MOST RECENT UPDATE: 9/12/2024
The following trail updates are for the FOURTH edition of The Florida Trail Guide. If you own an older edition, we encourage you to get a fourth edition since there were many major trail relocations prior to 2021. Please print this off as an addendum to your guidebook or make corrections in the book. We won’t mind if you write in it.
Our fourth edition was published November 2021 and replaces the third edition. A fifth edition is in the works and will be available by November 2024. You’ll generally find the most accurate information about the trail route, services, and conditions inside our Florida Trail app for FarOut Guides.
BIG CYPRESS
Both prescribed burns and wildfires have impacted the trail experience throughout Big Cypress, with intermittent closures and a subsequent crisping of surrounding habitats. A major wildfire sparked near 10 Mile Camp occurred early in 2023.
Backcountry permits are no longer available at the Oasis Visitor Center, they must be printed in advance and carried with you on your hike. Download here.
SEMINOLE
Have your “Hold Harmless” permit on file before crossing the reservation. Download the most recent version here.
Camping has become an issue for crossing the reservation. Billie Swamp Safari has not reopened its attractions or chickees, but the Swamp Water Cafe is now open. Tent camping is no longer permitted at Big Cypress RV Resort, but rental cabins may be available. Call ahead. Pastor Payne at Big Cypress New Testament Baptist Church will allow long distance hikers to camp behind the church but you must contact him in advance. Do not stealth camp within the reservation boundary (mile 38.3 to mile 57.6).
North of the reservation, new designated campsites are in place. South Florida Water Management District requires a free permit, available online, for use. Obtain here.
Mile 66.1: STA 5/6 Campsite. Restrooms, covered picnic tables, hammock hanging posts, pitcher pump.
Mile 82.3: L1-E Campsite. Mowed area for tents adjoining levee along sugar cane field.
OKEECHOBEE
The Herbert Hoover Dike Restoration Project is complete. Only one closure remains along the FNST around Lake Okeechobee, which will likely not be remedied anytime soon: at Nubbin Slough, it’s still necessary to leave the dike and walk up US 441 to the Taylor Creek bridge (2.7 miles) due to an outstanding access issue between the land manager and a landowner along the creek.
Use potable water sources only, do not filter water from the lake or canals. Agricultural runoff has severely damaged the health of the lake, with toxic blue-green algae blooms (cyanobacteria) occurring at random. Cyanobacteria is dangerous to ingest or inhale. For the sake of your health, do not hike through areas where algae alerts are posted. See alerts.
EAST SIDE
Mile 99.7, South Bay RV Park. Metal tent stakes are not permitted.
WEST SIDE
Mile 126.9: Dispersed camping is allowed at Fisheating Creek WMA past the gate. Do not camp next to the FWC buildings or on the road. See the FWC website for regulations.
KISSIMMEE
Mile 174.7: The water source at US 98 & Loftin Rd is no longer available.
Mile 191.0: The trail has been rerouted to adjacent pastureland north of the Micco section, removing 1.4 miles of roadwalk.
Mile 236.1: USPS is now accepted at the River Ranch Resort.
ORLANDO
Mile 295.9: The bridges over Crabgrass Creek towards Jane Green Campsite have been newly replaced.
Mile 319.7: Tosohatchee WMA no longer allows camping at the Taylor Creek Loop, (1.1E of mile 319.7).
Mile 319.7: F. Burton Smith Park on SR 50 no longer allows tent camping for hikers (6.3E of mile 319.7).
Mile 359.5 to 367.2: Several bridges were replaced in the Little Big Econ State Forest from 2022-2024.
Mile 368.1: Ongoing road construction in Oviedo impacts sidewalks along CR 419. Follow detour via Reed Ave / Round Lake Park to Franklin Ave to the traffic circle at Solary Park.
Mile 408.2: The trail has been permanently relocated off Maggie Jones Road leading into Camp La No Che thanks to construction of new trail and a bridge over the creek. Follow the blazes.
Mile 412.3: Permanent relocation of the FT out of the pasture onto the original roadwalk up Boy Scout Camp Rd to Maggie Jones Rd to SR 42 at Paisley to cross to the Ocala National Forest near Clearwater Lake.
OCALA
As a reminder, during general gun season (fall deer hunting) hikers may only camp at designated campsites and recreation area campgrounds, and may random camp during this period within the bounds of Juniper Prairie Wilderness, north of Jupiter Springs and south of Pats Island trailhead.
The camping and entry fees at Alexander, Juniper, and Salt Springs Recreation Areas have increased substantially and none of the recreation areas now provide walk-in campsites for backpackers. Alexander Springs Recreation Area requires an additional $22 reservation fee for entry on weekends May – Sep.
Mile 485.4: St. Johns South Camping Area on the south side of Buckman Lock is now closed to hikers. They only allow equestrian camping.
WESTERN CORRIDOR
Mile 296.6 to 303.5: Roadwalk reblazed. New broad sidewalks along US 17 west of Kissimmee make for a safer roadwalk route than Old Tampa Hwy, which parallels the railroad tracks.
Mile 363.2: A bridge is now in place over Devil’s Creek in Withlacoochee State Forest. No more wading or swimming.
Richloam General Store reopened and has been placed on the National Register for Historic Places. Minor resupply and cold drinks (0.6E of mile 368.0)
Mile 394.6: A new designated campsite has been established for thru-hikers 0.1E of the Colonel Robins Group camp in Withlacoochee State Forest.
Mile 420.0: The Florida Motel in Inverness has been demolished.
Mile 421.1: Construction underway between Whispering Pines Park and Withlacoochee State Trail has removed staircase under the overpass. Follow line of sight to reach bike path NOBO. SOBO, look for blazes uphill at treeline near the overpass.
Mile 482.5: Ben’s Hitching Post Campground rates and phone number have changed: 800-382-1169.
NORTHEAST FLORIDA
Mile 519.8: Over two miles of trail were rerouted from Christian Camp Road into Smith Lake Preserve directly south of Gold Head State Park.
Mile 547.8: New Florida Trail Gateway Community Partner north of Hampton: Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice. Camping, lodging, mail drop. (1.7W of CR 227 crossing)
Mile 564.7: Lake Butler no longer allows camping at Lakeside Park, but they still allow camping at City Hall.
SUWANNEE
As a reminder, check river levels before hiking this section as well as water quality reports from Suwannee River Water Management District.
Mile 621.6: Kelly’s RV Park in White Springs no longer allows tent camping.
Mile 626.5: In Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Cable Crossing campsite no longer requires a fee. Two additional designated campsites have been added within the park, Catfish Hole (mile 628.0) and Suwannee Overlook (mile 629.0).
Mile 632.8: A blue blazed trail just past the Swift Creek Bridge leads north to Firelight Family Campground. Small campground and minor resupply.
Mile 662.3 to 685.6: Sewage spills in Valdosta have frequently fouled the river as a water source south of the Alapaha River confluence during hiking seasons over the past decade. Check SRWMD water quality reports before filtering from river.
BIG BEND
Mile 694.9 to 728.6: Many of the churches on the roadwalk through Madison and Taylor counties have become very hiker friendly. Call or text to check with the pastors before setting up camp. Midway Baptist Church accepts mail drops.
Mile 757.2 to 803.5: The link for the camping permit at St. Marks Wildlife Refuge has changed: https://www.fws.gov/media/florida-trail-permit-st-marks-nwr
Mile 775.5: Shields Marina, within sight of the river crossing, is now the suggested number to call for a ferry across the St. Marks River: 850-925-6158.
Mile 775.6: Now on the National Register of Historic Places, Bo-Lynn’s Grocery allows tent camping behind the store for a $10 fee with access to a restroom overnight. The town no longer has a laundromat.
Mile 776.1: Shell Island Fish Camp no longer allows tent camping. Cabins and motel rooms still available.
Mile 780.9: Wakulla River Campsite near the Thompson House has been renamed Wakulla Tract Campsite, and a new Wakulla River Campsite added 1.8 miles NOBO.
Mile 788.6: A minor reroute has occurred along the northbound approach to Shepherd Spring through the Cathedral of Pines to skirt a now perpetually muddy coastal area.
Mile 794.6: The Spring Creek section remains closed pending new boardwalks. Do not attempt to cross, use the Spring Creek Hwy bypass outlined by FTA Notice to Hikers.
Mile 802.5: The Panacea Motel has been renovated and reopened. The Coastal Trail bike path now crosses the FT at US 98. Follow it 2.6 miles west to the motel and other services in Panacea.
APALACHICOLA
Sopchoppy: Sopchoppy Grocery has closed. There is now a Dollar General in town.
CENTRAL PANHANDLE
Blountstown: Panhandle Pioneer Settlement and Rivertown Community Church are both hiker friendly, call ahead if planning to camp. The former Cherokee Motel was sold and nicely renovated into Calhoun Roadside Motor Lodge, offering good lodging for hikers close to services.
Mile 912.1 to 931.3: The forest in the Econfina section is recovering well from damage sustained in 2018 when Hurricane Michael passed over.
Mile 914.0: New designated Two Penny Bridge campsite 100’W of the south side of the bridge.
Mile 921.0: Devils Hole is clear again, suitable as a water source and an inviting swimming spot.
Mile 953.3: Down the river road a quarter mile from the boat ramp, Cowford Landing now has bathrooms with potable water and two screened river camp platforms for camping. Call to reserve: 850-892-8700.
Mile 960.7 to 961.8: Detour around a closed section in Nokuse at Dead River Road. See FTA Notice to Hikers.
EGLIN
2024 updates to Eglin Recreational Permit: purchase in advance for $5 daily or $30 annually. Hiking the Florida Trail? Please see their specifics here. Thru-hikers must call ahead before hiking across Eglin.
Mile 1019.3: JR Walton Pond is no longer a safe source of water.
SEASHORE
No significant updates.
BLACKWATER
No significant updates.
OCEAN TO LAKE HIKING TRAIL
Mile 49.9 of the OTLHT: Cypress Creek East, a new designated campsite requiring no reservations, has been added 0.2 mile east of Cypress Creek along a pond suitable for filtering water.
EASTERN CONTINENTAL TRAIL
In November 2021, FarOut released two new apps featuring trail information collected by us to help you navigate both the Overseas Heritage Trail in the Florida Keys and the Florida ECT Connector from Key Largo to Big Cypress National Preserve. Like our Florida Trail app, these new guides work offline on smartphones and online on tablets and in browsers on your computer.
Mile 114.1 of the ECT: Pelican Cay Harbor RV resort allows access to drinking water.
Mile 146.7: La Rumba Ranch and Farmhouse Miami are no longer open to the public. New food truck dining El Pirata 0.2E.