5Blackwater River State Park
The beautiful Blackwater River State Park is nestled in Florida’s Panhandle under one hour away from Pensacola. It includes nearly 600 acres of verdant forests and one of the country’s purest sand-bottom rivers. Much of the area near the river is surprisingly undisturbed.
Opened in 1968, the park’s creeks are a part of the biggest wiregrass ecosystem on the planet. That’s rarer than even a tropical rainforest. It features a striking four-mile stretch of water perfect for lazy river tubing and swimming too. You can rent kayaks and canoes here as well and the white sand beaches are perfect for picnics.
The park’s name is actually misleading. The water isn’t black. It typically looks more like a clear gold color. The best time to visit is in the summer but it’s open all year, from 8:00 a.m. ‘til sunset.
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