Blackwater River Route 1

Total Miles
19.2

Technical Rating

5

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

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Blackwater River Route 1
9

Trail Overview

If you are looking for an offroad adventure through the winding trails of the Blackwater River State Forest, look no further. The sometimes muddy terrain challenges both vehicle and driver, navigating through dirt trails that twist and turn amidst towering pines and lush underbrush. Each mud hole conquered brings a rush of adrenaline, while creek crossings offer a fun feature to this ride. During the run, you will find the hidden gem of the Coldwater Creek swimming hole where you can take a dip in the refreshing waters. This offroad route will introduce you to the untouched beauty of Florida's wilderness at every turn.

Photos of Blackwater River Route 1

Blackwater River Route 1
Blackwater River Route 1

Difficulty

Most of this trail can be traveled without much difficulty. However, depending on recent rainfall, you will encounter mud holes and muddy areas that will require 4x4 and offroad tires.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

Justin Clipson
Mar 01, 2025
2023 Toyota Tundra
Open
Normal
Mostly dirt or sand roads. Two water crossing both very shallow and lots of traction. Mud hole towards the end definitely needs to be checked before attempting. Ended up skirting the right side and having no problems, left side was much deeper and felt mushy poking with a stick.
Maverick Overland Adventures
Jan 05, 2025
4x4
Open
Trail is in good condition, and very easy. Both watercrossings were only maybe 8-10" deep, nice hard pack bottom/concrete/rock. East end of the trail was dry, nice hard pack and more of what I'd call a "trail". West end was mostly hard red clay dirt roads, with a little slick layer of mud on top due to recent rain, but nothing to worry about or get stuck in. just a little messy. As others have said, only deep mudpit part is very short and has a bypass trail to go around it. overall, a fun way to spend the morning! lots of hunters out right now so just watch out for that
L S
Jan 04, 2025
2012 Jeep Wrangler
Open
Normal
The trail was much as described in main description and trail reports. The one extremely deep, muddy section can easily be avoided by driving the short triangular shaped road path just to the north, northwest of it. Look at it on the map if you want to avoid. Avoiding this section, I would rate the remainder of the trail as a 1, maximum 2 difficulty. I saw over a dozen vehicles trareversing the roads as it was winter deer hunting season.
Lj Newman
Dec 27, 2024
2017 Toyota 4Runner
Open
Muddy/Wet
Washboard
AWESOME route through Blackwater! Lots of good elevation change for Florida, 2 very manageable but interesting water crossings. Max depth about 8” even given recent rains. Western section between Camp Lowry Rd & One Nelson Rd is impassable unless you have people nearby to help with potential recovery or you’re right very high clearance above 35” tire. Deep mud holes and a rutted out hill full of mud that would’ve bottomed me out and then some. Thankfully you can bypass this small section of you take Camp Lowry to One Nelson directly. Lots of hunters out and about so be cautious.

Access Description

Ruth's store in Munson, Florida is a great place to meet up before the trip or to pick up those last-minute supplies for the ride.

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