Alligators are the number one fear that folks new to Florida have about playing in the outdoors. Here’s how to handle yourself when you’re in alligator territory.
Clay Island Trail
Expect plenty of birds in the marshes where farms are being restored to wetlands along a segment of the Lake Apopka Loop Trail with its own series of cross trails
Crooked River Preserve
On a 1.7-mile loop, Crooked River Preserve showcases a wide variety of habitats in a short hike on the northernmost extent of the Lake Wales Ridge in Clermont
Econ River Wilderness
Protecting a narrow band of green space in the urbanizing suburbs of the Orlando metro, the Econ River Wilderness surprises with its botanical beauty and wildlife
Expand Econ River Wilderness
A proposal has been made public of a land swap offer between a developer and Seminole County for possession of Econ River Wilderness Area. We think that the existing preserve should be expanded, instead. Here’s how.
Ferndale Preserve
On Lake Apopka’s western shore, Ferndale Preserve offers amazing panoramas of Florida’s fourth largest lake, along with serious elevation changes on its four miles of multi-use trails
Florida Trail, Clearwater Lake to Alexander Springs
10.5 miles. Hike the original miles blazed by Florida Trail Association trailblazers in 1966 along one of the most beautiful sections of the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest
Florida Trail, Econfina Creek
18.4 miles. Winding along rolling hillsides north of Panama City, the Econfina Creek section of the Florida Trail offers a challenging hike with stunning views of its namesake creek.
Florida Trail, Farles Prairie to Juniper Springs
9.7 miles. Follow a ribbon of tall grasses and lily-dotted ponds along Farles Prairie before trekking miles through classic sand pine scrub to the Juniper Prairie Wilderness
Florida Trail, Juniper Springs to Hopkins Prairie
10.6 miles. Marvel at a mosaic of ancient scrub forest, vast prairies, and pine islands while crossing the Juniper Prairie Wilderness
Florida Trail, Kerr Island to Lake Delancy
6.4 miles. Across a mosaic of sandhills and scrub, expect black bear and scrub-jay sightings on this Florida Trail segment north of Salt Springs
Florida Trail, Lake Delancy to Rodman
6.7 miles. Experience a sense of perspective on a piece of the Florida Trail traversing rolling hills topped with a majestic forest of longleaf pines