About a year ago, I posted about the Little Big Econ State Forest by describing a one-night backpacking trip I did through Little Big Econ along the Florida Trail from its crossing of Brumley Road to West Camp near the Barr Street parking area, and I suggested that the north bank of the river and … Continue reading For a Quiet Riverside Hike in Little Big Econ State Forest, Try the Culpepper Trail
Category: Great Places to Backpack and Hike
The Prairie Lakes Loops at Three Lakes WMA are Perfect for Hiking and Backpacking
Just an hour south of Orlando off the Florida Turnpike, you can find one of those special places in Florida that offers virtually everything an outdoor lover might seek—hiking for both moderate and longer distances, backpacking, a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, birding, and even fishing and hunting, all in a vast landscape … Continue reading The Prairie Lakes Loops at Three Lakes WMA are Perfect for Hiking and Backpacking
Winter is the Best Time to Enjoy Ichetucknee Springs State Park Near Gainesville
Many University of Florida students are familiar with Ichetucknee Springs State Park and its well-known river that is a summer favorite for river tubing. Way back in my freshman year in the 1990s, the fraternity I pledged even went there in a rented bus and floated a keg down the river. But a far quieter, … Continue reading Winter is the Best Time to Enjoy Ichetucknee Springs State Park Near Gainesville
Although often crowded, Black Bear Wilderness Area is a spectacular place to see wildlife
Even though Black Bear Wilderness Area near Sanford is among the most popular places in Central Florida to hike, I’ve hesitated to post about it before now because of my reluctance to rain on those who love it. Truth be told, I was not particularly smitten with Black Bear when I first hiked there almost … Continue reading Although often crowded, Black Bear Wilderness Area is a spectacular place to see wildlife
Moses Creek Conservation Area Offers Pleasant Hiking Near St. Augustine—But Don’t Count on Backcountry Camping There
With hunting season limiting my access to many of my favorite stretches of the Florida Trail last weekend, I tried to make up for the opportunity I lost last spring to camp beside the intracoastal at St. George Island State Park and booked a reservation at the Murat Point campsite at the Moses Creek Conservation … Continue reading Moses Creek Conservation Area Offers Pleasant Hiking Near St. Augustine—But Don’t Count on Backcountry Camping There
Barr Hammock near Gainesville is Ideal for Family-Friendly Hiking Through Pretty Old Growth Forest
Many University of Florida students are familiar with the hiking trails at Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park. But another collection of trails through a beautiful forest of tall live oaks and longleaf pines can be found not far south of Gainesville, and it’s free and easier to reach from I-75. Barr Hammock Preserve is definitely … Continue reading Barr Hammock near Gainesville is Ideal for Family-Friendly Hiking Through Pretty Old Growth Forest
Shenandoah National Park is a special place to backpack in October and November
After several weeks of not posting here, I am thrilled to return by raving about a recent once-in-a-season chance I had to backpack for a night in one of the most beautiful national parks east of the Mississippi River. Shenandoah National Park is the Hope Diamond of Virginia and a magical place to spend a … Continue reading Shenandoah National Park is a special place to backpack in October and November
Seaside Camping at its Finest Can be Found at St. George Island State Park
Florida has precious few places where hikers can camp in primitive settings beside the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico or beside stretches of intracoastal waterways unblemished by buildings on the opposite shore. But a gem of a seaside primitive campsite can be found beside a wide expanse of Apalachicola Bay at St. George Island … Continue reading Seaside Camping at its Finest Can be Found at St. George Island State Park
As State Parks Go, Colt Creek State Park is Great for Longer Hikes
Anyone familiar with my book or my prior blog posts knows that I am borderline-obsessed with the Green Swamp located an hour west of Orlando. But I’m ashamed to admit that, until this weekend, I had not yet visited nearby Colt Creek State Park. I’m glad my wait is over, as Colt Creek is certainly … Continue reading As State Parks Go, Colt Creek State Park is Great for Longer Hikes
Huge Cypress Trees Enchant at Spring Hammock Preserve
A family-friendly trail long enjoyed by generations of Central Floridians, but closed for 13 years after falling into disrepair, has finally been restored and reopened for public enjoyment. The new and improved paved trail at Spring Hammock Preserve is now back, and it’s one of the easiest places in Central Florida to see huge, majestic … Continue reading Huge Cypress Trees Enchant at Spring Hammock Preserve
