Destination: Adventure
Biking, paddling, and even a bit of hiking were in the plans as we explored Florida's Adventure Coast - Hernando County - for activities we could enjoy during warm weather.
I Did A (Bit of) I Did-A-Hike
Despite pouring rain and thunderstorms, nearly 240 people showed up to tackle the Florida Trail along the Suwannee River for the annual I-Did-A-Hike, and it made for a memorable experience.
Plan your Florida Trail Hike
Thinking of section hiking, thru-hiking, or simply backpacking the Florida Trail? Plan ahead with this step-by-step guide of what to do in advance of hiking the Florida Trail.
Choosing Gear for a Florida Trail Hike
Our detailed recommendations and reviews of the best hiking and backpacking gear for your thru-hike or section hike of the Florida Trail based on our own successful use of certain tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and more.
Every Kid Outdoors
Got kids? If any of them are in fourth grade, they can get a free pass to ALL Federal public lands good for the whole family through the end of August. Here's how.
Crossing Big Cypress
It’s Florida’s roughest, wettest, weirdest backpacking trip, best done with friends. Sandra tackled it as the final piece of her 1,110-mile section hike of the Florida Trail, end-to-end.
Safety During Deer Hunting Season
During hiking seasons in Florida, you are often sharing the trails with hunters. General gun season - deer hunting - is the main hunting season for hikers to be concerned about.
The new 50 Hikes in Central Florida
We launched a new full-color edition of 50 Hikes in Central Florida at the National Trails Festival in Deland the first weekend of October. Take a peek inside.
Our National Trails Legacy
Our beloved Florida Trail is only one piece in a nationwide network of trails born of the National Trails System Act, established 50 years ago by the U.S. Congress. Learn about the many National Trails across America.
The Pint-sized Ponces of Punta Gorda
Ponce de Leon, it seems, was a short fellow. In Punta Gorda, Florida, you'll find pint-sized statues, murals, and even the Fountain of Youth to recollect his 1513 visit to Charlotte Harbor.
Sandra Friend receives Lifetime Achievement Award
At the Florida Trail Association (FTA) Annual Meeting on April 7, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida, longtime FTA volunteer, author, trail expert, and FloridaHikes.com publisher Sandra Friend was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
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.