Articles & Destinations

Tosohatchee White Loop

A botanically-rich immersion into Tosohatchee WMA, the White Loop combines the Florida Trail and the White Trail for a hike of nearly 11 miles.

Here’s a little proof positive that the younger generation still finds the outdoors a thrill. Late last year, I had an email from a reader planning a trip to Florida looking for a way to day-trip the Everglades while visiting family in Punta Gorda. …

Couples and Backpacking

There are many pluses to backpacking as a couple. Having a compatible partner smooths out a lot of logistical worries and reduces the weight you need to carry.

Florida loses a trail icon: Wiley Dykes, Sr.

One person CAN make an enormous difference. Wiley Dykes, Sr., one of the strongest and most persistent trail builders of the past 40 years in the Orlando area, has died at the age of 81.

Florida Scrub-Jay Hikes

Natural lands in Florida with known Florida scrub-jay families or pairs that you might glimpse along the trails as you're hiking.

Robinson Preserve

Edging Tampa Bay, the vast sweep of Robinson Preserve is a puzzle of natural and restored habitats circled by more than ten miles of mixed-use trails.

Topsail Hill Preserve Hiking Trails

Along with views of three miles of protected coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, the extensive hiking trail system at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park delves into dozens of unique biomes around two coastal dune lakes.

Fall in the floodplain

Don't believe people when they say there are no seasons in Florida. We always look forward to the change of color in Florida's floodplains, even if they happen in December.

Hinson Preserve a Hiker’s Hideaway

Facilitated by the Office of Greenways and Trails, Hinson Conservation Area encompasses a sweep of former pastureland and pine plantations, pecan groves and upland forest.

Buffet on the Beach

One of Marion County's finest parks, Carney Island preserves a peninsula jutting out into Lake Weir near Ocklawaha. As I discovered by leading a hike there, the beach at Lemon Point is a destination not just for hikers but boaters too.

Seminole, for bear

One of my most recent delights, on a walk in the woods, was the surprise provided by Seminole State Forest on a revisit after a decade: a bear encounter.

Explore Pine Lily Preserve

Orange County's Pine Lily Preserve in Bithlo is a great wildflower walk in any season, since carnivorous plants are common in its bogs.