From DeFuniak Springs, the route stays inland through the Florida Panhandle. It follows US 90 east, mostly parallel to the I-10 corridor, but closer to the smaller towns. The opening kilometres drop away from the higher ground around DeFuniak Springs. Ponce de Leon comes early, with the spring state park close to the route. Westville, Bonifay and Chipley follow as clear places for breaks and resupply. Between the towns, the day is defined by pine forest, farmland, scattered houses, ditches and long straight road sections. The climbing stays moderate, but the distance still makes heat and traffic part of the planning. Before Marianna, the route becomes more urban again. The town sits on the Chipola River, with a historic downtown and Florida Caverns State Park nearby.
