The 8.1-mile Blackwater Heritage State Trail has everything the outdoor enthusiast desires. The asphalt trail is 12’ wide offering picnic tables, restrooms, water fountains, cycle rentals, and a playground. It is also valuable asset that provides a local, inexpensive opportunity to exercise.
The trail is ideally marked at every mile on the east side of the path by half-mile intervals. Perfect for runners in training or for those seeking a place to exercise. The running club of Milton’s Anytime Fitness uses the trail regularly for club members to meet together and exercise.
70-year-old Jerry Medders participates in the local running club because it is an inexpensive means of exercising and for the motivation he gets from being part of a group. “I run a lot of races,” Medders shared. “I am 70-years-old and want to make it to 71.”
Medders just completed the William Lake 10K Challenge last Saturday.
The group of runners organized by Anytime Fitness provides an opportunity for all levels of fitness to participate and enjoy the beautiful outdoor trail. Walkers, joggers, and runners all participated in the Tuesday evening run. There are an average of 15 runners per week according to Barry Brinker who organizes the activity and is on site for Anytime Fitness members. “A lot of times it is just better to exercise in a group. It is encouraging and motivating,” Brinker added. “It is a way for the community to get active together.”
Brian Groenenboom, age 39, runs as a way to relief stress. “I run several times a week to stay in shape and to relief stress,” he stated. “The Blackwater Trail is very nice. I normally run three to four miles on it.”
The trail is designed to follow the path of the former Florida and Alabama railroad, which was owned, by Bagdad Land and Lumber Company. The path provided the link between the lumberyard located in Bagdad and rail facilities in Whirley, Alabama. As World War II developed the rail connection between the two sites was not needed or useful anymore and was closed.
In 1940, the rail line was reestablished for the purpose of providing a method for the delivery of aviation fuel into Whiting Field.
Currently the trail provides a beautiful picturesque location for physical activity traveling through the quaint town of Milton and into the beautiful countryside.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Staying fit on the Blackwater Heritage State Trail