It was a cold, cold morning last Sunday when I took a stroll from the Sand Lake trailhead at Wekiwa Springs State Park into the open pine scrub. Good thing that the canopy is relatively open as you head out on the hiking loop, although it’s disappointing that the main trail (blazed white) is still […]
Hiking articles
Articles on hiking, including gear recommendations, hike planning, where to hike in an area, and how to get the most out of your hike.
Adding to the Life List
Although John is a native Floridian, our research trip to South Florida became an opportunity for him to see many natural “firsts” in Florida that most people have on their life lists.
Around Okeechobee
Our 2018 update of the state of the Florida Trail around Lake Okeechobee. Thru-hikers should continue to use Okeechobee West as their route around the lake. We provide full details on why.
Back to the Hammock
Hiking the Hammock Trails in Merritt Island NWR this weekend brought back memories of hiking and camping in these woods as a young Boy Scout in the 1960s and 70s
Botanically rich hikes along the Florida Trail
With more than 1,400 miles of hiking statewide, the Florida Trail provides a gateway to grand landscapes for botanical beauty. Here are our top suggestions for fascinating botanical destinations along the Florida Trail.
Changes at Spring Hammock Preserve
When we revisited Spring Hammock Preserve in December 2017 for research for our third edition of 50 Hikes in Central Florida, we discovered radical changes to the trail system that needed explanation. Here’s what’s up at one of our favorite preserves.
Exploring the Gemini Springs Addition
It took a serendipitous turn one morning for us to stumble across a new-to-us hiking trail not fifteen minutes from home. Now we’d thought we’d covered everything nearby when were were looking for trails while finishing up “Five Star Trails Orlando,” but this one slipped past us. Perhaps due to the location – access to […]
Florida Hikes for Botanical Beauty
Enjoy Florida’s botanical bounty with this handpicked selection of walks in the woods to see spectacular wildflowers, big trees, and unique habitats throughout the state of Florida.
Florida Trail Adventures
What’s it like to hike the Florida Trail? Here’s where we share our personal experiences day hiking and backpacking on Florida’s own National Scenic Trail.
Florida Trail Backpacking
Weekend backpackers will appreciate the many places the Florida Trail provides a pleasant overnight or three-day-weekend experience to escape to the outdoors.