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

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Fakahatchee ferns

Ocala National Forest

Established in 1908 as the first National Forest east of the Mississippi, the Ocala National Forest is a mecca for hikers as the birthplace of the Florida Trail.

Ocala National Forest

5th Annual Hammock Hang

Hammocks filled every available space at Doe Lake

May 8, 2015    John Keatley

At the 5th annual Hammock Hang this January, hammock camping enthusiasts around the country descended on Doe Lake for a weekend of friendship, fun, and food

A Twisted Valentine Tale

At the cabin

February 27, 2013    John Keatley

A planned Valentines Day hike on the Florida Trail morphs into something completely different as a chain of coincidences fall into place.

A Year with Primrose

Us and Primrose

January 6, 2014    John Keatley

It’s been a year since we purchased Primrose, our 1982 VW Vanagon. Here’s a recap of where we’ve been and what we’ve seen.

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs

Ocala National Forest  |  Astor
( 29.079006, -81.577921 )      

Surrounding one of Florida’s most picturesque first magnitude springs, Alexander Springs is a prime destination for a summer swim or snorkel

Bear bagging a must in Florida’s National Forests

Bear canister in Florida

December 17, 2009    Sandra Friend

A federal order has been signed requiring the use of bear bags or bear canisters when backpacking the Florida Trail through the Ocala, Osceola, and Apalachicola National Forests.

Bear Swamp Trail

Big cypress Bear Swamp Trail

Ocala National Forest  |  Salt Springs
( 29.356367, -81.732083 )      1.3 miles

Little known except to those who frequent Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest, the Bear Swamp Trail provides a walk into an ancient forest.

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area

Lake framed by pines

Ocala National Forest  |  Paisley
( 28.978510, -81.553909 )      1.3 miles

With a campground and lakeside day use area at the southeast corner of the Ocala National Forest, Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers an easy loop hike and access to the Florida Trail.

Davenport Landing Trail

Davenport Landing

Ocala National Forest  |  Rodman
( 29.472265,-81.773387 )      0.7 miles

Deep in the Ocala National Forest, the Davenport Landing Trail leads you on a scenic loop to a historic landing and archaeological site along the Ocklawaha River.

Do Not Feed the Bears

Bear bags hanging at sunset on the AT in Georgia

February 27, 2018    John Keatley

Bear bagging is the art of hanging your food properly out of reach of bears. If you’re a Florida backpacker and haven’t learned how, here’s a short course. Securing your food from bears is required in the Ocala, Osceola, and Apalachicola National Forests.

Florida Trail for Scouting

Florida Trail, Little Big Econ

There are many opportunities for Boy Scouts to complete hiking and backpacking merit badges and 50-miler awards along the Florida Trail; this list will start you planning your next trip.

Florida Trail, Alexander Springs to Farles Prairie

Florida Trail Big Scrub near Farles

Florida Trail, Ocala  |  Ocala National Forest
( 29.078871, -81.577816 )      8.6 miles

8.6 miles. Dive deep into the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest on this hike through the Big Scrub

Florida Trail, Clearwater Lake to Alexander Springs

Florida Trail near Paisley

Florida Trail, Ocala  |  Ocala National Forest
( 28.976418,-81.550423 )      10.5 miles

10.5 miles. Hike the original miles blazed by Florida Trail Association trailblazers in 1966 along one of the most beautiful sections of the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest

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