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
Category: Great Places to Backpack and Hike
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
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville is great for history, hiking, and horses
Anyone driving past Gainesville on I-75 will be familiar with Paynes Prairie, the huge savannah north of Micanopy that offers a panoramic break from the surrounding forests. But the state park that includes Paynes Prairie and lies just south of the University of Florida is worth a closer look. Beyond providing a sanctuary for gators … Continue reading Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville is great for history, hiking, and horses
Going to Grand Teton National Park? You must hike in Cascade Canyon
Cascade Canyon Trail My family and I returned last weekend from a vacation in Montana and Wyoming and had the privilege to do several day hikes in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. If you’re lucky enough to hike in Grand Teton, you’ll likely try the popular trail to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point near … Continue reading Going to Grand Teton National Park? You must hike in Cascade Canyon
Check out my latest essay in Wilderness House Literary Review
I was honored to have an essay of mine titled "A Suburban Desk Jockey’s Weekend Adventure in the Green Swamp" published today in the summer issue of Wilderness House Literary Review. In this essay, I describe my first point-to-point backpacking trip last June in the Green Swamp West Tract and the Richloam Tract of the … Continue reading Check out my latest essay in Wilderness House Literary Review
