We highly recommend heading to the campus of the University of West Florida for a path or trail run. The university is located 10 miles north of downtown Pensacola, and while the main campus is pretty, the main attraction is the extensive series of shaded trails for running! There are actually four ‘categories’ of trails, each well-marked and with excellent maps. For variety or a longer run, the adjacent neighborhood, just west of campus is very nice for running as well (see post).
Campus Tour. Create your own route around the main campus, or use the University’s three different marked walking trails, which range in length from 1.2 to 2.1 miles.
Cross-Country Trails. 4 miles of trails winding through the Baars-Firestone Wildlife Sanctuary’s sandhill, hammock and wetlands habitat. There are mile markers. Start: Multi-Purpose fields near Martin Hall.
West Campus Mountain Bike Trails. More than 600 acres of wooded trails of various levels of challenge. Popular for mountain biking and trail running. Well-marked loops of various lengths, up to 10 miles! Some good hills and different levels of challenge. The trails are located north of Greenbrier Blvd., just west of Campus Dr.
Nature Trail. Make sure to include the 1/2 mile wooden boardwalk through Thompson’s Bayou over a hardwood swamp on your campus run. Located behind Cosby Hall.
