Fort Barrancas Area trail map
Fort Barrancas Area main page
Length: .4 mile, one-way
Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
The Trench Trail runs between Fort Barrancas and Advanced Redoubt, two mid-1800s military forts managed by the National Park Service but located within Pensacola Naval Air Station. The trailhead at Advanced Redoubt is on the left as you drive onto the property, just before coming to the parking area. At Fort Barrancas, it is located on the left side of the Fort Barrancas Visitor Center near the picnic area. I started from Advanced Redoubt, and my description of the hike is from this direction.
Trailhead for the Trench Trail at Advanced Redoubt, Gulf Islands National Seashore
The Trench Trail is smooth and flat with a sandy surface, but not beach-like sand. It is wide enough to avoid coming into contact with any vegetation, even at its narrowest sections, so you shouldn’t have to worry (too much) about ticks or poison ivy. It provides a nice way to visit both forts without having to drive between the two, plus you get a little exercise in the process.
Wider section of the Trench Trail at Fort Barrancas, Gulf Islands National Seashore
Narrow section of the Trench Trail at Fort Barrancas, Gulf Islands National Seashore
The trail actually follows a defensive trench that was dug between the two forts. The trench is still there, but if you didn’t know any better, you’d just think it was a gully—if you even noticed it at all. A wayside exhibit is placed at the one spot where the trench is most distinct. When it was dug, it would have been much deeper in order to provide cover for soldiers who guarded against an enemy attack. Its present condition is due to 150+ years of erosion.
Information on the trench that ran between Fort Barrancas and Advanced Redoubt
At the halfway point is Taylor Road, which is not very busy and can be easily crossed. The trail continues on the other side, but you must first turn to the right and walk down the road until you come to a legal crosswalk. Once across, take another right and walk farther down the road until you find where the trail continues. It’s a big zigzag. Signs on either side of the road point the direction.
Crossing Taylor Road when hiking the Trench Trail at Fort Barrancas in Pensacola, Florida
The trail eventually ends at the Fort Barrancas Picnic Area on the left side of the Visitor Center.
At Fort Barrancas, the Trench Trail begins near the picnic area, Gulf Islands National Seashore
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Last updated on March 12, 2025
