Florida Hikes

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

Many different species of brds in a shallow pool in spring in Florida

Merritt Island

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

INTERACTIVE MAP

A Paddle I Will Never Forget

Taking on a remote stretch of the Indian River Lagoon paralleling the wildest part of Canaveral National Seashore, our group of paddlers turns back until only two kayakers are left, fighting the wind to reach our goal.

Back to the Hammock

Hiking the Hammock Trails in Merritt Island NWR this weekend brought back memories of hiking and camping in these woods as a young Boy Scout in the 1960s and 70s.

Bairs Cove

A go-to location for spotting manatees at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bairs Cove off Haulover Canal is also a launch point for bioluminescence.

Bioluminescent Paddling in Titusville

During the summer months, bioluminescence makes its appearance in the Indian River Lagoon and is especially strong along Merritt Island near Titusville. On my paddling trip, I saw the best glow I've ever seen.

Black Point Wildlife Drive

Winding along a narrow dirt road, Black Point Wildlife Drive offers from-your-car birding in the marshes and mud flats of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Island Pioneer Trail

Merritt Island   3.2 miles

Along a swamp-edged ribbon of greenway south of Kennedy Space Center, much of this 3.2 mile hike along the Island Pioneer Trail follows an early roadway on Merritt Island.

Kings Park

Merritt Island   5.1 miles

A mosaic of landscapes disturbed by past development now lush with vegetation, Kings Park protects both freshwater and brackish waterways with a ribbon of bike path between them.

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.