In the rural center of the southern Florida peninsula, ranches and public lands surround the high ground of the Lake Wales Ridge until you reach Lake Okeechobee.
It’s the second largest lake entirely within the United States, ringed by a flood control dike. Its shores are best seen from the 109-mile circle the Florida Trail makes around it.
Sugar cane, citrus groves, and vegetable fields add to the agricultural mix in the rich earth of the “reclaimed” Everglades of yore.
To the south of these drained lands the Everglades River of Grass and its western companion, the grand cypress strands and prairies of Big Cypress, fill the horizon.
Everglades National Park In 1.5 million acres across South Florida, Everglades National Park has outdoor experiences from accessible boardwalks and paved trails to rugged adventures in harsh wilderness.
Big Cypress National Preserve Protecting nearly three quarters of the million-acre Big Cypress Swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve is Florida's second largest and most remote wilderness. Regional Destinations
Recent Articles
Florida Great Outdoors Initiative (10/14/2023) Through January 13, 2024, the Florida Great Outdoors Initiative offers park visitors a half-price discount on annual passes to Florida State Parks.
How To Prepare For A Backpacking Trip (3/19/2019) 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
Bear season in Florida (2/23/2019) As Florida black bears become active in late winter and spring, the chances of a bear encounter go up significantly if you leave food unsecured outdoors - whether in your campsite or at home.
Every Kid Outdoors (2/21/2019) Got kids? If any of them are in fourth grade, they can get a free pass to ALL Federal public lands good for the whole family through the end of August. Here's how.