Florida Hikes

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

Footpath in oak hammock with orange blaze

Dade City

Gateway to the Green Swamp and the southern terminus of the Withlacoochee State Trail, Dade City offers a launch point for backpacking and bike touring trips.

INTERACTIVE MAP

Hillsborough River State Park

Thonotosassa   13.4 miles

With footpaths and picnic grounds built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this park delights with miles of scenic trails, a swinging bridge, and the froth of river rapids.

Mac Lake Nature Trail

Lakeland   0.9 miles

An easy excursion into a dense hardwood forest along a natural floodplain, the Mac Lake Nature Trail at Colt Creek State Park is an interpretive walk in the woods

Oak Ridge Tract

Thonotosassa   7.2 miles

A mosaic of cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and sandhills, the Oak Ridge Tract of Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers immersive day hiking with many route options.

Pasco County Bug Jam

At the 2014 Pasco County Bug Jam, we spent hours walking up and down the rows of vintage VWs. This year's event was bigger and better than before, with lots of dune buggies on display.

Upper Hillsborough River Hiking Trail

Zephyrhills   4.7 miles

Following the north side of a blackwater river toward its headwaters, the Upper Hillsborough River Hiking Trail meanders though pine flatwoods, shady hammocks, and forested wetlands.

Withlacoochee River Park

Dade City   6.5 miles

With two different trails - gentle and wild - showing off the park's natural features, Withlacoochee River Park is a popular overnight camping destination.

Withlacoochee State Forest

Brooksville   miles

With more than 155,000 acres spread over several counties, Withlacoochee State Forest is Florida’s second largest state forest, and arguably the most popular for outdoor recreation

Withlacoochee State Trail

Central Florida   44.1 miles

Tracing 44 miles of railroad history down forested corridors, past big lakes and city parks, and through quaint communities, the Withlacoochee State Trail is one sweet ride