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!
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
The 220-mile New England National Scenic Trail is the first new National Scenic Trail to be established since the Florida Trail was designated as one in 1983.
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. […]
Pensacola Bay Bluffs Park
After a lunch with my friend Jeff, I headed to the Pensacola Bluffs to see what the fuss was all about. Jeff had strongly recommended the bluffs as a potential site to include in my hiking guides, and after a few moments scramble, I found out why. The trail is only a mile or so […]
Pitcher plants at Tarkiln Bayou
At Tarkiln Bayou State Park, the showy blooms of pitcher plants are on parade each spring. The boggy Perdido Pitcher Plant Prairie is ground zero for these beauties.