Blackbird Marsh Trail at Gulf Islands National Seashore

Length: .75-mile loop (from Campground Loop E)
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

The Blackbird Marsh Trail is accessible from two locations within the Fort Pickens Campground at Gulf Islands National Seashore, so distances of your hike will vary depending on where you start. The actual trail is supposedly a half mile long, but that’s sort of irrelevant since it is impossible to just appear at the trail. You can begin your hike from Loops A or E of the campground. If you are not camping, then I suggest starting from the E Loop because there is parking available at the trailhead (near campsite E34). There is no parking at Loop A unless you want to park at the street and walk in. For the record, I hiked from the E Loop.

Blackbird Marsh Trail Map (click to enlarge)

When I did the hike I had nothing but the campground map, which is not accurate when it comes to the trails. The only accurate map is the one found on the information panels at the actual Blackbird Marsh Trail, which you obviously cannot see until you get to the trail…except for here on National Park Planner because I took a photo of it and included it above.

The hike from Loop E actually starts out on the Florida National Scenic Trail. Keep in mind that if you miss the turnoff onto Blackbird Marsh Trail that you could end up in the Everglades, that’s how far the 1,300-mile Florida Trail goes.

Access the Blackbird Marsh Trail via the Florida Trail from Fort Pickens Campground Loop E

Either of the first two right-hand turns off of the Florida Trail lead to the Blackbird Marsh Trail, though it is the second turn that is the official connector and the one I recommend. The first turn, which is about two minutes from the start, is not on the trail map (though I added it on the map above) and is really just a path people have beaten through the brush. The problem with it is that when it dead ends, there is no sign identifying the trail it dead ends into. If you hadn’t read this trail review, you wouldn’t know that you are at the intersection with the Blackbird Marsh Trail—there should be a bench. You can head in either direction since it is a loop. I took a right and hiked in a counterclockwise manner.

Intersection of unmarked trail and Blackbird Marsh Trail, Gulf Islands National Seashore

The official connector to the Blackbird Marsh Trail is only a few minutes past the first turn, .2 mile from the start. It is the second right you will come to, and this one actually looks like an established trail. In fact, you can see the intersection with the Blackbird Marsh Trail. Once you get to the information panel that identifies it, to follow in my footsteps, take a right to hike in the counterclockwise direction. You will come to the intersection with the unofficial trail in just a minute or so (marked by the bench).

Official connector to the Blackbird Marsh Trail at Fort Pickens, Gulf Islands National Seashore

Regardless of how you arrive at the Blackbird Marsh Trail, if you hike in the counterclockwise direction, the next official intersection you will come to is one with the connector trail to Loop A of the Fort Pickens Campground. Another information panel and trail map is posted here as well. The trail actually forks, so stay left to remain on the Blackbird Marsh Trail. Directional arrows point the way.

Intersection of the Blackbird Marsh Trail and path to Fort Pickens Campground Loop A

The Blackbird Marsh Trail is flat and easy to hike and is covered with very shallow sand. Just about anyone who can walk can hike the trail, and even those in wheelchairs could make it with help. This is a great hike for those camping with small children at Fort Pickens.

Typical terrain of the Blackbird Marsh Trail at Gulf Islands National Seashore

The surrounding environment changes as you make your way around the loop. To start off, you will find yourself surrounded by Live Oaks, many of them dead, white as ghosts and completely fascinating. Most of the other tall trees are dead as well, now nothing more than telephone poles.

Dead trees along the Blackbird Marsh Trail at Fort Pickens

Dead Live Oak on the Blackbird Marsh Trail at Fort Pickens

The next environment you will come to is that of a freshwater sawgrass marsh, Blackbird Marsh. Santa Rosa Island gets between 50 and 60 inches of rain each year, and the water collects in this depression. There is saltwater in the marsh as well, but the fresh water floats on top. This is where the animals get their water. I visited in early April and saw no sign of water, but this is the tail end of Florida’s dry season. The heavy rains come in the summer and fall.

Marsh area of the Blackbird Marsh Trail at Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida

The map on the information panels shows a trail connecting to the Fort Pickens Group Campground, but this trail does not exist (I removed it from the map on this page). You can see the Group Campground, but the marsh is always between it and the trail.

Photographically, I found the dead Live Oaks to be fantastic subjects and highly recommend this short hike for that reason. There are also a few information signs along the way that identify other plants in the area. The hike is short and easy for just about anyone, so if you have a spare half hour, give it a shot.

Dead tree along the Blackbird Marsh Trail at Fort Pickens

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