5th Annual Hammock Hang
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
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
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
Astor 1.2 milesSurrounding 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
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
Salt Springs 1.3 milesLittle 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.
Caravelle Ranch
Palatka 4.8 milesTake a stroll among pine forests and shady hammocks in the Ocklawaha River watershed on a network of well-marked trails edging the Ocala National Forest.
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area
Paisley 1.3 milesWith 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
Salt Springs 0.7 milesDeep in the Ocala National Forest, the Davenport Landing Trail provides a scenic loop to a historic landing and archaeological site along the Ocklawaha River.
Do Not Feed the Bears
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
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
Ocala National Forest 8.6 miles8.6 miles. Dive deep into the world's largest sand pine scrub forest on this hike through the Big Scrub.