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

.Seminole State Forest

Billy Goat’s Birthday

February 11, 2013    John Keatley

In what has become an annual event along the Florida Trail, hikers gathered in January to celebrate the birthday of Billy Goat, a long-time member of the long distance hiking community.

Couples and Backpacking

February 15, 2012    Sandra Friend

There are many pluses to backpacking as a couple. Having a compatible partner smooths out a lot of logistical worries and reduces the weight you need to carry.

Florida Trail, Cassia

Florida Trail, Orlando  |  Paisley
( 28.890800, -81.461641 )      14.2 miles

14.2 miles. Traversing miles of endangered desert-like scrub habitat through Seminole State Forest, the Cassia section of the Florida Trail offers unique natural observations amongst sparse shade.

Seminole State Forest

Sorrento      ( 28.81965, -81.4285 )      

With nearly 50 miles of trails and roads for hiking, biking, and equestrian use, Seminole State Forest offers surprising panoramas and bubbling springs north of Orlando.

Seminole, for bear

January 2, 2012    Sandra Friend

One of my most recent delights, on a walk in the woods, was the surprise provided by Seminole State Forest on a revisit after a decade: a bear encounter.

Sulphur Island Loop

Seminole State Forest   |  Sorrento
( 28.890069, -81.461369 )      9.0 miles

A short distance from the bustling metropolis of Orlando, the Sulphur Island Loop Trail explores one of Florida’s endangered ecosystems, the scrub.