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Fort Pickens area reopens to boaters, pedestrians and cyclists
Limited areas of Fort Pickens will reopen for boaters, pedestrian and cyclists beginning Saturday, April 1. There is currently no road access and services will be limited and the area will be open only during the day, from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. The Fort Pickens Visitor Center will be open intermittently from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with daily ranger led fort tours at 2:00 p.m.
The Fort Pickens Area was severely damaged from Hurricane Ivan and there are still piles of storm-related debris, hazardous trees, and work crews utilizing heavy equipment operating throughout the park. The area north of Fort Pickens Road between the Battery Worth parking lot and the Ranger Station, including the campground, is closed because of hazardous trees. Camping will not be allowed at this time and Night Owl Permits will not be honored at Fort Pickens until further notice.
Visitors should come prepared, watch out for safety hazards, observe closed areas, and be aware of the following when preparing for their visit:
There will be no lifeguards on duty at the Fort Pickens Area
Be safe and wear shoes while walking on the beach or while wading in the water
Insects, including mosquitoes and yellow flies, are plentiful so use repellent
Rattlesnakes are also very abundant so watch your step
No fires are permitted
Pets are not allowed on beaches
Remember to carry and drink plenty of water and to use sunscreen
The Firehouse Snack Bar and Campground Store will not be open so visitors will need to bring all necessary equipment, drinks, and food
There is no provision for trash collection; therefore, if you pack it in, you must pack it out
Call 911 if there is an emergency
The Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) from Pensacola Beach follows the gulf shoreline to Battery Cooper and then follows the road to Battery Worth. Continue on the (FNST) to its terminus at Historic Fort Pickens. It is a 14-mile round trip to historic Fort Pickens from Pensacola Beach. Boaters and swimmers should stay 200 feet away from the fishing pier. Restrooms are available at Fort Pickens, Battery Worth picnic area, Firehouse Snack Bar and Battery Van Swearingen.
Concerning Fort Pickens Road and J. Earle Bowden Way (the Park road located between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach) Eubanks stated, "Recommendations to better protect these roadways from future storm events have been developed and are under review. Once approval is received we will be required, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to complete an environmental analysis. We expect that construction could begin as early as late summer or fall of this year."
For more information call the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at (850) 934-2600 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis.
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