Timberlake East Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

This ride heads out on the sandy, pine forest, trails that make up the east side of Timberlake Bike Trail Recreation Area. Overall, this route is fast and flowing with some small elevation changes, a few log crossings, and sections that run through a tight, twisting slalom course between the trees.

The trail surfaces can go from hard pack to reasonably grippy pine needles to extremely slippery oak leaves and occasional pockets of deep sand. Due to these changing surfaces, be ready to change your speed and stance. Additional care must be taken in the corners or small turkey oaks and pine trees will reach out and grab you. There are many trails to explore in this area, but be sure to bring cold water because of the dry, hot summer temps.

Located on Eglin AFB property, but it's open to the public. You'll need to purchase a $12 pass from Jackson Guard, info can be located at jacksonguard.com/.

A pass includes access to most of Eglin property, as well as fishing. Check daily access maps to make sure the area is open to the public, because the military occasionally conducts training in the area. Daily map info can be found at jg.eglinforcesupport.com/.

At the trailhead there is a map of the area. The red trail on the trailhead map is the Carbo loop, which has the best trail markers and is the easiest to follow. Other trails such as Race Trail, Pine Dogs, and Speed Demon have scattered markers at best.

You're unlikely to get lost no matter what turn you choose at the various "Y" and "T" intersections, but I recommend following the most well-used path, thus making it is possible to actually complete a ten-plus mile loop.

For this ride, stay to the right at the beginning and follow the red markings on the trees for the Carbo loop. After 3-4 miles of twists and turns through the slalom course of small oaks and pine, you'll come to a Carbo exit sign which will take you over to the very fast and somewhat straight Race Trail, which in turn connects to Pine Dogs.