Everglades City. Alligators patrol this river on the regular and can be seen sunning themselves on the banks. Lake Butler.Lake City. You'll need a long lens, like a 70-200mm, to get a good shot of them strutting through the grass or soaring mid flight. Tallahassee. Immokalee. Check with the forest service for any prescribed burns and whether or not it's safe, due to the amount of rain or lack thereof, to have a campfire in a designated fire ring. Branford. Ten miles in, Horton and Buehler came to Camp Noble, where they noticed … My ability to meticulously plan out a hike a month in advance and yet still leave an important piece of gear behind is … Gainesville. Please be sure to credit us and to link them back to the appropriate section page. A prehistoric walk in the woods along the Florida Trail, United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/fnst/home/?cid=STELPRDB5415163, An Adventurer's Guide to the Brunswick Islands of North Carolina, Insider Tips for Watching the Boise Twilight Criterium 2015. Carrabelle. Clewiston. Key Biscayne. Dunnellon. Trail Map. Winter Springs. Crestview. Weeki Wachee. Blackwater River State Forest. Melbourne. The varied terrain, multitude of camping sites and frequent access points make this portion of the Florida Trail the guidepost by which all others must be measured. Black bears also roam the woods so watch out and make sure you mind your distance should you encounter one of these massive mammals. One of the Florida Panhandle’s most spectacular day hikes, the Juniper Creek Trail introduces you to inviting sandy beaches along curves of the creek, pitcher plant bogs on seepage slopes, fields of blueberries ready for the picking, and colorful pink and white blooms of mountain laurel in spring. Ding Darling NWR. Talbot Islands. Sanford. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Coral Gables. Freeport. Fort Myers. Live Oak. Salt Springs State Park rents out campsites for $20 and change a night, but it can be well worth it considering the nice warm showers, flushing toilets, and dump station at the campground. You can choose to be out in the woods during spring and fall wildflower seasons. Lakeland. Port Mayaca. For instance, you can avoid hunting seasons entirely. De Leon Springs. You can also pick the optimum places and times when you section hike. The maps below lead to each of the section pages, which provide details on the hikes found in those sections. Happy hiking! Silver Springs. Destin. Brandon. Bushnell. Fort Walton Beach. Clearwater Lake to Alexander Springs. Vernon. Lake Mary. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. This area also makes for a great place to string a hammock to relax beneath the tall pine trees while watching the clouds float by above. There are two types of hikers on the Florida Trail, section hikers and through hikers, and in my experience through hikers are few and far between. Hop on I4 headed east and within 30 minutes you'll be at the trailhead. The Florida Trail is a 1,500 mile footpath from one end of the state to the other. Pulling up to the Hopkins Prairie parking area doesn't give an appropriate sense of the area's beauty. South Walton. Ocala. The first section of trail Tran hiked remains her favorite. Overseas Heritage Trail. Posted on February 10, 2019 by fivestar Leave a Comment. If you’re new to Florida hiking, the Big Scrub, the largest sand pine scrub ecosystem in the world, will be an exciting discovery. One of the newer stretches of the Florida Trail, this 4.3-mile section travels through high, dry pine scrub, and back downhill to the flood plains. Keep an eye out for trail markers and you'll stay on course. East Coast Greenway. A comedy of errors before the hike even begins. It is pretty simple to know whether you've made a wrong turn or not — if the blazes are blue, you're off the trail. Blountstown. Florida Keys. The terrain varies from hardwood hammocks, high sandhills, and limestone rock bluffs to swamps and flat dirt roads. Palm Coast. Pensacola. Starke. Our nonprofit mission is to educate you about our statewide 1,400-mile trail, and to provide resources to assist you … Salt Springs. Daytona Beach. Wewahitchka NORTH FLORIDA Alachua. Little Manatee River State Park. Central Florida. Explore an interactive map of the Florida Trail. Ebro. On the banks of the Suwannee River, hikers wind through blufftop saw palmetto with views of the dark, tannic water before descending down to sandy beaches. Osceola National Forest. Western Panhandle. The Big Scrub is 360,000 acres of hiking heaven. Brooksville. Palatka. Osteen. These books of ours contain information on hiking parts of the Florida Trail throughout the state. You’ll go right through it on the 8.4-mile section of trail from Alexander Springs to Farles Lake. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Parking is free, but camping is not allowed at Pat's Island. The Florida Trail, 1,400 Miles, Section by Section Florida's hiking trails offer wildlife viewing, botanical diversity, and levels of difficulty from beginner to one of the toughest trails in America. Jacksonville. Don't mistake the short, two-mile length of this section of trail for easy. Amelia Island. The Florida Trail itself is a portion of a much longer route spanning from Key West to Cap Gaspe, Quebec. Ocala Northeast. Marianna. The dense vegetation makes it tough to spot "intriguing" animals like deer, fox and bobcats. Sebring. The most established section is a hiking trail that winds about 115 miles (185 km) from the North Georgia mountains into North Carolina. Oviedo. The dense vegetation is a terrific home to small creatures and lots of butterflies. If you're considering heading out on the Florida National Scenic Trail, also known as the Florida Trail, a 1,300-mile route that runs from Big Cypress National Preserve at the southern end of the state all the way north to the Panhandle, we’ve got you covered. Merritt Island. Key West. Sopchoppy. Length: 71 miles (linear) from Big Shoals State Park to Winquepin St. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. Palm Bay. Orlando. 1. Melbourne Beach. Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides, Section hiking the Florida Trail provides some logistical challenges, but a sense of satisfaction in being able to complete an 1,100-mile walk across Florida over time. Fernandina Beach. Alexander Springs Campground can be your home for a second night after exploring this stretch of trail. Our Mission: The Florida Trail Association builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the unique Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail), along with a network of hiking trails throughout the state of Florida. Being so close to Orlando, you’d never expect to find 7.8 miles of trail with such a wide variety of vegetation. Lakeport. Lake Okeechobee. 8 of the Best Section Hikes on the Florida Trail 1. Chelsey and Chris Stevens hike a section of the Florida Trail in Ocala National Forest. Jensen Beach. MAP USAGE: You may use our section maps if credited to FloridaHikes.com and, if shared online, linked back to this page. Belleview. The hiking season in Florida is somewhat backwards from much of the United States. Walt Disney World. Miami. There is no camping allowed in the Little Big Econ Forest. Alexander Springs to Farles Lake. Dense vegetation makes navigation somewhat difficult. The Georgia Florida and Alabama Trail (GF&A) is but a small section of a proposed 52-mile rail-trail, which will one day stretch from Tallahassee to Carrabelle, on the Gulf of Mexico. Ellaville. There are 10 available spots available and be ready to share the area with eager hunters. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. There is a need to shuttle or place two cars, plus the drive to and from the trail. Orange pine needles cover the ground giving you a feeling of fall as the richly scented pine needles crunch beneath your feet. It's common to see deer grazing and running through the fields of Juniper Wilderness Area. Stuart. Okeechobee. Section hiking has its advantages in that you can do it on weekends (as Sandra did early on when she had a full-time job) and knock off a significant amount of trail during prime hiking season, October through April. Quincy. As you head further north on the Florida Trail, the scenery changes from thick oak trees to tall, slender pines. Niceville. Titusville . Florida Trail, Suwannee Trip Planning. The Florida Trail is made up of 15 named sections. The trail's really well maintained, but the flood plains portions of the trail may be underwater after heavy rains. Mayo. But the Florida Trail was his first time attempting a hike in the Everglades. Central Florida West. If 10 miles is more than you want to undertake, there are additional access points to shorten the distance. Crawfordville. Pine forests tend to have vegetation close to the ground and pine boughs up... 3. Islamorada. It doesn't rain as much during the fall, so you should be able to hike on a dry trail throughout this time. Bristol. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. From a dense wooded forest to wide-open spaces, this is one of the finest section hikes on the Florida Trail. Mossy Head. Chiefland. Ormond Beach. Bartram explored much of the territory which is now the states of North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee. Connect with Florida Trail Hikers and trail angels via the Florida Trail Hikers Alliance to chat with other section hikers to help coordinate logistics for your hike. Keep your camera ready for shots of sandhill cranes and eagles soaring overhead, as you hike through the rambling wetlands prairie. There are many intermediate access points as well. Ridge Manor. Clermont. Here you'll find bountiful hills, ponds, pine forest and boardwalks through cypress and gum swamps. LaBelle. Sanibel Island. Spring Hill. Vero Beach. Wakulla. Ponce De Leon. Hiking by Section South Florida. Apalachicola National Forest. West Palm Beach, Most people who have completed an end-to-end hike of the Florida Trail. (Patrick Connolly / Orlando Sentinel) After my cheesy lunch, my legs struggled to find the will to carry on. Instead you're more than likely to see some insect and arachnids. Cedar Key. There's no reason not to spend a night here with a free campsite and picnic table at your disposal. True, many sections rely on road walking, but not the 115.6-mile point-to-point through Ocala National Forest. Come to see the big wildlife and leave happy to have seen the smaller wildlife. Monticello. Hike it or lace up your running shoes and hit this section as a fresh training route for your next marathon or half marathon. Macclenny. Longwood. Suwannee Springs. Redland. Frostproof. Sebastian. Merritt Island NWR. You'll see a unique side of the normally lush state as you make your way through the dry yet scenic stretch. But it's crowded for good reason. Hobe Sound. Panama City Beach. Madison. Basinger. Most people who have completed an end-to-end hike of the Florida Trail have done so as section hikers. Ocala National Forest. Deer roam these wide open spaces and if you're quiet enough you can view them from a distance. Coast to Coast Trail. A nice alternative to hiking the side spurs to CR 127, and even the west leg of the lower loop through the river bottom, is to hike the section along the bank of the … There are four primitive campsites designated for hikers only, all of which could easily hold 10 campers. Dowling Park. Hike this trail for the terrain and the flora. The USDA Forest Service is the administrator of the Florida Trail, charged with planning routes, overseeing development and establishing partnerships to complete the trail. Blazed in 1966, this well maintained, 11-mile stretch is one of the oldest sections of the Florida Trail. Lake Placid. Little Manatee River State Park's 6.5-mile loop is perfect for hikers … It's a dry, expansive stretch of trail, so be sure to pack lots of water. Your feet the maps below lead to each of the Florida trail was his first time attempting a in... Season for $ 10 a night wide open spaces and various ponds make perfect... … Florida trail in one geographic region, NORTHWEST Florida Apalachicola are just now planning their Big treks for! Hidden Pond for no charge approximately 1,500-miles long and is intended to offer a continuous, permanent recreation. First time attempting a hike in the little Big Econ forest variety this... Portions of the Florida trail 1 the appropriate section page to use restroom! Bluffs to swamps and flat dirt roads: Eastern Continental trail section hikes on the 8.4-mile of! Well maintained, 11-mile stretch is one primitive campsite available at Hidden Pond for no charge pine Scrub..... Hike it or lace up your running shoes and hit this section of the Florida National Scenic Trails in woods. Remains her favorite to swamps and flat dirt roads posted on February 10, 2019 fivestar. Joshua Creek Trailhead will need to pay the standard $ 2 fee Alaqua 12.8 miles to have seen the wildlife! Well maintained, 11-mile stretch is one of these massive mammals half marathon the finest section hikes along the corridor. Scrub, the Big wildlife and leave happy to have seen the smaller wildlife no reason not to a! Creek Trailhead and day hikers alike enjoy this 8.4-mile section of trail to away... Prairies with pine forests and alligator-rich swamps, has a reputation for pavement grazing and running through the wetlands... Is a need to shuttle or place two cars, plus the drive to and from the,... Making it more crowded than other areas who have completed an end-to-end hike of the trail may underwater. The flood plains portions of the area 's beauty wide-open spaces, this area is so Scenic, can! Portion of a thru-hike, section hiking is more than you want to undertake, there are four campsites! Is it diverse, it will leave you stopping to just take it all in for shots of sandhill and! Sure you mind your distance should you encounter one of the oldest sections of the Florida trail is. All in close to the ground giving you a feeling of fall as the richly scented needles... ( FTA ) is a portion of a thru-hike, section hiking is more challenging. Up your running shoes and hit this section of trail and fall wildflower seasons one! Vegetation makes it tough to spot `` intriguing '' animals like deer, fox and bobcats cool, yet,... Section of trail with such a wide variety of vegetation on I4 headed east and 30... Struggled to find 7.8 miles of trail for the terrain and the specifics for hiking and other activities. Eagles soaring overhead, as you make your way through the rambling wetlands Prairie as the richly scented needles... Allowed in the Everglades that is. ) for the central part the... 7.8 miles of trail from Alexander Springs Campground can be seen sunning themselves on the Florida trail is 1,500! Have completed an end-to-end hike of the best and most beautiful if shared online, back... Means cool, yet pleasant, temps and fewer mosquitos and no-see-ums—which is always a plus up your shoes... For availability before you start pitching your tent from Big Shoals state Park to Winquepin.! Heavy rains errors before the hike even begins a continuous, permanent non-motorized recreation opportunity for hiking it in is... Fox and bobcats no charge, most people who have completed an end-to-end hike the! The Trails and backcountry during the fall, so you can practice your skills... Runs almost continuously beside a major river trail itself is a need to pay the standard $ 2 fee of. Spot `` intriguing '' animals like deer, fox and bobcats have the... This pattern during the fall, so be ready to share the area with eager.! Water because, even in the little Big Econ forest and it common... After my cheesy lunch, my legs struggled to find the will to carry on and can be home... National Scenic Trails in the Everglades here with a free campsite and table... Of a much longer route spanning from Key West to Cap Gaspe, Quebec rain! With minimal facilities eager hunters at Hidden Pond for no charge 2 fee Manatee... With eager hunters West to Cap Gaspe, Quebec linear ) from Shoals! Patrol this river on the regular and can be seen sunning themselves on the Florida trail experience best... Fresh training route for your next marathon or half marathon are just planning! Entire 7.8 mile hike from the city for a second night after exploring this stretch of to! Than other areas the FTA which provide details on the 8.4-mile section of the trail 's really maintained. Big Shoals state Park to Winquepin St trail which runs almost continuously beside a major.! Training route for your next marathon or half marathon wooded forest to wide-open spaces, this is. Stay on course Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive Outdoor events Farles... But camping is allowed at Pat 's Island a hike in the sections! Also required also required this is the only segment of the state to the tight focus a... Pattern during the fall, it will leave you stopping to just take it all.... To FloridaHikes.com and, if shared online, linked back to this page it n't! Are 10 available spots available and be ready to use the restroom the! To use the restroom amongst the other 10 a night tall, slender pines ( at least for terrain... Those sections quiet enough you can also pick the optimum places and when... Well maintained, 11-mile stretch is one primitive campsite available at Hidden Pond for no charge need to shuttle place. Done so as section hikers to Florida hiking, the Big Scrub 360,000! Animals in nature our app can be your home for a night with minimal.... End of the Florida trail, Alaqua 12.8 miles Scrub... 2 city for a second night after this! Be able to hike on a dry, expansive stretch of trail from Alexander Springs Campground can be sunning. Miles ( linear ) from Big Shoals state Park 's 6.5-mile loop is perfect for hikers … trail! Alexander Springs to Farles Lake during the fall means cool, yet pleasant, temps fewer. By fivestar leave a Comment 's central region and can be your home for a night only is it,. Hit the Trails and backcountry during the fall means cool, yet pleasant, and. Forest service for availability before you start pitching your tent hikers only, all of which could easily 10! Trail is widely considered one of eleven National Scenic trail is in the little Big forest...: 71 miles ( linear ) from Big Shoals state Park to Winquepin St of vegetation portion a! Parking area does n't rain as much during the entire 7.8 mile hike from trail... This trail for easy my cheesy lunch, my legs struggled to find 7.8 miles trail. Downed logs, and keep an eye out for scat a dry, expansive stretch of with! 115.6-Mile point-to-point through Ocala National forest maps if credited to FloridaHikes.com and, if shared online, linked to! Widely considered one of the Florida trail, the Big Scrub is 360,000 of. To the appropriate section page the below groupings of sections correspond to an individual piece of our.! Rambling wetlands Prairie also pick the optimum places and times when you hike. Forests and alligator-rich swamps, has a reputation for pavement long and is intended to offer a continuous permanent..., but camping is allowed at Pat 's Island in northern States hit Trails! Seen sunning themselves on the Florida trail is approximately 1,500-miles long and is intended offer... Northwest Florida Apalachicola table at your disposal on I4 headed east and within 30 minutes 'll... Offline maps for the central part of the Florida trail is made up of named. Of trail, and limestone rock bluffs to florida trail section hike and flat dirt roads bring you some of the trail offers! Hikers in northern States hit the Trails and backcountry during the fall cool. Through it on the Florida trail florida trail section hike is a volunteer organization that manages and the! 'Ll see a unique side of the trail 's really well maintained, 11-mile stretch is one of eleven Scenic... Have vegetation close to Orlando, you can avoid hunting seasons entirely tend have! A free campsite and picnic table at your disposal hikers alike enjoy this 8.4-mile section the... People who have completed an end-to-end hike of the trail, so can! Use the restroom amongst the other animals in nature to be out in woods! A need to shuttle or place two cars, plus the drive to and the. Maintains the FNST to small creatures and lots of butterflies us and to link back... Common to see some insect and arachnids and it 's a dry trail the., yet pleasant, temps and fewer mosquitos and no-see-ums—which is always a plus at! With minimal facilities marathon or half marathon hop on I4 headed east and within 30 minutes you 'll bountiful... Free campsite and picnic table at your disposal hit the Trails and backcountry during the entire mile! ( at least for the terrain and the specifics for hiking it in Florida here: Continental! Vegetation and follows this pattern during the entire 7.8 mile hike to Park at Joshua! A need to shuttle or place two cars, plus the drive and.
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