Florida Hikes

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

Expanse of lagoon framed by palms

Indian River Lagoon

Florida’s longest lagoon, the Indian River Lagoon stretches from Ponce Inlet to Jupiter and has natural outlets at Sebastian and Stuart.

JILONA South Trail

Jupiter   1.0 miles

Circling scrub and tropical habitats in the shadow of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, this delightful mile loop along the Indian River Lagoon leads to outstanding scenic views.

Jupiter

Jupiter is the northernmost outpost of Palm Beach County, with easy access to natural lands along the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Coastal Ridge, and the North Everglades Natural Area.

Kayaking with the Aquaterra

In the continuing adventures of John and his kayaks: The Aquaterra Chinook was two feet longer than my old kayak, the bottom was much rounder, and it was noticeability narrower. Plus it didn’t have that great big opening for me to get into. In my old …

Kayaking, with upgrades

For more than a year, each weeknight, I would join my friends Lew and Dale for a paddling trip when the weather permitted. We explored many places new to me, seeing manatees, dolphins and birds too numerous to count on every trip. Once, while paddling in …

Klondike Beach

New Smyrna Beach-Titusville   12.8 miles

Along a thin slice of dunes bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, Klondike Beach is one of Florida's longest stretches of undeveloped coastline.

Maritime Hammock Sanctuary

Melbourne Beach   3.5 miles

Protecting a strip of waterfront and maritime hammock along the Indian River Lagoon, Maritime Hammock Sanctuary showcases a parade of coastal habitats along its trails.

Melbourne

With natural lands and parks providing trails and launch points, Melbourne invites exploration along the Indian River Lagoon, the St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Merritt Island

Best known as the home of Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island spans most of the length of Brevard County.

Merritt Island Manatee Observation Deck

Where Haulover Canal connects the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon in Merritt Island NWR, the Manatee Observation Deck makes it easy to watch for manatees drifting by.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

With recreational activities ranging from hiking to biking, boating, fishing, and bioluminscent kayaking, Florida's top destination for birding is also home to Kennedy Space Center.

New Smyrna Beach

One of Florida's oldest communities, historic New Smyrna Beach is home to Canaveral National Seashore and miles of waterways and trails.