Blackwater River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blackwater River State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Panoramic view of river in the park
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 Blackwater River State Park
Location in Florida
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| Location | Santa Rosa County, Florida, USA |
| Nearest city | Milton, Florida |
| Area | 590 acres |
| Established | 1967 |
| Governing body | Florida Department of Environmental Protection |
Blackwater River State Park is a beautiful Florida State Park located in Florida, USA. It's about fifteen miles northeast of Milton, near a town called Harold. The park is famous for its super clean, sandy-bottom river. It's a perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy nature and outdoor fun!
The Park's Special History
The Blackwater River is one of the purest rivers in the entire nation. It has a unique sandy bottom, which makes it very clear and inviting. Because of this, the park is a popular place for many activities. Visitors love to go swimming, fishing, and camping here. It's also a fantastic spot for paddling in canoes or kayaks.
In 1980, Blackwater River State Park received a special honor. It was certified as a Registered State Natural Feature. This means the park has amazing natural value. It helps us understand the natural history of Florida. A few years later, in 1982, an Atlantic white cedar tree in the park was recognized as a "Florida Champion tree." This means it was one of the largest and oldest trees of its kind in Florida!
Fun Things to Do at Blackwater River State Park
Blackwater River State Park offers many exciting activities for everyone. You can go birdwatching and try to spot different kinds of birds. If you love the water, you can enjoy boating, canoeing, or kayaking on the river.
The park is also great for fishing and hiking on its trails. You can explore the undisturbed natural areas. There are nice picnicking spots with covered pavilions. These areas have restrooms and plenty of parking.
A favorite activity is tubing down the river. You can bring your own tube and float lazily to the Deaton Bridge. After your float, it's a short one-mile walk back to the parking lot to get your car. The park has many areas that are perfect for swimming, making it very kid-friendly. You can also enjoy wildlife viewing and use the full camping facilities.
