Out and about in Pensacola

University of West Florida – West Campus Trail System

  I have been extremely busy since moving to Florida in late February, and between starting the new job, buying a new car, and finding a place to live. I needed something to do on the weekend to get our and let off steam.  I found a series of hiking trails near the hotel I was staying near the University of West Florida Campus.  The trail system has multiple trailheads, and several loop trails of varying skill levels and lengths the shortest (The Yellow trail, which starts on Pate Street), and the longest being almost 12 miles which starts either at the Pate Street trailhead, or at the Edward Ball Nature Trail on the UWF campus.   This blog shows pictures from the Edward Ball Nature Trail, the Yellow Loop trail, and a modified Red and White trail from Pate Street.

  The trails are multi use for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

We start out at the Edward Ball Nature Trail, near Thompson Bayou.  I have not yet laid eyes on the Alligator.  Should I be relieved there is only one?

This Trail takes you along this wooden platform where you can identify various plants on the Thompson Bayou, and you can observe some fish and turtles that make the Bayou their home.

You will soon leave the elevated walkway and into the heart of the hiking trails. (Looking back at the  elevated walkway.)

The trail then parallels the Bayou for a bit, which makes for some great photo opportunities.

There quite a diverse growth of foliage on the trails, which provides quite a bit of shade, from pine trees, to majestic oaks, you will find peace along the trails.

There can also be quite a bit of wildlife along the trail, such as this squirrel. 

There is no potable water along the trail, so be sure to being plenty of your own.

I enjoy using my time hiking to talk on the ham radio.  Either using the EchoLink app on my iPhone to join in the Alaska morning net, or talking on the local repeaters on 2 meters using the Handi Talkie.

The UWF trail also hosts a virtual scavenger hunt game to keep your children entertained, the goal is to hike the trails looking for these signs with various animals on them, make note of the numbers on the signs or use your smart phone and record them on the UWF website. https://uwf.edu/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/departments/recreation-and-wellness/outdoor-adventures/uwf-trail-maps/scavenger-hunt/ .  The goal is to collect at least 5, or collect them all.  If you can locate at least 5, you can download a certificate to record your accomplishment.

If you are looking for some outdoor activities in Pensacola, I highly recommend the UWF trails.  For either hiking, or bike riding you will not be disappointed.

How to get there?

For the Edward Ball Nature Trail Side –
 Apple Maps – Search For Edward Ball Nature Trail (Ferry Pass)

For The Pate Road Trailhead –
GPS Coordinates: 30°33’5.526″ N 87°14’35.268″ W
Apple Maps: Search For 11969 Pate Street.
Turn in and park where you see the other cars.