River Levels in North Florida
Cold weather and high water causes hypothermia, so play it safe. Before hiking in winter in North Florida and the Florida Panhandle, check these flood gauges.
Backpacking: The Weight Of Things
Planning a backpacking trip? One thing to consider - very carefully - is what things weight vs. their importance to you, especially on a trip of more than a week.
Hike Safe When Hiking Alone
Hiking solo? Here are suggestions how to watch after your own personal safety when you walk in the woods or on urban trails alone
Hiking inn-to-inn on the Florida Trail
As part of a question sent to me by Rick, a reader in New England, he asked “we would be interested to find an area where we hike from inn to inn over a few days” as part of a vacation day hiking in Florida. As I’m in the midst of working …
Where to find multi-day backpacking loops
Where are Florida's best backpacking loop hikes for 3 or more days on the trail? Here are the top suggestions and their pros and cons.
How to hike in October in Florida
October 1 marks the traditional start of Florida’s hiking season, so it’s time to start planning your outdoor adventures! October is also normally designated Florida Greenways & Trails Month, but I haven’t heard a peep about it from …
Couples and Backpacking
There are many pluses to backpacking as a couple. Having a compatible partner smooths out a lot of logistical worries and reduces the weight you need to carry.
Texting tips to FWC
A new way to let the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission know about things you see – positive or negative – on Florida’s trails is to send them a text. Discover a dead alligator, hog, or bear? Hear shotguns in the woods …
Matching Florida books to outdoor adventures
Have you ever matched a book to an outdoor adventure? Well, now’s the time to try it out. A special focus on the outdoors is part of this year’s summer reading program “Just Read, Families!” from the Florida Department of Education. …
Florida Wildlife
From toothsome alligators to scampering lizards, you will see wildlife while enjoying Florida's outdoors. Here are photos and descriptions of some of the creatures you may encounter along our trails.
Permits and Passes
How to obtain passes and permits for Florida's public lands, including state parks, state forests, national parks, and Eglin Air Force Base.
Backpacking Myakka River State Park
With 39 miles in four loops, the Myakka Hiking Trail at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is one of the state's finest destinations for a weekend or long weekend holiday hike.