Florida Hikes
Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides
The northernmost outpost of Palm Beach County, Jupiter has easy access to natural lands along the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Coastal Ridge, and the Jeaga Wildways
10.7 miles. A hike of extreme contrasts, this segment of the Florida Trail crossing Riverbend Park and Cypress Creek connects Loxahatchee Slough with Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Heading north through Big Cypress, the Florida Trail immerses hikers through one of the last wild spaces of the region, then connects to Okeechobee via dikes.
Four hiking trails intertwine in this 172-acre natural area, with seven different habitats to explore along footpaths, paved trails, and boardwalks.
Celebrating the annual Ocean to Lake Hike, which got its start when a group of backpackers - Sandra included - scouted the full route from Hobe Sound to Lake Okeechobee to help decide where the trail would go.
Catch sweeping views in every direction atop the highest natural hill south of Lake Okeechobee on the Hobe Mountain Trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Straddling both sides of the Indian River Lagoon between Hobe Sound and Tequesta, this refuge provides both sea turtle nesting grounds and Florida scrub-jay habitat.
A round-trip through former tomato farms reclaimed by second-growth forest, this multi-use trail through Loxahatchee River Management Area leads to the Masten Dam.
On the Atlantic Coastal Ridge above the Indian River Lagoon, this loop hike ranges from a mangrove overlook in a tropical forest to an immersion in sand pine scrub.
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.
Formerly the East Loop, the easternmost hike in the park scrambles up and down scrub-covered ancient dunes and through the ruins of Camp Murphy on its 5 mile circuit.
Burrow into a tangled tunnel of mangrove forest with the Loxahatchee River lapping at their roots on a nature trail combining scrub-topped bluffs and river-level mud.
One of South Florida's best backpacking destinations, Jonathan Dickinson State Park encompasses a vast mosaic of ecosystems along the wild and scenic Loxahatchee River.
