With some of the state’s largest population centers – and easiest access by air – Central Florida is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts in the know.
Thousands of lakes, dozens of rivers, and the vast expanse of Tampa Bay provide shorelines for hiking and launching a paddling trip. Despite the urban mass in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Orlando, there are many wild places to explore. Some are tiny patches inside city limits, others expansive preserves on the outskirts of “civilization.” Home of the Ocala National Forest, the Cross Florida Greenway, and dozens of state parks, this region is prime for planning your next outdoor vacation.