North of Panama City, this little-known trail is a real gem. I discovered it last month while canvassing the region for new places to hike, and what a delight to find a trail that showcases some of the best geology this area has to offer. The Econfina Nature Trail starts at Pitt Spring off SR […]
Archives for April 2009
Fat Bellys
While I mourn the loss of the Suwannee River Diner in White Springs, I’m pleased to report that the Stormant family is still cooking up the same great country vittles we know and love down at Fat Belly’s, their restaurant on the south side of White Springs near the blinker to Big Shoals. Barbecue is […]
Gator growl at La Chua
In the heart of Gator Country, a deep sinkhole swallows the waters of Paynes Prairie at its northeastern rim in Gainesville: La Chua Sink. A brand new boardwalk now provides a closer look.
Get Outdoors, Florida!
In late March, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission launched Get Outdoors, Florida!, an important statewide initiative to encourage Floridians – and all members of their families – to get outside and enjoy our outdoors. I encourage you to take a look at their website and see what they have to offer as to […]
Herlong Mansion
Here at the Herlong Mansion enjoying breakfast while looking out over orange trees and azaleas. Starting a few days of meanders through North Florida in search of geocaches along some of the region’s most spectacular trails, with the La Chua Trail at Paynes Prairie first on the list. Stay tuned!
Hiking part of plans at Peck Sink
Near Brooksville, a problematic sinkhole along SR 50 will become the centerpiece of a 111-acre passive park, thanks to creative engineering and cooperation between the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Hernando County. The new Peck Sink Stormwater Park will include hiking and nature trails. Construction of park infrastructure is planned in the 2009 Hernando […]
Levy Prairie massive addition to public lands
Alachua County has shown a great deal of farsightedness in setting aside public funds for public lands. The acquisition of Levy Prairie, which showcases habitats similar to Paynes Prairie, protects 3,300 acres near Micanopy, five miles long and more than a mile wide. It is the largest piece of land bought by the Alachua County […]
Naval Live Oaks to add wheelchair-accessible trail
Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola is the fortunate recipient of federal stimulus funds for National Parks, according to a story in the Pensacola News-Journal. Part of the funds will be used to replace an existing natural surface trail with a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. My guess is that it will provide access from the visitor center […]
New addition to the National Scenic Trail system
A big welcome to the New England National Scenic Trail, the first National Scenic Trail to be established in 26 years, (since the Florida Trail was designated) and the third to fall entirely within a single state (the Florida Trail and Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail being the forerunners of that idea). Running across Massachusetts, partially […]
PEAR Environmental Park and Hontoon Island
Two new Central Florida hikes are now available at Florida Hikes! Both offer virtual tours, so be sure to click on the Tour tab for an armchair walk through each hike. Hontoon Island State Park is the only Florida State Park reached by a free ferryboat; the island is in the middle of the St. […]