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Home , Appalachian Trail, Econfina Creek, Florida Trail, Ocala National Forest, Osceola National Forest, Pine Log State Forest

National Scenic Published by the USDA Forest Service in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service Florida Trail Association Southern Region Recreation Guide R8-RG 331 February 2006

Big Cypress National Preserve Kitching Creek, Jonathan Dickinson State Park Sunrise over St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Florida: a land of natural wonders. From the world’s only to the sparkling white quartz dunes of the Stretching more than 1,400 miles across the state of Florida, from the sawgrass prairies of Big Cypress National , the Sunshine State hosts an incredible diversity of habitats. Haunting forests of dwarf cypress, Preserve to historic at Gulf Islands National Seashore at Pensacola Beach, the Florida Trail provides tangled thickets of saw palmetto, open prairies bursting with wildflowers, and deep ravines lined with mountain laurel opportunities for both short hikes and extended outings. Walking is one of the best ways to maintain and rhododendron—the Florida Trail enables hikers to explore landscapes unlike any other trail in the nation. your health, so head outdoors and explore Florida’s natural attractions along the Florida Trail.

The Florida Trail: Florida’s Forever Your Help is Needed to complete the Florida National Scenic Trail. Join the Florida Trail History. The Florida National Scenic Trail leads James Kern, a wildlife photographer and real urban areas. Seventeen geographically distrib- To close gaps in the trail, the USDA Forest maintaining the trail Association and its local chapters and volunteer hikers through Florida’s natural wonders as it estate broker, envisioned the Florida Trail while uted chapters serve the state. The association’s Service seeks to purchase land or permanent and its bridges and to assist in building and maintaining a wilder- meanders 1,400 miles across the state. In 1983, the in the early 1960s. To headquarters are in Gainesville; trail staff of the easement agreements from willing landowners. boardwalks, mowing ness hiking trail the length of Florida. Your the U.S. Congress designated the Florida Trail as generate support for the project, Kern created the FTA share an office with the USDA Forest Through cooperation, sections of the trail are and cutting ever- financial assistance or gifts of land or ease- part of the National System, making it one Florida Trail Association (FTA). Since the group’s Service in Tallahassee. opened for the public to enjoy. growing vegetation, ments for the trail are also welcome. of only eight National Scenic Trails. It is the only first in the Ocala National Forest in and painting orange For more information: National Scenic Trail where hikers can enjoy both 1966, the volunteers of this nonprofit organization Trail Administration. The USDA Forest Service The Florida Trail Association manages the trail’s trail blazes to make it subtropical and temperate ecosystems year have dedicated themselves to building, maintain- has overall administrative responsibility for the day-to-day operations. Through a cost share easy to follow. Trail Florida Trail Association round, and is fully blazed from end to end. The ing, and protecting the Florida Trail and other Florida National Scenic Trail. The USDA Forest agreement with the USDA Forest Service, the maintainers are a 5415 SW 13th Street Florida Trail is recognized as Florida’s official hiking trails and to educating trail users on careful Service certifies that trail segments meet nonprofit Florida Trail Association oversees trail common sight on the Gainesville, FL 32608-5037 statewide trail and the state’s Millennium Legacy use and enjoyment of the outdoors. With more standards established in both federal law and in maintenance, promotes its use, and works to trail during all but the Crosscut saw crew using toll-free phone: 877-HIKE-FLA Trail for connecting its culture, heritage, and than 5,000 members, this association built and the trail’s comprehensive plan; manages trail acquire and protect trail corridor to complete the hottest months of the traditional tools to clear email: [email protected] communities. maintains more than 1,800 miles of hiking trails, lands; and coordinates trail planning, develop- trail. The volunteers of the FTA donate tens of year. the trail in the Juniper web: www.floridatrail.org including both the Florida Trail and loop trails near ment, and protection with Florida Trail partners. thousands of hours annually building and Prairie

Enjoying the Trail

Many public agencies and private interests Trail Markings. Trail Fees and Permits. Fee payments or Camping. Facilities for participate in the development and management segments open to the permits are required for use on many backpacking along the Florida of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Because of public are signed with Florida National Scenic Trail segments and National Scenic Trail vary. this diversity, rules and regulations governing the FNST logo shown to overnight facilities. Fees are charged for Some managing authorities use of the trail vary. Contact the land managers the left. The Trail is camping in many developed federal, state, permit primitive camping listed in this brochure or the Florida Trail marked with 2-inch by and county campgrounds. The trail is still a anywhere along the trail. Association for information particular to the 6-inch vertical orange work in progress; some segments of trail Others permit camping only at section of trail you intend to travel. paint blazes. A double are not yet open to the general public and designated sites. Utilize maps blaze, one above the may only be accessed by members of the and guidebooks to plan your People using the Florida National Scenic Trail other, is placed before Florida Trail Association. Check with the trip accordingly. Follow Leave are urged to show appreciation to the volun- turns, junctions, or other Florida Trail Association or the area’s land No Trace ethics when camping teers and land managers who make this trail areas that require hikers manager in advance to determine if FTA and minimize your impact; Pausing at a trail A camping is ideal in many F-Troop Volunteers building a bridge possible. The best way to do this is through Florida’s state bird, be alert. Blue and other membership, fees, or permits are required. many of Florida’s habitats are the mockingbird, junction Florida habitats good stewardship, practicing Leave No Trace color blazes mark side extremely fragile. on an FNST signpost FTA offers special informational packets for ethics while hiking. Travel in groups of ten or trails leading to long distance hikers that include up-to-date Hunting. The trail passes through public and Safety. Walk with a companion when possible. fewer if backpacking; 25 or fewer on day hikes. campsites, water maps, permitting requirements, and an FTA Interpretive Facilities. Hikers will find interpre- private lands that are legally open to hunting during Leave your trip itinerary with family or friends, Dispose of human waste at least 200 feet from supplies, or special membership. tive centers that explain Florida’s natural history specified seasons. The trail remains open during but not with strangers. Camp away from roads the trail, campsites, and water. Use a camping features. and geology. These centers are located along hunting seasons; however, land managers may and avoid provocation. Report harassment or stove instead of building fires. If you pack it in, the trail at Big impose some restrictions on camping during incidents to local law enforcement authorities pack it out. Permitted Uses. The Florida National Scenic Trail Cypress National hunting seasons. From September through and to the USDA Forest Service. Purify all is primarily a footpath, and all segments are open Preserve, Cross January, check in advance about hunting seasons drinking water from any natural source along Users should be especially careful to respect to travel by foot for walking, hiking, and backpack- Florida Greenway/ with the managing authority responsible for the the Florida Trail. the rights of private property owners, particu- ing. Based on considerations of resource Buckman Lock, St. segments you plan to hike. During hunting larly those who have generously allowed the sensitivity and the intended recreational experi- Marks National seasons, trail users are encouraged (and in trail to cross their land. Please stay on the trail, ence the trail is to provide, other non-motorized Wildlife Refuge, Gulf some areas required) to wear hunter orange respecting the privacy of trail neighbors by not uses include bicycling and horseback riding which Islands National clothing, vests, or caps. trespassing onto private property. may be permitted on a given segment by the land Seashore, and off manager. Please respect any trail closures. Ride the trail in several bicycles and horses only on those segments national forests and designated for such use. If you take a dog, keep it Florida state parks. on a leash. Dogs are not allowed in . Some segments of the Florida Trail are not Fishing. A Florida safe for dogs due to native wildlife or swampy fishing license is conditions. Leave No Trace (www.lnt.org) provides required for fishing information on respecting wildlife when hiking with in lakes and your dog. If in doubt, contact the land manager streams along the when planning your trip. trail.

Trail register at Hickory Hammock Sawgrass, cypress, and palm hammocks, Big Cypress National Preserve Shepherd Hiking with a buddy through Marshall

Bluff Hammock boardwalk, Cardinal wild pine, Kickoff of annual Big O Hike around Cypress knees, , Econfina Creek Sand pine scrub, Volunteer trail maintainers learn , Great blue heron, along the Big Cypress Lake Okeechobee, Pahokee Suwannee River Seashore Ocean to Lake rigging techniques Big Cypress National Preserve St. Marks

Trail Partners

Publications and Information. USDA FOREST SERVICE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, 1231 Prairie DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR The Florida Trail Association acts as a clearing- National Forests in Florida ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Lakes Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739 (407) 436-1818 Big Cypress National Preserve, , house for the Florida Trail by publishing maps and Supervisor’s Office, 325 John Knox Rd, Suite F-100, Office of Greenways & Trails Headquarters, Rm 853 J.W. Corbett WMA, 8535 Northlake Blvd, West Palm Beach, Headquarters, 33100 Tamiami Trail E, HCR 61, Box 110, guidebooks and providing up-to-date information Tallahassee, FL 32303-4160 (850) 523-8500 www.fs.fed.us/ Douglas Bldg, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd, MS 795, FL 33412 (561) 624-6989 Ochopee, FL 34141 (239) 695-2000, and Oasis Visitor on the Florida Trail web site, r8/florida/ Tallahassee, FL 32399 (850) 245-2052 Center, 52105 Tamiami Trail E, HCR 61 Box 11, Ochopee, FL www.floridatrail.org. FTA members receive a Ocala National Forest, Ocklawaha Visitor Center, 3199 NE www.FloridaGreenwaysAndTrails.com NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT 34141 (239) 695-1201, www.nps.gov/bicy bi-monthly magazine, the Footprint, with CR 315, Silver Springs, FL 34488, (352) 236-0288; Salt Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, Field , Econfina Creek, Headquarters Gulf Islands National Seashore, National Park Service, articles, photos, trail routing notices, Springs Visitor Center, 14100 N SR 19, Suite A, Salt Springs, Office, 8282 SE CR 314, Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-7143, Office, 81 Water Management Dr, Havana, FL 32333 Headquarters and FL Naval Live Visitor Center, and a roster of chapter activities FL 32134 (352) 685-3070; Pittman Visitor Center, 45621 SR Palatka-Lake Butler Trail, Buckman Lock Visitor Center, (850) 539-5999, www.nwfwmd.state.fl.us 1801 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Center, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 throughout the state. The FTA 19, Altoona, FL, 32702 (352) 669-7495 200 Buckman Lock Rd, Palatka, FL 32177 (386) 312-2273 (850) 934-2600; Fort Pickens Visitor Center, (850) 934-2635 manages a catalog of trail- Osceola National Forest, US 90, P.O. Box 70, Olustee, FL General James A. Van Fleet State Trail, 7305 US 27, PLUM CREEK TIMBER COMPANY www.nps.gov/guis/ related items, including hiking 32072 (386) 752-2577 or (386) 752-0147 Clermont, FL 34711 (352) 516-7384 Lake Butler Forest, PO Box 157, Gulf Hammock, FL 32639 St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, PO Box 68, St. Marks, guidebooks and FT logo Apalachicola National Forest, Apalachicola Ranger Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail, (352) 486-4301, www.plumcreek.com FL 32355 (850) 925-6121, www.fws.gov/saintmarks items such as hats and t- District, SR 20, Revell Bldg, PO Box 579, Bristol, FL 32321, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd. MS 795, Tallahassee, FL, 32301 shirts. For FTA membership, (850) 643-2282, and Wakulla Ranger District, 57 Taff Dr, (850) 245-2052 or (877) 822-5208 ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE information, maps, and volunteer Crawfordville, FL 32327 (850) 926-3561 Withlacoochee State Trail, 3100 S Old Floral City Rd, Rice Creek Management Area, Division of Land Avon Park Air Force Range, US Air Force, 347 RQW, DET opportunities, including volunteer Inverness, FL 34450 (877) 822-5208 Management, 4049 Reid St, Palatka, FL 32178-1429 1, OL A/CEVN, 29 South Blvd, Avon Park AFR, FL 33825. vacations, contact: CAMP CRYSTAL OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER Florida Park Service, Division of Recreation and Parks, (904) 529-2380, www.sjrwmd.com Call (863) 452-4119 (ext. 5) for 24/7 recording to learn if trail Florida Trail Association 6724 Camp Crystal Rd, Starke, FL 32091 (352) 475-1414 3900 Commonwealth Blvd, MS 500, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area, 1239 SW 10th is or will be temporarily closed. 5415 SW 13th Street (850) 245-2157, www.floridastateparks.org St., Ocala, FL 34474 (321) 676-6614, www.sjrwmd.com Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Department of Gainesville, FL 32608-5037 CITY OF BLOUNTSTOWN State Park, 7720 Deaton Bridge Rd, Holt, Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, P.O. Box 871, Military Affairs, 5629 SR 16 W, Starke, Florida 32091-9703 toll-free phone: (877) HIKE-FLA 20591 Central Ave W, Blountstown, FL 32424 Florida 32564 (850) 983-5363 Christmas, FL 32709, (407) 349-4972, www.sjrwmd.com POC: Range Control, (904) 682-3121 e-mail: [email protected] (850) 674-5488, www.blountstown.org Gold Head Branch State Park, 6239 SR 21, Eglin Air Force Base, US Air Force, Jackson Guard, web: www.floridatrail.org Keystone Heights, FL 32656 (352) 473-4701 SANTA ROSA COUNTY 107 SR 85 N, Niceville, FL 32578, (850) 882-4164 CITY OF KEYSTONE HEIGHTS Jonathan Dickinson State Park, 16450 SE Federal Hwy, Seashore Trail, Administrative Services, 6495 Caroline St, Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, Partnerships for the Trail. The Florida Trail represents a Keystone Airpark Authority, 7100 Airport Rd, Starke, FL Hobe Sound, FL 33455 (561) 744-9814 Suite J, Milton, FL 32570 (850) 983-1940, US Army Corps of Engineers, 525 Ridgelawn Rd, Clewiston, unique and highly productive partnership between local, 32091-9347 (352) 473-0031, www.keystoneheights.us Suwannee River State Park, 20185 CR 132, www.co.santa-rosa.fl.us FL 33440-5399 (863) 983-8101, www.saj.usace.army.mil/ state, and federal agencies; private landowners; and trail Live , FL 32060 (386) 362-2746 recreation/index.html volunteers to conserve and showcase Florida’s natural CITY OF ORLANDO Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park, SANTA ROSA ISLAND AUTHORITY beauty and heritage. As of December 2005, nearly 1,000 Orlando Wetlands Park, 25255 Wheeler Road, Christmas, Olustee Battlefield, Big Shoals, PO Drawer G, White Seashore Trail, PO Drawer 1208, Pensacola Beach, FL UNIVERSITY OF WEST miles of the Florida Trail are open for the public to enjoy; the FL 32709 (407) 568-1706 Springs, FL 32096-0435 (386) 397-2733 or (386) 397-4331 32562, (850) 932-2257 www.sria-fla.com FLORIDA remainder is accessible to members of the FTA by agree- Tosohatchee State Reserve, 3365 Taylor Creek Rd, Seashore Trail, ment with private landowners. The progress made to date FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Christmas, FL 32709 (407) 568-5893 SEMINOLE COUNTY 11000 University Pkwy and in the future depends upon these partnerships. Credit AND CONSUMER SERVICES, DIVISION OF FORESTRY Lower Preserve State Park, Wekiwa Cross Seminole Trail, 520 W Lake Mary Blvd, Suite 200, Pensacola, FL should be given to the volunteers, agencies, and partners Division of Forestry Headquarters, 3125 Conner Blvd, MS Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka FL 32712, Sanford, FL 32773-1468, (407) 665-2093, 32514-5750 listed in this brochure. Without their commitment, the dream C25, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650 (850) 488-4274, www.fl- (407) 884-2008 www.seminolecountyfl.gov/trails/ (850) 474-2005 would never have become a reality. dof.com Blackwater River State Forest FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Since 1988, the USDA Forest Service and the FTA have 11650 Munson Hwy, Milton, FL 32570, (850) 957-6140 SR 20 Choctawhatchee River Bridge, SR 20 Kicco WMA, Bluff Hammock, DuPuis Reserves, Tiger swallowtail on butterfly weed entered into cooperative trail management agreements with Etoniah Creek State Forest, 390 Holloway Rd, Bridge, US 98 St. Marks Trail to Hickory Hammock, Yates Marsh, , Levees nearly two dozen public and private land managers covering Florahome, FL 32140 (386) 329-2552 , FDOT District 3 Bicycle and Pedestrian 1, 2 and 3, 3301 Gun Club Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all nearly 70 sections of trail. These agreements certify that Program, PO Box 607, Chipley, FL 32428, (850) 638-0250 (800) 432-2045 ext. 6640 its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, Little Big Econ State Forest, 1350 Snow Hill Rd, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial trail segments meet minimum standards, are open to the ext. 1-547, www.dot.state.fl.us/Safety/ped_bike/ www.sfwmd.gov/site/index.php?id=35 Geneva, FL 32732 (407) 971-3500 status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, public, are protected, and provide the public with quality , 5583-A Longleaf Rd, Ebro, FL ped_bike.htm political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s recreation opportunities. Only through the generosity of 32437, (850) 535-2888 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all public-spirited landowners who join this cooperative venture , 9610 CR 44, Leesburg, FL 34788 FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Green Swamp, 2379 Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34609, (352) prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who will more trail sections become available to the hiking public. (352) 360-6677 COMMISSION (FFWCC) 796-7211 x4482, www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/ require alternative means for communication of program information , 7620 133rd Rd, Live Oak, FL Office of Recreation Services, 620 S Meridian St., Mail (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Trail Partners. The following lists the contact information Code 5B4, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600, (850) 488-5520, SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of 32060 (386) 208-1460 or (386) 208-1461 discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 for the partner agencies that generously allow the Florida www.myfwc.com/recreation/ Holton Creek, Camp Branch, , Aucilla Withlacoochee State Forest, Citrus, Croom, Richloam Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call River, 9225 CR 49, Live Oak, FL 32060 National Scenic Trail to cross their lands. Tracts Recreation/Visitors Center 15003 Broad Stt, Aucilla Wildlife Management Area, 620 S. Meridian St, (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal Brooksville, FL 34601 (352) 754-6896 Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850) 421-1883 or (850) 488-5520 (386) 362-1001, www.mysuwanneeriver.com opportunity provider and employer.

www.floridatrail.org (877) HIKE-FLA

FNST2005front.p65 1 6/19/2006, 1:14 PM Florida National Scenic Trail

The Florida Trail is one of only eight National Scenic Trails designated by Congress. These national scenic trails are America’s premier hiking trails. Congress also designated sixteen National Historic Trails (not shown here), and the U.S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture can designate National Recreation Trails to provide local and regional recreational opportunities. Together the national scenic, historic, and recreation trails form the .

A Trail That Explores Florida

Like a ribbon of green, the Florida National Scenic Trail connects Florida’s wilderness areas. The Florida Trail traverses nearly all In the state’s heavily populated central region, the trail offers of the state’s unique habitats. Since portions of the trail are still hikers a choice of routes skirting both the Orlando and Tampa under development, long distance hikers must use blazed areas. The Eastern Corridor leads hikers from the open roadwalks as connectors between wilderness segments. Prima- prairies of the Kissimmee River through protected lands that rily a footpath, the trail is shared with bicycles and equestrians fringe Orlando’s eastern suburbs; the new Western Corridor over a few short segments. Whether day hiking or backpacking, avoids Orlando entirely by heading up towards the Green hikers enjoy the trail the most from late fall through early spring, Swamp, the not-so-swampy headwaters of four of Florida’s Graphic design: Sandra Friend when temperatures are cool, rainfall low, insects inactive, and major rivers. On the eastern route, hikers pass through palmetto Photography: contributed by Sam Bigbie, Deb Blick, Donn Brown, Raphael Clemente, Bob Coveney, Paul Cummings, Judith Delbene, Sandra Friend, migratory wildlife abundant. To touch Florida’s beauty, to know its prairies—a rugged landscape that challenged Florida’s frontier Marian Fugitt, Paul Guyon, Jack Hailman, Mike Hentz, Susan Jenkins, Peter soul, you must take to the natural areas along the Florida Trail. settlers—as well as open prairie, pine flatwoods, and creekside Nolan, Bart Smith, Judy Trotta, Roger Werner, Kent Wimmer, Bob Woods hammocks in the Three Lakes and Bull Creek Wildlife Manage- Maps and final production: Florida Resources and Environmental Analysis South Florida ment Areas. In the St. Johns River floodplain, Tosohatchee State Center, Florida State University The Florida Trail’s southern terminus is at Loop Road in Big Reserve hosts a virgin bald cypress stand; its shady hammocks Cypress National Preserve, a vast expanse of sawgrass prairies of ancient oaks and cabbage palms extend into Seminole Ranch and dwarf pond cypress , where vistas compare to the Conservation Area. Birding is always great at Orlando Wetlands Serengeti of Africa. Rugged and isolated, and where the Florida Park, where the trail skirts a water reclamation area brimming panther roams, the first 40 miles of trail winds through a prime- with migratory waterfowl. val wet landscape of giant ferns and slippery marl, colorful orchids, and giant bromeliads. North of the Big Cypress, the In suburban Seminole County, the trail emerges from its river- Seminole Tribe of Florida permits Florida Trail Association (FTA) side route in the beautiful Little-Big Econ State Forest to follow members to follow roads bike paths across Seminole County. Turn off the beaten path to The Florida Panhandle through its reservation, explore shady Spring Hammock along and Big Tree Long on scenery, the Florida Trail through North Florida Wild and wooded, the Florida Panhandle is especially where stops at Billie Park where “The Senator,” one of the largest (17.5 feet diameter, entices with beauty spots connected by roadwalks on diverse in flora and fauna. Although the trail breaks into Swamp Safari and the Ah- 138 feet high) and oldest (3,500 years) cypress trees in the rural dirt roads. The first stop is Rice Creek, where a more segments connected by roadwalks, the future is Tha-Thi-Ki Museum are a world still towers. Crossing on a suspension bridge, 1700s indigo and rice plantation thrived in the shade of bright. Most of the Panhandle remains undeveloped; must in learning about the trail continues on bike paths to the wild and scenic Wekiva giant cypresses. Dogwoods and azaleas lend their color to protection of the trail corridor is a matter of developing Seminole culture. River, where Florida black bears roam the corridor through the scenic Etoniah Creek ravine; the trail parallels its lip public and private partnerships or acquiring the land upon Seminole State Forest. When hikers reach the Ocala National before heading through dense oak forests to Gold Head the landowner’s approval. Leaving the Big Bend area, the North of the reservation, Forest, it’s a step back in time—the first segment of the Florida Branch State Park, with its beautiful streams and eerie trail continues west through Apalachicola National Forest the trail passes through Trail was built here in 1966, and the unbroken 70-mile route is Devil’s Washbasin. Following the Palatka-Lake Butler Trail, where it enters the 23,000-acre Bradwell Bay Wilderness, the relict Everglades, now the most popular segment of the trail for backpacking. Hikers hikers reach the Lake Butler Forest and then wind through described by Backpacker magazine as one of the ten almost entirely converted can expect to meet up with pleasant company as they walk timberlands to Olustee, site of Florida’s largest Civil War toughest hikes in the United States. Here, the trail to ranch lands and sugar through the world’s largest sand pine forest, the Big Scrub, and Backpackers enjoy a cypress strand on the battle. In Osceola National Forest, watch the white-banded requires several miles of wading in waist-deep water Ocean to Lake Trail cane fields. The trail roam through the prairies and pine flatwoods of the Juniper trees for signs of the red-cockaded woodpecker. Persons through dark titi and gum swamp forests. Beyond, hikers continues on the levees of Prairie Wilderness past beautiful springs that invite a stop for a with disabilities can view a large colony of these endan- encounter pitcher plant bogs amid vast pine flatwoods, the South Florida Water swim. gered birds from an accessible portion of the trail near where terrestrial orchids sparkle under the wiregrass. Management District on its way to Lake Okeechobee, where Olustee Battlefield. Nearly 60 miles of trail parallels one of Along Econfina Creek, the trail feels downright Appala- hikers have the choice of walking atop the Herbert Hoover Dike On the Western Corridor, hikers experience different terrain and Florida’s most beautiful rivers, the Suwannee, requiring chian, with mountain laurel and flame azalea in bloom around the east or west sides of the second largest freshwater more immersion into Old Florida. Roadwalks connect completed some stamina and acrobatics for stream crossings and above the rushing water. The segment through Florida’s lake in the United States. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers segments, taking hikers through St. Cloud and Kissimmee— rapid elevation changes along the high bluffs. Camp on oldest state forest, Pine Log, treats the hiker to cypress- constructed the dike in the 1940s after a storm surge cost the where they are sure to see sandhill cranes along the road, as white sand beaches; lined ponds in the midst of the pines. lives of thousands along the lake. On the west side of Lake well as wood storks on —and up along the explore the waterfalls. Dozens of tannic streams gurgle through the Okeechobee, hikers are treated to views of the lake’s expansive Old Tampa Highway, a section of which still retains its 1930s Heading west into the rolling sandhills of Eglin Air Force Base, wetlands, while on the east side, they enjoy colorful sunsets cypress planks and red bricks. Big Bend, walk through creating steep ravines crossed by log along the vistas of this inland sea. Every Thanksgiving week for more timberlands to bridges; rare varieties of pitcher plants thrive more than a decade, the Florida Trail Association’s popular Big O A short walk on the Van Fleet Rail Trail, north of Polk City, brings reach the on moist slopes. There are two termini for Hike draws participants from across North America on a series hikers closer to the Green Swamp, where the first significant and its sinks, an the northern end of the trail. Long-distance of nine supported day hikes that circle the lake on a 109-mile wilderness segment begins, offering several days of peace and unusual place where the hikers headed north along the Eastern segment of the Florida Trail. A new spur trail, the 72-mile Ocean quiet through pine flatwoods, rolling sandhills, and the floodplain river appears and Continental Trail will take on the bluffs and to Lake Trail, leads west through wilderness in northern Palm forests of the Withlacoochee River. Emerging from the Richloam disappears through ravines, rolling sandhills, and titi swamps Beach County and Martin County. Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, the trail then connects to “windows” in the lime- along the Blackwater River and its tributar- the Croom Tract, offering a nice day’s walk through hardwood stone aquifer. Birding is ies; those completing the traditional Florida North of Lake Okeechobee, the Florida Trail continues along the forests along the Withlacoochee River, and on to the fabulous in the St. Trail route head for the seashore, walking on Kissimmee River floodplain, historically Florida’s cattle country. Withlacoochee State Trail, a rail-trail passing through the historic Marks National Wildlife Santa Rosa Island’s famed white quartz Winding through beautiful hammocks such as those at Hickory towns of Istachatta, Floral City, Inverness, Hernando, and Refuge, where the trail beaches and its bayside dunes to historic Hammock, Bluff Hammock, and KICCO, the trail parallels the Dunnellon, paralleling part of the route of explorer Hernando de passes through cathe- Fort Pickens in Gulf Islands National river for more than 50 miles, Soto. After crossing the Withlacoochee River, hikers Hiking sand dunes in the Seashore section, drals of cabbage palms Santa Rosa Island Seashore. passing through ghost towns enjoy the challenging slopes and scenic vistas of and along salt marshes and abandoned homesteads of the Cross Florida Greenway, a green ribbon of en route to the heart of Florida’s early settlers before reshaped landscapes created during the 1930s Florida’s Panhandle. crossing the broad prairies of diggings of the failed Cross-Florida barge canal. the Three Lakes Wildlife Crossing Interstate 75 on the nation’s first land Management Area, where bridge, the trail continues up the Greenway and sandhill cranes abound. through the jungle-like forests of the The USDA Forest Service wishes to thank the volunteers and staff of the Florida Trail Association for their continued and floodplains before meeting up service to public lands and trails throughout the State of Florida. Because of the hard work, dedication and vision of with the eastern route in the Ocala National Forest. the Florida Trail Association, both American and International visitors are offered an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural and cultural diversity of Florida. Through their members, F-Troop volunteer trail crews, and young adult internships, Florida Trail Association is a pioneer in fostering volunteerism as a form of outdoor recreation in Florida. The Florida National Scenic Trail legacy is a testament to the power of citizens in action, and the National Forests in Florida is proud to be granted the responsibility and honor of administering this amazing resource.

The palmetto-dotted prairies of Central Florida