I finally got around last Saturday to joining my local Florida Trail Association chapter for a trail maintenance work party, one of the most popular activities the FTA chapters host. If you’re looking for a great way to get acquainted with some of the most beautiful sections of trail in Florida and the people who … Continue reading Labor of Love: My first trail maintenance work party with the Florida Trail Association
Tag: Florida Trail Association
Families can enjoy fun (free) hiking and camping at Flat Island Preserve
In Leesburg, a short drive north of Orlando on the Florida Turnpike, lies a pretty sanctuary of dense woodland with easy trails for families at the Flat Island Preserve. With free access from 8 a.m. through sunset, well-maintained trails through beautiful forests, and easy-to-reach group and primitive campsites that can be reserved for free, Flat … Continue reading Families can enjoy fun (free) hiking and camping at Flat Island Preserve
The Little Big Econ State Forest: A Great Way to Taste the Florida Trail
The following article was first published in the January 2025 issue of The Footpath Newsletter, the newsletter for the Central Florida chapter of the Florida Trail Association. Having recently written a book about several one-night backpacking trips I did last year while discovering backpacking in Central Florida, I had not yet actually done a trip … Continue reading The Little Big Econ State Forest: A Great Way to Taste the Florida Trail
Thank you to the Florida Trail Association for hosting my first book signing!
Thank you again to the Central Florida chapter of the Florida Trail Association for inviting me to present my book at their chapter meeting last night, and especially to the friends who came (including my Central Florida Gator Club pals). This was my first book signing, and it was a blast. I was also lucky … Continue reading Thank you to the Florida Trail Association for hosting my first book signing!
Tips for Novice or Born-Again Backpackers
The following article was first published in the September-October 2024 issue of The Footpath Newsletter, the newsletter for the Central Florida chapter of the Florida Trail Association. Although many of you have probably been backpacking for years, some of you may, like me until recently, be long-time avid hikers who avoid camping in the backcountry … Continue reading Tips for Novice or Born-Again Backpackers
Florida National Scenic Trail: An Outdoor Paradise in Our Own Backyard
Most people have heard of the Appalachian Trail, but did you realize we have our own national scenic trail right here in Florida? The Florida Trail is truly a hiker’s and backpacker’s paradise—and much of it runs through Orange, Seminole, and Osceola Counties. The Florida Trail is one of eleven national scenic trails recognized by … Continue reading Florida National Scenic Trail: An Outdoor Paradise in Our Own Backyard
