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 its 1.5 million acres sweeping across South Florida, Everglades National Park offers outdoor experiences ranging 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
East or West around Lake Okeechobee? (1/8/2020) Making the decision to walk the Florida Trail east or west around Lake Okeechobee used to be easy. Now, with construction zones blocking access to much of the southern half of the lake, it isn't. Here are the facts on each route's strengths and weaknesses to help you decide the best route for you.
Around Okeechobee (1/8/2020) Our 2020 update of the state of the Florida Trail around Lake Okeechobee. Thru-hikers should continue to use Okeechobee West as their route around the lake. We provide full details on why.
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.