If you like to spend the hours after Thanksgiving dinner napping on the couch or going back for seconds (or thirds), we certainly won’t judge.
But, if you would prefer to spend time burning off some of those extra holiday calories, we’ve got some suggestions for beautiful trails you can visit for an after-dinner walk.
Here’s a list of trails around Santa Rosa County where you can walk off your Thanksgiving meal.
Escambia County trails: Walk off that Thanksgiving meal
Arcadia Mill, 5709 Mill Pond Lane
Residents of Milton and Pace can make a quick stop by Arcadia Mill, an archaeological site and museum off of U.S. Highway 90, for a step back in time.
Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site represents the first and largest 19th century water-powered industrial complex in Northwest Florida. The University of West Florida owns the 42-acre site today and it features museum exhibits, a “treetop classroom,” a boardwalk, nature trails and much more.
While the museum sites won’t be open during the holidays, the nature trails are always available and you’ll see many of the sites as you traverse them.
Arcadia Mill is managed by the UWF Historic Trust, which also manages multiple historical sites and exhibits across downtown Pensacola.
Blackwater Heritage State Trail, 5533 Alabama Street
Take a trip through historic Milton after Thanksgiving by visiting the Blackwater Heritage State Trail, located off of Highway 90 and designated as a National Recreation Trail.
The paved trail extends a little over 8 miles north to join the U.S. Navy’s 1.5-mile Military Heritage Trail, ending at the Naval Air Station Whiting Field, and provides ample opportunity for a variety of activities outside of walking, such as rollerblading and bicycling.
Visitors don’t have to pay fees to access Blackwater Heritage State Trail, but they can only access the trail from 8 a.m. to sundown.
The Elva Street Trailhead is located near the intersection of State Road 87 and U.S. Highway 90 in Milton. A visitor center, approximately one mile from the trailhead, offers parking, restrooms, picnic tables, grills and a playground.
Bagdad Mill Site Park, 6953 Main Street
If you’re looking for a side of local history alongside your walk, you should consider visiting Bagdad Mill Site Park.
Bagdad Mill Site Park is located off of Main Street and visitors can go for a walk, kayak on the Blackwater River using the nearby launch or use the public grill to make a meal.
Educational panels along the boardwalk provides information on both the environment and its inhabitants to visitors.
Clear Creek Nature Trail, 7550 USS Essex St.
This nature trail is ideal for both individuals and families as it takes visitors through a diverse ecosystem while providing direction and information along the way.
Clear Creek Nature Trail is managed by NAS Whiting Field and visitors can start their trek by going to the RV park next to the entrance of Whiting Field.
Garcon Point Trail, 654 Avalon Blvd.
Milton residents can take a quick trip to Garcon Point after the holidays, which is ideal for activities like birding and hiking.
Visitors can walk a 1.7-mile loop, then a 1.2-mile spur off that trail if they choose, at Garcon Point Trail while seeing a variety of rare and endangered plant species.
Shoreline Park Nature Trail, 800 Shoreline Drive
Shoreline Park spans over 155 acres in Gulf Breeze, but scenery isn’t the only amenity it provides.
Visitors will find 2.2 miles worth of nature trail through undeveloped sections of the area, connecting visitors to Shoreline Drive, a boat launch, fishing pier, covered picnic tables, a swimming area and even a pavilion area where the can barbecue.
Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve, 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze residents have a handful of options for hiking trails, including the scenic Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve.
The Naval Live Oaks Area is a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore located east of Gulf Breeze along the Santa Rosa Sound. The area is best known for its hiking and water-related amenities.
The reservation received its name because it was the first and only federal tree farm designed to reserve the valuable live oaks that shipbuilders desired in the 1800s, according to Visit Pensacola.
According to the National Park Service, the Naval Live Oaks area of Gulf Islands is one of the most wooded areas in the park and features over 7 miles of walking trails including the fully accessible, 0.8-mile Brackenridge Nature Trail.
Russell Harbor Landing, 32570 Russell Harber Road/6016 Old River Road
These trails will connect you with both current community members as well as the historic figures that contributed to the city as it stands today.
Russell Harbor Landing is located along the Blackwater River and it’s also within walking distance of the Milton Riverwalk, as well as the historic district, local restaurants and shops too.
The park is open from sunrise until 10 p.m. every day, according to the city of Milton, while boat launches and recoveries are available around the clock. Additionally, the park features two boat ramps, a central floating dock, picnic shelters and a large picnic pavilion.
Soundside Foundation Nature Trail, 4335 Soundside Drive
This boardwalk in Gulf Breeze doesn’t provide just a brisk workout, but it also gives visitors a walk through the Soundside Foundation Nature Preserve that’s home to a variety of local wildlife.
The Godwin Connector trail is located inside the preserve and it connects the Soundside and Tiger Point communities to one another.
According to Santa Rosa County, it provides a safe path for kids and adults to walk or bike to Tiger Point Park and is fully accessible. The connector can be accessed from Madura Road on the west side and Soundside Drive on the east side.
Navarre Park, 8513 Navarre Parkway
If you’re looking for an outdoor setting where you can walk, talk and enjoy the weather with others, then Navarre Park is a great destination for a post-Thanksgiving visit.
Navarre Park is situated along the Santa Rosa Sound and features over two dozen benches and picnic tables as well as pavilions and splash pads, though the splash are currently closed for the fall/winter season.
The Park is closed on Monday each week for maintenance but it’s open every other day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or sunrise to sunset.
Tiger Point Park, 1370 Tiger Park Lane
Tiger Point residents can take advantage of a nearby green space with plenty of amenities and space for visitors of all ages.
Tiger Point Park features a concession stand, a playground, picnic tables and more alongside its 0.8-mile trail. There are plenty of amenities available to visitors at the park, including recreational sports like baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis and pickleball.
Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park, Dickerson City Road at Garcon Point Road
The last trail on this list isn’t as long, or flush with amenities, as some of the previous entries, however it provides visitors a glimpse into a diverse local ecosystem during its short trip.
Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park is located in Milton off the intersection of Garcon Point Road and Dickerson City Road. The preserve protects one of the last remaining tracts of wet prairie in the Sunshine State, including the largest community of pitcher plants in Florida.
This trail doesn’t have marked paths, so visitors will need to stay aware while traversing the environment.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Santa Rosa County walking trails Thanksgiving exercise options