In addition to the beach itself, there are two sections of Gulf Shores National Seashore in the Pensacola Beach area are good for running: Fort Pickens and the Naval Live Oak Area.
Fort Pickens. The fort itself, built in 1834, is 10 miles west of the Pensacola Beach Pier. There are some good running options here. From the Ranger Station, you can run on Fort Pickens Rd. and do some loops around the several Civil War era Batteries. There are also 7.5 miles of hiking trails through dunes, sand oak, and other vegetation — they’re runnable but that the surface is a mix of wooden boardwalk, dirt, and some softer sand. Also,extensive beach running in this area. You can also run on Fort Pickens Rd. — though note it’s 9 miles from the Pier to the Fort Pickens gate (bike path along 4 miles of it), and the it’s quite exposed with fairly monotonous scenery.
Live Oak Area. Wimimedia: Ebyabe
Naval Live Oak Area. Across the causeway on the north side of English Navy Cove, a section of Gulf Shores National Seashore has several miles of trails through unique live oaks and other interesting vegetation. The surfaces are a combination of paved multi-use trail, wooden boardwalk, dirt, and some sections of softer sand that might be challenging for running. The paved Brackenridge Nature Trail is an 0.8 miles loop. Longer options include the 3.4 mile Andrew Jackson Trail and 2 mile paved Multi-Use Trail.
Navarre Beach/Opal Beach: Nice running along the beach/dunes toward the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island. Some sections of the road have a sidewalk/shoulder. Traffic is generally light. The beach is long and runnable, but does tend to have soft sand except for right near the water.
In addition to the beach itself, there are two sections of Gulf Shores National Seashore in the Pensacola Beach area are good for running: Fort Pickens and the Naval Live Oak Area.
Fort Pickens. The fort itself, built in 1834, is 10 miles west of the Pensacola Beach Pier. There are some good running options here. From the Ranger Station, you can run on Fort Pickens Rd. and do some loops around the several Civil War era Batteries. There are also 7.5 miles of hiking trails through dunes, sand oak, and other vegetation — they’re runnable but that the surface is a mix of wooden boardwalk, dirt, and some softer sand. Also,extensive beach running in this area. You can also run on Fort Pickens Rd. — though note it’s 9 miles from the Pier to the Fort Pickens gate (bike path along 4 miles of it), and the it’s quite exposed with fairly monotonous scenery.
Live Oak Area. Wimimedia: Ebyabe
Naval Live Oak Area. Across the causeway on the north side of English Navy Cove, a section of Gulf Shores National Seashore has several miles of trails through unique live oaks and other interesting vegetation. The surfaces are a combination of paved multi-use trail, wooden boardwalk, dirt, and some sections of softer sand that might be challenging for running. The paved Brackenridge Nature Trail is an 0.8 miles loop. Longer options include the 3.4 mile Andrew Jackson Trail and 2 mile paved Multi-Use Trail.
Navarre Beach/Opal Beach: Nice running along the beach/dunes toward the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island. Some sections of the road have a sidewalk/shoulder. Traffic is generally light. The beach is long and runnable, but does tend to have soft sand except for right near the water.
An attractive run featuring the highlights of Pensacola's downtown, waterfront and Seville historic district. The long option extends to Greenshores and the Fishing Bridge.
A loop around the Bayou Texar is a good opportunity for a long run in Pensacola. The 10-mile loop around the strait includes the walking trails of Bayview Park, waterfront roads, and shady residential neighborhoods.
Two good running options here: A 5+ mile route featuring the Boardwalk, two piers, and a paved multi-use trail. For beach running, the wide, white sand beach goes for many miles in each direction. Sand tends to be soft.
An attractive waterfront run in the Navy Point neighborhood, located about 5 miles east of downtown. A multi-use path winds its way along the waterfront, for a 4.5 mile out and back. Add on with pleasant residential streets.
Fantastic trails for running on this campus! 4 miles of shaded cross country trails, 600 acres of more rugged trails popular for trail running, and three 'campus tour' trails. Adjacent neighborhood also nice for running.
The Scenic Hills & Fox Run neighborhoods just west of the University of West Florida campus are terrific for some quiet, bucolic road running. Long, winding, tree-shaded roads with fairly light traffic.
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