Public lands that remain open or have reopened in response to the public’s need for outdoor recreation and exercise. Find a place near you where you can hike, bike, or paddle.
In the News
Newsworthy articles about Florida’s outdoors
Highline: Florida Movie Premiere
Premiering on Feb 28 in Florida, Highline follows a backpacking adventure across the Utah mountains. Learn about its Florida connections. Proceeds will be donated to the Florida Trail Association.
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.
The Moon Tree Garden
Florida’s most unique arboretum features a circle of sycamores honoring the Apollo missions, all here thanks to an Apollo 14 project for the U.S. Forest Service to take tree seedings into orbit around the moon.
Descent into Devils Millhopper
Devils Millhopper State Park debuted a new staircase into the sinkhole on June 5. It has 100 fewer steps and yet is less steep and broader than the prior version.
Bear season in Florida
As Florida black bears become active in late winter and spring, the chances of a bear encounter go up significantly if you leave food unsecured outdoors – whether in your campsite or at home.
Every Kid in a Park
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.
Florida thanks Irma first responders
As a thank you from the state of Florida, first responders (including lineworkers) who worked on support statewide during and after Hurricane Irma are eligible for a free annual Florida State Parks pass with proof of their service.
Fly’n R Ranch
Raise a Slush Puppie to toast one of Florida’s newest public lands, 3,100 acre Fly’n R Ranch along the Ocklawaha River, thanks to conservationist Will Radcliff
A Peaceful Donation
A donation of the 4,171 acre Peaceful Horse Ranch on the Peace River was turned down by DEP two years ago. It was just accepted as a future Florida State Forest
Ocala National Forest Dog Policy
Except for service dogs, dogs are not permitted at Alexander Springs, Salt Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Juniper Springs, Clearwater Lake, Fore Lake, Lake Dorr and Mill Dam Recreation Areas in the Ocala National Forest
Susan Turner awarded 2014 Adventurer of the Year
Jacksonville hiker Susan “Hammock Hanger” Turner received the 2014 Adventurer of the Year Award at the Trail Dames Summit in Boone, North Carolina this June.