Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides
Named for the fortress built during the Second Seminole War on Christmas Day of 1837, the community of Christmas sits along creeks that drain towards the St. Johns River
Of all of Florida’s habitats, the one that truly sings “Florida” is the palm hammock, a richly textured riot of green and fronds, of mosses and lichens, of light and shadow perfectly balanced. Enjoy it on the Taylor Creek Loop.
One of the best ways to explore Orlando Wetlands Park is by bike. You can see a lot more than you do on foot. John recounts his journey around the park on his first bicycle trip in many months.
A 20.2-mile circuit on forest roads by bike provides a unique perspective on this 31,000-acre preserve along the St. Johns River floodplain in Christmas.
Using Orlando Wetlands Park to access the northeast corner of Bronson State Forest, this 7.5-mile loop burrows deeply into ancient forests in the St. Johns River floodplain.
In a lush subtropical jungle along the St Johns River floodplain, the 9.5-mile River Trail loop is an exceptionally scenic route connecting three designated campsites.
Despite more than 40 miles of hiking and multi-use trails, Charles H. Bronson State Forest is a lightly-visited destination hidden behind more popular public lands.
Hike up to 5 miles on levees through the marshes of the St. Johns River at Canaveral Marshes Conservation Area between Orlando and Titusville.
Along the eastern side of Savage Christmas Creek Preserve, follow orange and yellow blazes through panoramas of prairie and pines
In the floodplain of the Econlockhatchee River, Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area is a 706-acre showcase of upland habitat diversity with a 3.2 mile loop trail
Orange County’s Pine Lily Preserve in Bithlo is a great wildflower walk in any season, since carnivorous plants are common in its bogs.
A recent relocation of the Florida Trail in Seminole Ranch Conservation Area has opened up another beautiful stretch of hiking along the floodplain of the St. Johns River north of Christmas. Removing the long-standing roadwalk along Wheeler Road from the equation means a well-shaded and most interesting walk in the woods as you head north …
Threading together ancient riverfront hammocks with uplands, the Florida Trail traverse of Bronson State Forest provides an immersion in botanical beauty.
