Forest Encyclopedia Network
The Forest Encyclopedia Network is a gateway to research papers explaining applied science on the Southern Appalachians and National Forests throughout our region.
Friends in the Forest
We met Ruth at the Florida Trail Association Conference in March and spent time hiking with her on the Panhandle Trace. At both events, she invited us to come hike in her backyard and visit. With five hikes left for Five Star Trails Gainesville and Ocala, …
Hanging at HangCon
What's it like hanging out with a bunch of hammock hangers? Here's a peek at the 6th Annual Hammock Hanging Convention, now called HangCon, held at Doe Lake last month.
Happy (Belated) Birthday, Ocala National Forest!
On November 24, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt set aside a large piece of land east of Ocala for future generations by declaring it the Ocala National Forest, one of the first in the eastern United States. We celebrate its centennial.
Hiking the Juniper Prairie Wilderness
For immersion into the world's largest sand pine scrub forest, take a journey along the Florida Trail through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. It's perennially a getaway for backpackers thanks to its natural beauty.
Houseboating the St. Johns
All is still, pristine, natural. Night closes in, and I hear the lapping of the river beneath my window as the houseboat gently rocks.
How to hike in October in Florida
October 1 marks the traditional start of Florida’s hiking season, so it’s time to start planning your outdoor adventures! October is also normally designated Florida Greenways & Trails Month, but I haven’t heard a peep about it from …
In Their Footsteps
A historic moment for the Florida Trail: the reunion of three of the original trailblazers, 40 years after they painted the first blazes of the Florida Trail heading north from Clearwater Lake in the Ocala National Forest.
It’s Raining in the Ocala National Forest
The prediction of stormy weather never deters an eager backpacker, since getting drenched is going to happen sometime. Author Rob Rogers shares his adventure.
Juniper Springs
Silver Springs 1.4 milesExperience crystalline waters emerging from the midst of the world’s largest scrub forest in a subtropical forest at Juniper Springs in the Ocala National Forest.
Just Married
After three years of roaming the woods and the world together, John & Sandy get married in the Ocala National Forest with a very hiker-style wedding.
Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail
Salt Springs 1.8 milesGo deep into the Ocala National Forest on a staircase leading into a massive sinkhole along the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail, a 1.8 mile loop in the Big Scrub.