Jackson Redground Trail in a Day

Jackson Redground Trail

Blackwater River State Park, Florida

February 2008

WANDERERS:  John, Lydia, Sharon, Steve.

SIGHTINGS/ IDENTIFICATIONS:  Homo sapiens (Boy scouts), Pine Warbler, Cardinal, Robin.

RUN:  20 miles in 24 hours.

Difficulty: 22.0 Difficult  http://www.nwhiker.com/HikeEval.html



RATING:  5.8/10 for red clay cliffs, bird sightings.


WEATHER:  Sunny, 60's Florida Winter Weather.

TYPE OF TRAIL:  Medium-dense Pine Forest.

WALK THRU:  Day 1.  My comrades and I had been waiting all week for a great cool weather hike we had been planning. Friday rolls around and we jump into my Kia Rio Cinco but before we even make it out of Pensacola, the car breaks down on the highway.  After a long and boring story we grab Lydia and Sharon's car and head out for the second time. We rendezvous with Steve, outdoor extraordinaire, at the parking lot before the bridge on Red Rock road.  It was already getting late, but we all hugged and took a few snapshots before we set off.  I knew it would be pitch dark before we got two miles down the trail but we were familiar with the area so we started along the dirt path.

Steve and John. Hiking extraordinaire's, separated at birth.

Sharon and Lydia Kirby. Yes, they are twins.

Night1.  The majority of our first day of hiking was actually done at night.  As far as night hiking goes, I think this is probably a great trail for it during the winter.  There are no mosquitoes, not too many huge wild animals that will eat you, and no big cliffs to fall off of.  The moon and stars shone bright in the sky and lit up our pine landscape.  Although our eyes adjusted to the night sky, it was still difficult to pick out the trail blazes.  For this reason we got lost a few times.  Nobody can see great in the dark unless you're half feline.

   At one point during the night hike, there was a rustle in the bushes next to the trail.  I ran from the sound screaming like a small child.  I believe Steve was the one who walked up to the bush to try and get a look at what could be the cause of the movement, but we never found out what it was.  It sounded like a wild boar to me.  Wild boars have tusks and are prone to charging, hence my running and screaming.  I have now decided it was either a Florida panther, wild boar, or the Southeastern Skunk Ape. 

  The four of us basically hiked five miles in the dark, over skinny waterlogged bridges and through dense brush.  After miles of this, we knew our camp and shelter were imminent.  We didn't want to pass it in the dark.  Steve barely spotted the shelter off to the left and we stopped for the night.  NOTE: If you hit a paved road after about 7 miles with a wide open field to the right, you have just missed the shelter.  The shelter is a little ways back, about a tenth of a mile.  

  Lydia, who was on her first over night backpacking trip, was also our designated bad-ass camp chef.  With no previous knowledge of back-country kitchen methods and an instinct for creation much larger than that of Thomas Edison, Lydia designed aluminum foil pouch meals for her first trip.  From my understanding, you throw a little sausage, maybe some chopped pepper and onion, sliced mushrooms, oil, garlic, and salt into some aluminum foil. Then fold it up and put it in a zip lock bag.  When you get to camp, make a fire, throw the aluminum foil pouch on the fire and your food is ready in no time. GREAT IDEA! As we laid around lazily next to the fire in our sleeping bags, we told stories, listened to coyotes howl, and sipped on hot cocoa. We decided to sleep outside under the stars.

Day 2.  Steve got up early for a little nature exploration hike as the sun was first coming up. He spotted a couple deer feeding and then reported his findings back at camp while we chowed down on some delicious blueberry pancakes (Anytime blueberry pancakes are mentioned in this blog, it should be known that I am talking about Bisquick shake and pour Pancake Mix. The pancakes are great for hiking and the container can be used to store trash in until you finish your hike.). 

Steve at the shelter.

Jackson Red Ground Trail Shelter 1.

  As we were packing and readying to leave, some boy scouts arrived bearing fire wood to replenish the pile at the shelter.  It should be noted that the Jackson Red Ground Trail shelters, which are of great importance to hikers, are built and maintained by the local boy scouts. Thanks goes out to them.

   We began the next morning on the trail like any next morning on the trail, with sore hips and shoulders.  As we hobbled down the trail, we spotted some interesting little yellow birds.  After some research, my best guess is that these were Pine Warblers.  Further along the trail we sighted some northern cardinals and robins.  We also heard the loud tapping beaks of woodpeckers in the trees above, although we didn't take the time to look for them.  Most of the area we hiked through had recently undergone a controlled burn.  Steve explained to us that the Forest Service drops little pellets from helicopters that create tiny fires.  The fire department stays handy to control any areas that might get out of control.  In a medium dense pine forest, these fires would occur naturally, but the fire department now does it yearly to prevent unwanted fires from destroying nearby houses.

   

   At the 10th mile marker, we decided to hike a little further to Bear Lake and then head back to Red Rock road.  We marched about thirty more minutes and arrived at Bear lake. The area seemed quite nice at first glance but the campsite further down the path was a little ruff.  It turned out to be a redneck riviera that came complete with mansion sized pop-up tents and 5,000 horsepower engines on ten foot bass boats.  The lake was actually more pond sized and I didn't see any bears. 

   The four of us adventurers settled down to nurse some blisters and eat a quick lunch.  After we filled our water bottles at the bathroom faucets, we forced our shoes on over some badly damaged feet.  Taking hiking boots off in the middle of a long day, good idea or bad idea?  So we headed back and the hike transformed into a battle of strength, stamina and determination. This was no longer a nature outing but a test of will.  After another 10 miles of hiking on a 13 mile day we kept walking because we knew the car was just ahead.  We raced the sun back to the car and arrived just before dark.  The Car starts.  BONUS!

Lydia nursing some ouchies.

TRAILHEAD:  From I-10, take the Avalon Boulevard Exit (Exit 22). Follow Avalon Boulevard to US 90. Take a right and continue to Burger King. Take a left at Stuart Street (Hwy 87). Go to Milton High School. Take a right across from Milton High School onto Hwy 191. Follow Hwy 191 north to Red Rock Road at Spring Hill. Take a right on Red Rock Road and proceed to the Red Rock Primitive Area/Canoe Launch. Trail crosses Red Rock Road .3 miles to the east. The south end of Jackson Red Ground Trail begins at the road crossing -- proceed north to enter this portion of the trail. The trail segment south of this crossing is the Juniper Creek Trail.

FOOD:  Trail Mix, Tin Foil Pouches w/ (Onion, Mushrooms, Peppers, Sausage), Blueberry Pancakes, Tuna with Crackers. Mayo and Mustard Packets. Syrup.

EQUIPMENT: Snow Peak Multi Compact Aluminum Backpacking Cook Set
Kelty Coyote 4750 Backpack (Nite Sky)
Kelty Light Year 20-Degree Sleeping Bag (Long)
Sierra Designs Lightning XT 2 Two-Person Ultralight Tent
Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro (Regular)
Petzl E91 PL Tikkina 2 Headlamp, Lime Green
MSR Pocket Rocket Stove
NALGENE Tritan 1-Quart Narrow Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle,Slate Blue
Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter
Pack Rain Cover, Wool Socks, Rain Jacket, Map, Compass, First Aid Kit,

BODY CONDITION:   Sharon, Lydia, and I drove home. When we were ready to get out of the car it was impossible for us to walk. I was extremely sore and rested all the next day. I think on the way home Sharon cried and simultaneously stuffed her face with a whopper because she was so sore.  Steve who runs marathons and is in amazing shape called me the next day to tell me he was in fact sore as well.


LESSONS LEARNED: -You are capable of pushing yourself a lot further than you think, especially when you don't know how far you have hiked and you have to be some where the next day.
-Treat blisters before they get bad. If you wait your foot will fall off your leg.
-Never buy a Kia, worst car company in the world, I bought that car brand new and it lasted only 4 years before the engine blew. I had a warranty and they would not fix it.


SIDE NOTES: - Check for Hunting Season! Most of the trail runs through a state park however part of the trail goes through a well known hunting area. During certain times of the year it might be wise to wear orange and talk loudly when hiking. WARNING: It should be said that even in the state park the "NO HUNTING" signs have buck shots in them so keep an eye out for those crazy red necks. I have also found buck shot shells on the trail hiking through the state park.

MAPS/ CONTACT:  You can use one of two maps. 
-The Florida Trail Thru map PH1- Blackwater River can be found here.
http://www.floridatrail.org/OBM/Trail-Maps/105/Detailed-product-flyer.html

-There is a less detailed PFD version of the map which can be found here.  http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/blackwater_jackson_red.htm

-Blackwater River State Forest
11650 Munson Hwy
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: 850/957-6140

Buescher State Park

Buescher Hiking Trail

Smithville, Texas

December 2007

WANDERERS:  John, Lydia, Micah, Sharon.

SIGHTINGS/ IDENTIFICATIONS: Wild Boar

RUN:  Day Hike. 7.7 mile Loop.

Difficulty: 7 Easy   http://www.nwhiker.com/HikeEval.html


RATING:  2.7/10 for good weather, relatively clean trail.

WEATHER:  Sunny, 60's.

TYPE OF TRAIL:  Dense pine-oak woodlands.

WALK THRU:  This trail really feels like a hike in your back yard and not quite as good as a nature running trail on a military base. As you start your hike you realize that you are hiking next to a paved road that will follow you for most of your hike. At some point you start to get away from the paved road and immediately come out of the baby woods and enter a clear cut area where power lines stretch above as far as the eye can see. If you ever feel like you are starting to get lost on this hike dont worry, you are bound to either hit the paved road or the fence that surrounds you. Its sort of like a hiking playpen. 


At some point we stopped, sat in the middle of the trail, and scarfed all of our turkey sandwiches. We made jokes and as the tryptophan entered our blood streams we began to laugh hysterically.  I don't think anyone really remembers why. Moments later two hikers would stumble upon us in our turkey coma hysteria and sort of kill the vibe for a second. After they left we started laughing again, harder this time until a little bit of pee came out. We must have spent 2 hours sitting there doing almost nothing.

Power Lines (similar to the ones at Buescher State Park)

TRAILHEAD: In the middle of a tiny state called Texas. Hwy 71. 

FOOD:  Leftover Turkey Sandwiches from Christmas Dinner.  M&Ms

EQUIPMENT:  Kelty Redwing 3100 Backpack
Nalgene Tritan 32oz Wide Mouth Bottle-BPA Free
, First Aid Kit, Lots of Turkey Sandwiches.

BODY CONDITION/ LESSONS LEARNED:  

SIDE NOTES:  -Bastrop State Park which is connected to Buescher State Park has an 18 hole golf course. This is the main improvement to the two parks over the past 20 years. Golf courses in state parks are pretty much a contradiction and a perfect example of just how terrible your hiking experience at Buescher State Park might be if you don't pack enough turkey sandwiches and bring some great friends.

Outdoor adventure or old men in plaid shorts.

 - There does not seem to be a lot of hiking options in this region as far as state parks go. I actually had a much better hike right in the back yard of the farm I was staying on. The Farm hike is where I got to see the wild boars up close and hear the coyotes howl as the sun went down.

MAPS/ CONTACT: Map Available at the Park.

Buescher State Park

PO Box 75

Smithville, TX 78957

Office Hours: 8am- 5pm, 7 days a week

512. 237.2241

Standing Indian Mountain

Standing Indian Mountain

Nantahala NF, North Carolina

August 2007

WANDERERS:  Brooke, John, Steve.

SIGHTINGS/ IDENTIFICATIONS:  Huge white tailed buck, chicken mushrooms, North American river otter.

RUN:  3 Day Hike, 14.1 miles

Difficulty: 18 Challenging 


RATING:  7.25/10 for flora, fauna, and waterfalls.

WEATHER:  Clear weather, 50's to 80's depending on elevation.

TYPE OF TRAIL:  Dirt to rocky backpacking trail through old growth forests, wooden bridges, rhododendrons, beech woods, mixed woodlands, and fern carpeted woods.  Hike along trails with beautiful views of waterfalls and over boulders along side Kimsey Creek. 

WALK THRU:  Day 1. Brooke and I left Pensacola, Florida around 7 am on Friday morning after taking the day off for a 3 day weekend. We had hoped to get to Franklin, North Carolina between noon and 2 pm.  Our friend Steve Matechik was attending National Park Service Training just down the road from the trail-head.   I should start off by saying that this was my very first full-on backpacking trip. Steve had been on multiple backpacking trips and was sort of going to show me the ropes on a short 3 day hike with my girlfriend Brooke.  After seven hours of driving, we arrive in Franklin at our scheduled time, but we are having trouble getting a hold of our comrade Steve.  Brooke and I scarf down some really terrible fast food and then go to find the trail-head. We discover our trail-head near Rock Gap, here we finally get ahold of Steve, only to learn that he is still in class and will be running late. To pass the time, we decide to check out the campsites at Standing Indian, which turn out to be really nice.  The two of us then drive back up to the trail-head at Rock Gap so we can explore a bit.  We hop out of the car to get our first look at the trail. We approach the entrance to the trail and immediately find signage for a clever bear.  We hop back into the car.

As we were sitting there in the car waiting, I see a lone man take off into the woods with his pack.  His wife had dropped him off, given him a quick hug and within seconds he had disappeared into the wood, his wife already driving away.   I played out this mans scenario in my brain over the next couple of hours until Steve arrived. What happens if you stumble and break a leg or one of those crazy bears, undaunted by humans, tries to attack you. You are completely on your own.  Simultaneously,  I was intrigued by the thought of such solitude and the sense of adventure that this man must be experiencing at that very moment. 

 Steve arrived just before dark which meant cutting out our hiking for that day.  I didn't consider this a problem because it was just so great to see Steve.   Steve and I had worked for years together at a Jetski rental business in Florida and had become great friends.  I can honestly say, he is one of the greatest people you will ever meet.  
 

Rock Gap Shelter

   Steve brought us about a quarter mile up the trail to Rock Gap Shelter.  Over the next hour he showed me some really cool stuff, how to hang your pack so rats didn't get to them and how to hang your food bag on a bear bag line. He showed me where the water would have been if there had not been a terrible drought in the region.  The three of us cooked up some dinner, ate it and then came time to wash the dishes outdoors. Steve explained to me that the camp soap I bought was pretty much useless for backpacking.  I guess you don't really want to use camp soap because the smell can attract animals and it does not really belong on the ground in the middle of the woods according to Leave No Trace Ethics. He showed me that to properly clean your dishes, you pour a tiny amount of water into your used pot, scrape off the excess food in the pot with your spoon, and then drink the food residue water.  This totally grossed me out at first.  He explained that you can use a paper towel or something similar to clean out your dishes, but that you would just end up having to carry that extra trash with you for the rest of the camping trip.  I figured why waste the space and took my first gulp. Disgusting! and then I got over it.  After dinner, Steve informed me that he was going home for the night. He had last minute news that he was going to have to attend a short class in the morning before we set out on our adventure.  Remembering those bear signs, I think my feelings on sleeping outdoors were comparable to the first time I saw The Shining, I was only five.  My mother would go to use the restroom and in a fit of terror I would squat outside the bathroom door stretching my fingers underneath the door and asking her if she was still there. 

Night 1. So Steve left for the night, Brooke and I sat there in my small tent inside the shelter. I have since learned that when most people sleep in a shelter, they don't set their tent up inside of it.  I laid there all night, eyes wide open.  The littlest rat scurrying across the floor sounded like a black bear rustling up leaves or maybe a pack of wild boars ready to thrust a tusk into my unsuspecting body.

Day 2.    I got no sleep.   I was very out of sorts, sluggish, and really just felt like sleeping in the car all day. Brooke and I drove to our new trailhead at Timber Ridge Trail near Mooney and Big Laurel Falls, where we had agreed to meet Steve after his class.  As we sat there and waited I became very anxious about our hike.  At this point we were only going on an overnighter.  I hadn't really stepped foot into the wilderness and under my increasing anxiety I felt like I might get nauseous in the car at any second. The thought of being out in the wilderness with out my security blanket was getting to me somehow. 
   When Steve arrived we dropped off our car at Standing Indian Campground and took his car back up to the trailhead.  Before putting on our boots and packs to start our hike, we decided to take it easy a bit longer and go play in the waterfalls, we were parked pretty close to Mooney Falls.  As we got down to the falls we saw two river otters. Upon spotting us, they scattered up the waterfall and into the woods. We made our way to the bottom of the falls where things sort of leveled out and Steve taught us how to climb down the rocks.  Stay on all fours and you always want a combination of 3 hands or feet planted. Brooke strayed from this rule for a moment, stood up, and slipped.  Luckily she just fell on her butt and was not injured.  Brooke and I made our way down to a shallow pool.  The water was freezing but we dared each other to go skinny dipping.  We were both in the water and finally it came down to dunking your head in.  I have learned over the past years of playing outdoors that you are not really in the water until you dunk your head under.  You can be in the water up to your ears but until that head goes under it doesn't count.  Mooney Falls was amazing.  This acclimation is exactly what I needed.  I could have played on the rocks all day but we still hadn't hiked a mile and our campsite was at the top of Standing Indian Mountain, approx. 10 miles away.  We strapped on our boots and packs and made our way up the Timber Ridge Trail in good spirits.

We probably only made it about a tenth of a mile up the Timber Ridge Trail before I realized I was not in any sort of hiking shape.  I have played soccer all my life and was completely capable of pushing my body to the limits, Brooke Anderson on the other hand, was on the other end of things.  She became exhausted very quickly and needed to take breaks often as we gained elevation quickly.  I think we were both about to have a cow after we realized that this was not going to be a gentle stroll in the park.  It's important to note that rushing someone when hiking can lead to injuries.

   As we approached the top of the ridge, the terrain started to level out a bit when BAMMMM!! The trees in front of us exploded -leaves were flying everywhere!  This huge white-tailed buck danced its way across the path and through the woods.  Over the course of the next few hours we discovered these areas where roots were dug up.  Our best guess was that wild boars were digging them up.  Around this time we left the Timber Ridge Trail and joined the Appalachian Trail.  Steve began pointing out the different plants and mushrooms we came across,  I think this is what really sealed the deal for me on backpacking.  Great views stretched before our eyes as we approached the top of the mountain.  All of the different smells of spice and earth and damp filled my nose and mind with wonder. 


  We hit the top of Standing Indian Mountain just as the sun was going down.  I remember thinking that I had conquered my first mountain.  Unfortunately, you do not actually conquer the mountain until you make it down the other side.  Just ask those two guys from the movie "Touching the Void".  The path down the other side was filled with large cobble stones which made the going more difficult as we were walking in the dark with headlamps. Your feet sort of wiggled and wobbled as you slid down the other side.  Needless to say, it was not the most comfortable of feelings, but you sort of got used to it.  I was in trek mode now and really felt like I had a grip on the whole hiking thing. Unfortunately, around this time Brooke's ankle gave out.  She seemed to be in a lot of pain so we took some stuff out of her pack and really slowed our pace.  I guess that is really the only thing you can do in that situation.  I know in her heart she probably would have been willing to set up camp right there in the middle of the trail. 


  While we are on the topic of walking in the dark at night, I just want to point out another small fear.  It seems that when backpacking, everyone hikes in a line. When its dark outside you feel great in the front as leader.  You get a few spiders in the face, but overall things are pretty good.  In the middle of the pack you are basically just following the person in front of you.  No bugs but you don't get to see anything crazy. You'er basically a walking dummy.  The back of the pack is really where intense fear can overwhelm you.  There is no one behind you and if a giant evil monster wants to silently pluck you out of the night, like has been done in so many children's cartoons, the monster probably will.


Night 2. We reach Standing Indian Shelter (Picture 2 from the left below).   I am exhausted and sort of feel like we have reached a La Quinta Inn or someplace really fancy like that.  This place is an ivory palace in heaven.  I remember having a cup of something warm like hot chocolate and sleeping all night. 

Day 3. We hike the rest of the way down the mountain on the Appalachian Trial after filling up our water bottles from a nearby stream.  Originally in the morning we had planned to take the Lower Ridge Trail back to the car but by mistake ended up on the Kimsey Creek Trail.  This was the best mistake we could have made.  The trail took us through luscious vegetation along side a beautiful creek.  As you hike slowly downhill you pass lots of large rocks covered in a blanket of green moss.  Half-way through the hike we decided to take a dip in the creek to wash the stink off ourselves and improve team moral.

 After the dip we made our way back to the car and hit the road.

Mooney Falls, Standing Indian Shelter, Nantahala Wilderness Signage, Standing Indian Mountain, Chicken Mushroom.

TRAILHEAD:  Take US 64 west from Franklin approximately 12 miles passing thru Winding Stair Gap.   Near the bottom of the mountain from the gap, you will turn left on West Old Murphy Road (SR 1448). There is a directional sign for the campground there. Go 1.9 miles and turn right on Forest Development Road 67 at the Standing Indian Campground sign. This is a paved road. Go 1.7 miles and turn right into Standing Indian Campground. From Campground continue down Upper Nantahala Road. You will find parking near Mooney Falls. 

FOOD:  I can't remember most of what we ate on this trip.  I do, however, remember some blueberry Pancakes and Cliff Bars. 

EQUIPMENT: The North Face Venture Rain Jacket
Thorlo Men's Wool/Silk Lt Hiker Crew Sock, Navy Heather, Size 11
Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro (Regular)
MSR Pocket Rocket Stove
Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter
flip flops, bandana, aluminum cookset, Light my fire spork, synthetic sweater and pants, Backcountry first aid kit.  

BODY CONDITION:  Steve was in the middle of Ranger Training school so he was in great shape and had no problems. Brooke and I were smokers and drinkers who never trained so we were quite sore. Brooke's ankle wrapped.

LESSONS LEARNED:  1. Conditioning is important. 
2. We arrived at Standing Indian Shelter around 11:00pm which means we did at least 3 hours hiking in the dark.  I used my back-up batteries when my head lamp died.
3. If your soon to be ex-girlfriend smokes two packs a day and has never done anything athletic in her life, maybe she is not the one for a hiking adventure. 
4. The Light My Fire Spork will melt under heat.
5. Aluminum cook sets suck!
6. Tea, Hot Chocolate, Cider make everything better.

SIDE NOTES: -Elevation 5,499 ft. Its the highest point south of the smoky mountains.
-According to Cherokee mythology, Standing Indian Mountain is the remains of a warrior who turned to stone because he failed to remain at his post. This Indian warrior had been sent to the mountaintop to keep a lookout for the winged monster which came from the sky and stole children. The winged monster was captured and then the Great Spirit destroyed the monster with thunder and lightning. However, because the Indian warrior became afraid and ran away from his post, he was turned to stone for his cowardice. The Cherokee called Standing Indian Mountain Yunwitsule-nunyi, which means "where the man stood." 
-Water at both shelters. Rock gap has a little spick et right next to the shelter. Standing Indian has a little stream just past the trail if you are facing it from the shelter. There should be a sign pointing towards it that says water. Also water along the random streams and rivers throughout this hike. Water at the campground.

MAPS/ CONTACT:
Nantahala and Cullasaja Gorges, NC - Trails Illustrated Map # 785
 
-Standing Indian Campground (NC)
OFF FOREST DEVELOPMENT RD 67
Franklin NC 28734
(828)524-6441

Edward Ball Trail

Edward Ball Trail

Pensacola, Florida

May 2007

WANDERERS:  Betsy, John, Mike, Natasha.

SIGHTINGS/ IDENTIFICATIONS:  White Tailed Deer, Juvenile American Alligator, Oyster Mushroom, Turtles (Type Unknown), Bald Eagle, Egrets, Spider Lily.

RUN:  Day Hike. There are 20+ miles of trails. All of the loops are under 5 miles. 


RATING:   4.65 for the Trail.
Kayak Rating: 5.75/10 for Bald Eagles, small gators and rare swamp flora.

WEATHER:  Sunny!

TYPE OF TRAIL:  Boardwalk through hardwood swamp. Wide trail through medium dense pine forest, small gorge, small to medium inclines through hills and bluffs.

WALK THRU:  1. Enter the boardwalk immediately you will come to Thompson's Bayou. This is your best chance to see odd fish, turtles, and the small American Alligator. It might be big these days. 
2. A quarter mile down the boardwalk you will see a break in the railing on the right. At this point you are on the UWF Nature Walk Trail. Walk another quarter mile down the trail and you will reach the trail sign. 
3. Go right at the Trail sign. You are now on the coke can trails. (2.75 miles). Stick to your right and you should follow a trail along Thompson bayou.  Keep an eye towards the sky when you come to spots along the water, this is your best chance to spot a Bald Eagle. 
4. Towards the north end of the coke can you will hit a fence and should only be able to go left. This fence keeps unwanted guests out of a power plant. If you hike along the fence you will get a glimpse of the power plant and something called Crist's Falls. There is no water fall here just a drainage ditch coming from the power plant. 
5. From here you can head back towards the trail sign. If you stay to your right once again this time heading south there are multiple trails including gorge trail (.6 miles), Bone Trail (.92 miles), Cambodia Trail (1.53 miles) etc. If you stick to your left you will hit the trail sign and you can make your way back to the boardwalk. 

TRAILHEAD:  From Davis Highway go north on University Parkway. Go to Bldg 10 and 11 on UWF Campus. Follow the path behind Bldg 10 and 11 to the Trail head.

FOOD:  Pb&J, Trail-mix, Lots of Water especially during the summer.

EQUIPMENT:  Day pack, sunscreen, bug spray, map, cell phone, compass, Petzl Tactikka XP Headlamp - Camouflage 
Sherpa Adventure Gear Thamel Mens 2.5L Jacket
first aid kit and extra food.

BODY CONDITION/ LESSONS LEARNED:  Nothing but smiles.

SIDE NOTES:  -At night time apparently there are reflectors on trees that lead to a geo cache sight. (I dont know about going out there at night, creepy).
-Canoeing the Thompson Bayou is probably a better option than hiking these trails. Being on the water is more fun, and you will have a great chance to see alligators, turtles, egrets, bald eagles, and spider Lillis up close. If you go to the end of the Bayou you will reach a large body of water. This is the Escambia River. You can paddle across this river to an island. On this island you will find lots of sand, huge ants, beer cans, and extreme heat during the summer.
-Canoes are available for free from the UWF gym. You can reserve them in advance here
http://uwf.edu/recreation/OutdoorAdventures/Checkout.cfm 

MAPS/ CONTACT:  You can find maps for all of the UWF campus trails here
http://uwf.edu/recreation/Facilities/TrailMaps.cfm