Hikes between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale

I had an email from a reader yesterday who said:

Hi Sandra! Two friends and I will be traveling to Florida in August. We have 3-4 days that we would like to spend doing some mild to medium hiking/backpacking somewhere between Orlando and Ft Lauderdale. Could you offer some suggestions of where to go in order to maximize such a short amount of time?

Figuring there are other folks who might like to know as well, here you go…

August is the worst month for backpacking in Florida. Our hiking season is flip-flopped from the rest of the country, so backpacking’s best in February. I would strongly recommend sticking to day hikes, and do them early. That said, some great spots you could hit – especially if you have friends with whom you can work out a shuttle – would be:

Near Orlando
Florida Trail, Little Big Econ State Forest
…camp on site or at nearby Lake Mills Park in Chuluota

Near Lake Wales
Lake Kissimmee State Park, Buster Island Loop
Lake Kissimmee State Park, North Loop
… stay overnight in the campground or at the Camp Mack Fish Camp nearby

Near Okeechobee
Florida Trail, Hickory Hammock to Bluff Hammock
Florida Trail, Chandler Slough West
…camp out at Hickory Hammock or stay in Okeechobee

Near Palm Beach
Jonathan Dickinson State Park, East Loop
Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Kitching Creek Loop
…camp out at the park (they have nice cabins, too) or stay at the nearby Jupiter Waterfront Inn

All of these hikes are bound to be on the hot and buggy side … that’s how it is this time of year. Pack in lots of water and keep hydrated, electrolytes are a smart idea. Don’t forget the bug spray, hat, and sunscreen! Spray not just bare skin but your ankles and socks and shoes and pants below the knees to help ward away chiggers and ticks.

Have a great vacation!

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Sandra Friend

Author of 45 books, Sandra Friend established FloridaHikes.com in 2006 to expand on the field research she'd completed for her first six hiking guides. She has been honored with lifetime achievement awards from the Florida Trail Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association.