State Park
– Tuesday, 03-25: Hiked around 11 miles on the perimeter of Montgomery Bell State Park (Montgomery Bell Trail)
– Wednesday: 03-26, Hiked around 11 miles on the Firey Gizzard Trail located in south Tennessee in the Grundy State Forest near Monteagle, TN.

Videos:
I’ve created a video on my YouTube Channel (Ken Brenner) showing the hikes in Montgomery Bell State Park on March 24-25.
Here’s the link:
https://youtu.be/tMhO0_GMj58?si=ayTsqTYz5SZbUxPl

I’ve also created a video showing the hike on the northern section of the Firey Gizzard Trail on March 26.
Here’s the link:
https://youtu.be/Ivnp63_I7Ao?si=bRTbtqb-9hNffrd1

IHere are some highlights of the beauty we saw in God’s wonderful Creation.

Monday, 03-24

Hunter leading the way over one of he many nice foot bridges.
The trails in this par are very well maintained.

Tuesday, 03-25

There are three shelters along the perimeter trail
Makes it more “Appalachian Trail” like

An old style privy for the second shelter

The “greenery” is actually under the clear water.

Encountered a section with many “sinkholes”

Me and a CCC guy, enjoying our time at
Montgomery Bell State Park 🙂

Wednesday, 03-26

Hunter at the start of an 11-mile loop hike on the Firey Gizzard Trail.

This trail features lots of steep ascents and descents, rocks (and rock fields), water (with rapids and falls),
and great scenery.

Note the diversity of this stream: waterfalls in the background, series of “cascades” further down.
To the God the Glory in His Creation!

Thanks for visiting my web site, hope you enjoyed these views into the beauty and glory of God’s Creation.

God Bless!!!

A Walk in the Country – Saturday, 09-07-2024

Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting Grace of our Lord.

On Saturday, 09-07-2024, I walked on the horse trail that parallels the Longleaf Trace rail-to-trail. The Longleaf Trace bike/walking path (10 ft wide, asphalt paved) runs 44 miles from the Hattiesburg Gateway to the north end at Prentiss, Mississippi.
I’ve created three videos about the Trace on my YouTube channel. This is discussed in the previous article on this site.

The southern end of the horse trail is at a camp area located just north of the beaver pond. It runs 24 miles northwest, paralleling the paved bike/walking trail to its northern end at a camp area in Carson.

I drove to a parking area called Lott Circle, and hiked the horse trail 4.5 miles north, then returned on the same route, back to the car.
Lott Circle is located on the Trace 6.8 miles north from Sumrall, or 7.3 miles south from Bassfield.

Here’s a map showing the location of Lott Circle and the approximate area in which I hiked:

The small, green dotted line is the horse trail.. The solid green line is the biking/walking paved trail.

Here are some pictures taken while walking this section of the trail.
The scenery was very nice.

The partly-cloudy skies enhanced the views of the surrounding farm/pasture land.

Typical view of the horse trail. Someone(s) used a tractor with bushhog to keep it clear.
I was very impressed with the condition of the trail.

A few remaining summer flowers blooming along the trail.

I passed by a very nicely-maintained and scenic farm with green pastures and plenty of water.

Another perspective from further down the trail.

A final look back. The cattle are the black dots in the lower-middle area.
What a nice place!

Encountered another large farm which had this crop planted throughout.
Not sure what it was, suspect soybeans (?).

On another large farm, came across this old/dying tree standing guard over the pasture and pond.

And finally, this group of “locals” followed me for a ways as I passed by their farm.
Guess they were expecting some sort of handout. All I had to offer was some remaining trail mix.

It was a blessing to do this first hike since last Spring, and encounter such nice scenery.
Praise God!

Jeremiah 27:5
I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

I am thankful it seemed meet unto the Lord to allow me to see this view into His Creation.

God Bless!!

Latest Movies on my YouTube Channel

Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting grace of our Lord.

In the past 5-6 weeks, I’ve produced and published four new videos on my YouTube Channel Ken Brenner (click on this link to see the channel contents).

Longleaf Trace
This is a three-part series that shows my hikes on a nearby rail-to-trail, the Longleaf Trace. Like other rail-trails, this one follows the route of an abandoned railway that is now a paved trail for biking and walking.
The southern end of the trail is on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, and goes 41 miles northwest through farmland, woods, and the towns/communities of Sumrall, Bassfield, Carson, and ending in Prentiss.

In May, 2021, we moved from Cumming, GA (where we’d lived for 22 years) to Jones County, Mississippi. I desired to continue my hiking, but the nearby DeSoto National Forest trails are not “walkable” in the heat of the summer.
I knew about the Trace from my previsious visits to family here.
It seemed like a good place to do “summer hiking”.
I began my journey (day hikes) from the Hattiesburg Gateway in July, 2021 and walked into Prentiss in October, 2021.
There are three movies of this trail as follows:
Hattiesburg to Sumrall Part 1
Sumrall to Bassfield Part 2
Bassfield to Preintiss Part 3

To see the movie, click on the link next to each description.

As with all my movies, I like to use music to accompany the photos and videos.
You may note that, the music used at the start of each movie, has a bit of a “railroad” sound. In Part 1, I also added a traditional railroad song that I’ve always liked.
Hope you enjoy this detailed look at the variety of scenery seen in the 41-mile walk.

Tishomingo State Park Hikes
(I originally documented this trip in an article on this web site: Hike at Tishomingo State Park)
I had heard of this park and decided to pay it a visit on June 11-12, 2024.
This park is in the far upper northeast corner of Mississippi, and at over 1,500 acres, its largest state park.
I met my long-time hiking buddy Tom there and in two days we day-hiked all 13 miles of this unique state park. We camped out in the campground at the end of the first day.
What I find different (than any other parts of Mississippi) is the amount and size/shape of the rocks. Considered being in the “foothills” of the Appalachian mountains, provides this area is much different look than the rest of the state.
We were blessed with nice scenery, a lake, and a swift-flowing river.
We were also blessed with an incredible start to the second day (I’ll let you watch to see what it was! 🙂).

Here is a link to this movie: Tishomingo State Park Hike.
Hope you enjoy this walk with us through the very special scenery.

God Bless!!

June Hike at Tishomingo State Park

Hi! Hope this finds you and your family doing well, and enjoying the peaceful and comforting grace of our Lord.

On Tuesday, June 11 and Wednesday June 12 (2024), I and my long-time hiking buddy (and Brother) Tom Booth hiked and camped at Tishomingo State Park in far northeast Mississippi.

This park is located northeast of Tupelo, Mississippi and is easily accessed from the Natchez Trace Parkway as well as state highway 25.
It has 1,530 acres with camping, hiking (13 miles of trails), Haynes Lake, and scenic Bear Creek.
Its rocky landscape is unique compared to other parts of Mississippi.
Here’s a link to more information about the park:
https://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/park/tishomingo-state-park

We hiked half of the trails on Tuesday, set up camp, then hiked the remaining trails on Wednesday before leaving for home.

Here are pictures that shows highlights of what we saw.

Day 1 Hiking:

The park was built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and opened in 1939

Right from the start, we saw the unique and very large boulders!

Note the size difference between Tom and those two rocks!

The trail often went between “walls” rock.

Note how the rocks are in layers, and here – some are different colors.

There was some nice forest walking also, but much of the time – we were amongst the rocks.

Our campsite located not far from the lake’s shoreline.

Day 2 Sunrise and Hiking:

The following highlight what was one of the nicest sunrise progression I’ve seen when camping. Praise God!

The morning mist enhanced the beauty of the moment.

Tom leading the way up a long set of rock steps.

Another comparison of man and rock.
I guess Tom felt safer if he held it up with his hiking stick!

Don’t try this one if you are averse to tight squeezes!

A patch of Cypress Knees near the river.

Thank you CCC guys for such a nice park!

(09-03-2024 Update)
I have created a video of these hikes on my YouTube Channel (Ken Brenner).
The name of the video is: Walking in Creation – Tishomingo State Park Hike – 2024
The link to the video is: https://youtu.be/2tkc8LzYb-M

Thank you for looking at this article on my trip to this scenic and interesting park.

God Bless!!