Articles & Destinations

Backpacks

John's first backpack is now a museum piece. Sandra went through a parade of packs before settling on an Zpacks Arc Blast. Here's what we carry and why.

How To Prepare For A Backpacking Trip

What does a hiker need to spend a week, or a month, or three months on the trail? Here are trail-tested suggestions for backpacking in Florida for trips of a week or more

I Did A (Bit of) I Did-A-Hike

Despite pouring rain and thunderstorms, nearly 240 people showed up to tackle the Florida Trail along the Suwannee River for the annual I-Did-A-Hike, and it made for a memorable experience.

Ravine Gardens State Park

With swinging bridges over a deep ravine painted in bright colors by azaleas each February, Ravine Gardens State Park offers hiking and biking loops in Palatka

Goethe Buck Island Pond Trail

Looping a cypress-lined pond in the midst of pine flatwoods, the Buck Island Pond Trail at Goethe State Forest has interesting botanical features, including a pitcher plant bog.

Florida Trail, Yellow River Ravines

10.9 miles. An acrobatic adventure, the Florida Trail Yellow River Ravines section between Holt and Milton tosses tricky swamp traverses and creative creek crossings your way.

Florida Trail, Fort Pickens

6.9 miles. At the westernmost tip of Santa Rosa Island, the Florida Trail comes to its Northern Terminus in the shadow of the most important historic sites in Northwest Florida, Fort Pickens.

Ravine Gardens Hiking Trails

A steeply sloped ravine. Tunnels of azaleas. Bubbling springs. Two swaying suspension bridges. That's what makes the loop at Ravine Gardens State Park so much fun.

Florida Trail, Weaver Creek

14.3 miles. Along the western side of Eglin Air Force Base, the Florida Trail traverses high, dry sandhills with some impressive views.

Florida Trail, UWF/SRIA Dunes Preserve

3.2 miles. At the UWF/SRIA Dunes Preserve on Santa Rosa Island, the Florida Trail traverses a series of coastal habitats cradled by the sweeping dunes, providing a one-of-a-kind hike.

Coldwater Gardens

A private nature retreat north of Milton, Coldwater Gardens is a study in serenity, melding camping, gardening, and enjoyment of natural habitats along the Coldwater Creek basin.

Taking on a remote stretch of the Indian River Lagoon paralleling the wildest part of Canaveral National Seashore, our group of paddlers turns back until only two kayakers are left, fighting the wind to reach our goal.