This is a hiking trail like walking the 20 yards to my mailbox is an undue burden on my endurance. The entire trail is only about ½ mile long, yet it is pretty nice. It’s more like an unpaved road that hasn’t been driven on in many years… probably because that is exactly what it is. River Road was a frequent hang-out on weekend nights when I was in high school. It was nothing but dirt, mud, bonfires, beer, and making out with chicks. Now it is actually quite a serene and nice park, with paved roads, pavilions, benches, etc. The new addition farther in has even nicer views of the river, with older trees and great landscaping. You’ll find the trailhead at the end of the road, where the road circles around a parking island. The first half is very straight and there isn’t much to look at. Immediately before the first turn, there is a short side trail(and when I say«short,» I mean about 15 yards) to a small landing where you can peep the bayou and try to avoid being gnawed upon by gators and skeeters. I didn’t see any of either, but it’s still fairly chilly. Get past the first right-hand turn in the trail and you’ll have the water on your left. Good views, if you like fresh water stuff. It’s called the Blackwater River due to all of the tannins in it, which make the water very dark. The Loch Ness monster could be a foot under the surface and you’d never know it. I used to swim in that water 30 years ago, but if you started throwing handfuls of $ 100 bills in it today, I’d wish them bon voyage… no way I’d get in that soup. A couple of minutes later, you are at the end of the trail, met with a steel gate at the road and entrance to Whiting Landing, the Navy boat and recreation park. If you don’t have military ID, you can’t enter here, so turn around and walk back to your vehicle. It’s not a sweat-inducing struggle or a cardio workout, but it was a break in my day to reflect on life and commune with nature. I saw only one other person, a lady walking her wet dog. There are several nice covered benches on which to rest, but if you are so thoroughly out of shape that you need to sit down more than once, you probably shouldn’t be risking heart failure in such a secluded place. Although… I had strong cell coverage during the stroll(Verizon). This would be a great place to walk your dog(s), BTW. I didn’t see any wildlife, nor did I see any signs of wildlife, but I’d wager that there are critters in them woods and marshes. If you are looking for a brief respite from the fast-paced life of downtown Milton, hop over the bridge, turn left onto River Road, and earn your notch for strolling the Old River Trail.
