National Scenic

PC: CHRIS A. JOHNS Find Your Adventure

Threading its way from the sugar RECREATION Butler Trail and the St. Marks to see if these activities are Headwaters Restoration, one of sand beaches of Gulf Islands Historic Railroad State Trail. available and/or permitted on the world’s largest restoration National Seashore in the Florida Whether you want to trek a trail segment near you. projects, along the Kissimmee Panhandle to the cypress domes through the wilderness in Horseback Riding* in national River. Florida’s unique geology is forests, state forests, water easily viewed from the trail, where of Big Cypress National Preserve solitude or explore a Gateway SCENERY AND NATURE in the , the Florida Community along an urban management districts and state karst topography swallows rivers National Scenic Trail (or Florida rail-trail, your adventure starts parks provides riders backcountry and streams into deep The is the perfect Trail for short) connects the nearby on the Florida Trail. access to outstanding natural and underground cave systems. destination to surround yourself state’s most outstanding scenic, landscapes throughout the state. in the misty morning sunrises natural, cultural and historic Hiking and Backpacking are Experience Florida cowboy culture Flora and Fauna biodiversity of or to enjoy resources. The Florida Trail favorite activities on the Florida first-hand, or enjoy a great view reigns supreme in Florida, from crisp winter views of jungle-like travels 1,300 miles throughout Trail. Trips range from short day over a pine savannah on your ride. pitcher plant savannahs in the hardwood hammocks. No matter the state, offering recreational hikes by crystal clear springs Panhandle to bromeliads in Big the time of the year, the Florida opportunities year-round as the to longer treks through tracts Water Sports in rivers, springs Cypress National Preserve. Over Trail provides front-row seats nation’s only subtropical National of old-growth forest. Spend an and lakes along the Florida 900 miles of the Florida Wildlife to Florida’s natural wonders. Scenic Trail. Located within a afternoon or a couple months on Trail are a great way to explore Corridor follows the Florida Trail,

one-hour drive of most major the trail; the choice is yours. the state. Cool down and helping the trail to protect and Ecosystems in Florida are PC: CHRISTINA LAMBARD metropolitan areas, the Florida paddle the famous Suwannee connect habitat for many rare unlike any other in the nation, Trail is the perfect destination for Biking* allows you to access River, explore the disappearing and endangered species, such ranging from sand dunes to new hikers, families and even the statewide network of Aucilla Sinks or swim in cool as the Florida panther, gopher cypress swamps. The trail passes experienced thrill-seekers. Explore multi-use paths and rail-. waters at Juniper Springs. tortoise and even sea turtles. through undisturbed old-growth Florida’s wild side and find your Bike sections of Cross Florida The trail is also renowned for forests and actively managed adventure on the Florida Trail! Greenway, the Palatka-Lake *Please refer to local land its birding opportunities, home manager rules and regulations lands, including the Everglades to such unique birds as the crested caracara, Florida scrub jay, Florida grasshopper sparrow and red-cockaded woodpecker. PC: CHRIS A. JOHNS

CULTURE AND HISTORY

A hike along the Florida Trail can be a journey through time, connecting you with cultural and historic sites throughout the state. Develop a deeper understanding of Florida’s shared heritage on the Florida Trail!

Cultural Resources provide perspective on the people who once inhabited and continue to reside in Florida. Learn more about Native American, Florida Cracker cattlemen and early culture as you follows the steps of Florida’s rich history on the Florida Trail.

Historic Sites dot the length of the Florida Trail. You can visit one of the nation’s largest Civil Creating & Completing The Trail War reenactment sites at the Olustee Battlefield, explore a historic fort at in the Gulf Islands National Seashore Florida Trail in one season or James Kern envisioned the Florida The USDA Forest Service is the YOUR HELP IS NEEDED or trace Spanish conquistador over multiple years. Each year Trail while hiking the Appalachian administrator of the Florida Trail, Hernando de Soto’s footsteps Trail in the early 1960s. Upon charged with planning routes, an annual kick-off at Big Cypress Volunteerism is integral to the along the . returning to Florida, he founded overseeing development and National Preserve sends a group mission and operation of the the Florida Trail Association (FTA) establishing partnerships to of adventurous hikers on a 2-3 trail, mandated in the founding PC: CARLTON WARD JR. to help create a long-distance complete the trail. The National month journey across the state. legislation of the Florida Trail. hiking trail in the Sunshine State. Forests in Florida and FNST The efforts of this dedicated Coalition, an advisory group of These individuals are supported by From its inception, dedicated vol- volunteer organization helped public and private partners, work a large network of volunteers and unteers have played an important establish the first orange blaze collaboratively to close the last avid trail enthusiasts. Whether our role in bringing the Florida Trail on the Florida Trail, painted in remaining gaps and establish volunteers are assisting thru-hik- to life, working tirelessly to make in 1966. permanent protection along the ers as “trail angels” or enjoying the trail accessible to the public. entirety of the Florida Trail. their own weekend adventure, Volunteers connect with other The Florida Trail was officially a friendly smile is never hard outdoor enthusiasts through recognized as a National TRAIL COMMUNITY to find on the Florida Trail. the Florida Trail Association. Scenic Trail in 1983, joining a Along their journeys these hikers select group of congressionally Outside of its nationally They do this by building and pass through Florida Trail Gateway designated long-distance trails. significant resources, the maintaining the trail, and by Communities. These small com- Today you can follow the orange Florida Trail is known for its guiding hikes, paddles and munities, such as White Springs blazes of the Florida National vibrant trail community. other social activities. For more or Blountstown, support the trail Scenic Trail (FNST) for more Among the most inspiring information on how you can get with guided excursions, transpor- than 1,300 miles, crossing more members of the trail community involved, please contact the FTA. tation shuttling and locally owned than 76 partner land manage- are its dedicated thru-hikers, shops, restaurants and lodging. ment units within the state. who complete the length of the

Enjoying The Trail

You may enjoy the Florida Trail in uses, including bicycling and Hunting near the trail is planned itinerary with friends or Local Land Managers work as a variety of ways. For additional horseback riding, are permitted permitted during specified family in case of emergencies partners to ensure safe, acces- information, please check with on specified segments. seasons. The trail remains and report any safety hazards to sible and memorable recreation the FTA, the local land manager open during hunting seasons, the proper authorities. To check experiences along all segments or the US Forest Service. Fees and Permits may apply typically September through the status of prescribed fires and of the Florida Trail. Aspects of the when accessing the Florida Trail, January. Land managers may discover bear safety tips, please trail differ by land management Trail markings are characterized including parking, state park impose some restrictions on check with the local land manager. unit including camping, permits, by painted 2x6 inch orange entrance and camping fees. camping or access during fees and allowable uses. For more blazes. A double blaze indicates a hunting seasons. Trail users are Leave No Trace is a set of information about a specific trail turn, junction or other area that Camping facilities along the required to wear hunter orange outdoor ethics used to ensure Trail Courtesy is urged for segment, please visit the land requires hikers to be alert. Blue Florida Trail vary by trail section. clothing, vests and caps. Check a quality experience for all all Florida Trail users. Comply managing agency’s website or blazes mark side trails leading to Some land managers may require the local land manager website present and future Florida Trail with any applicable rules and contact the US Forest Service. campsites, water supplies and/ users to camp at designated in advance for exact dates, users. Please use Leave No Trace regulations for the land managing or special features. Florida Trail sites, obtain permits or pay fees. requirements and restrictions. principles while planning your unit. Stay on the trail and respect This publication was developed logo signs also identify the trail. next adventure. These guidelines the privacy of trail neighbors through collaboration of the Fishing is permitted in lakes Safety is a priority on the Florida include packing out waste, only by not trespassing onto private USDA Forest Service National Permitted uses vary by and streams along the trail Trail. Plan your trip ahead of time, creating fires in designated fire property. There are many sections Forests in Florida and the Florida Trail Association.

PC: RACHEL SKEEN section. The Florida Trail is a with a valid Florida fishing bring a map and compass, food, rings and disposing of any human of the trail which are multi-use; non-motorized trail. Foot travel license. Please be aware of state adequate water supply or purifi- waste at least 200 feet from any please be courteous by sharing is allowed on all segments of and local fishing ordinances, cation equipment and appropriate water source. For more informa- the trail with other users. Report The USDA and the FTA are equal op- portunity providers and employers. the trail. Other non-motorized restrictions and seasons. clothing and footwear. Leave your tion, please visit www.lnt.org. any unsafe or illegal behavior.

National Scenic Trails

PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRAIL National Scenic Trails CONTINENTAL Growing conservation ethic and a desire DIVIDE TRAIL NEW ENGLAND to access the nation’s unparalleled outdoor spaces led Congress to pass TRAIL CONTACT the Act in 1968. Today the National Trails System consists Social Media US Forest Service of 11 national scenic trails, including Follow us on Facebook, 325 John Knox Road the Florida Trail. There are also 16 Twitter and Instagram! Tallahassee, FL 32303 National Historic Trails and over 900 850-523-8500 National Recreation Trails. For more FloridaTrailAssociation [email protected] POTOMAC www.fs.usda.gov/fnst information about the National Trails HERITAGE FloridaTrail System, please visit www.nps.gov/nts. TRAIL FloridaTrail Florida Trail Association Information and Publications 1050 NW 2nd Street Online maps, itineraries and other APPALACHIAN NationalForestsinFlorida Gainesville, FL 32601 resources are available through the US 877-HIKE-FLA TRAIL NFinFlorida Forest Service and the FTA. For more [email protected] FLORIDA www.floridatrail.org information on trailheads, trail conditions, TRAIL closures and to purchase print materials, such as guidebooks and maps, please NATCHEZ TRACE visit the FTA website at FloridaTrail.org. TRAIL

PC: CHRIS KINCAID Florida Trail

Top Destinations On The Florida National Scenic Trail

Panhandle

Starting just south of the state capitol and reaching the Northern Terminus at Fort Pickens, the Panhandle is home to the world’s 5th largest biodiversity hotspot. Explore salt marshes, beach dunes and restored forests in this remote section of Florida.

Gulf Islands National Seashore is the Northern Terminus of the Florida Trail and home to the only National Scenic Trail beach hike in the nation. Get immersed in colonial history at Fort Pickens, search for wildlife along Santa Rosa Sound or simply enjoy the white quartz beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.

Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area travels along bluffs, deep ravines and first magnitude springs. Cross two of the trail’s largest suspension bridges, while strolling along beautiful, spring-fed .

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is world renowned for the more than 300 species of migratory birds who find habitat here. A trip here is not com- plete without a visit to the 2nd oldest lighthouse in Florida, or a hike along the abundant salt marshes throughout the refuge. Make sure to bring binoculars!

PC: LINDA BENTON

North Florida

North Florida is a window into the past, passing through 1700’s plantations and civil war battlefields. The region is known primarily for its flatwood forests and hilly terrain along spring-fed, tannin-rich rivers.

Aucilla River Sinks is one of the more unique geological features on the trail. Follow the as it is swallowed underground and reappears in a series of massive sinkholes.

Suwannee River is considered an artery of Northern Florida, providing stunning views of sandy beaches, Florida springs and even whitewater rapids. The Florida Trail follows conservation lands along the river for more than 60 miles, intersecting with everything from Florida Folk Culture to secluded swimming holes.

Rice Creek Conservation Area was originally an 18th century indigo and rice plantation. Now the trail is connected by a series of boardwalks and Florida National Scenic Trail bridges that highlight a Florida Trail shelter and one of the state’s largest Side Trail cypress trees. Roadwalk Reroute in Development PC: BART SMITH Proposed Reroute in Planning

State & Local Lands

Federal Lands

Circling conservation areas around the Metro Region, the Florida Trail splits into its Eastern and Western corridors. Travel through palmetto and pine flatwoods, creekside hammocks, rolling sandhills and floodplain forests.

The Ocala National Forest is known as the heart of the Florida Trail. From shady wilderness hikes through hydric hammocks or open prairies filled with wildflowers, Ocala is known for its diversity of ecosystems and recreation experiences. Don’t leave without jumping into sparkling Alexander Springs.

Little Big Econ State Forest provides hikes along the narrow and winding . Trek through historic turpentine distilleries, a railroad bed built by Henry Flagler and jungle-like riverside views in this state forest.

Withlacoochee State Forest is known for its abundant wildlife and challenging loop hikes, which have helped many outdoor enthusiasts train for the . The “” connecting its three large tracts helped this location earn the title of “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Been in North America” by the World Wildlife Fund.

PC: BART SMITH

South Florida

Explore the wet wilderness of sawgrass prairies, hardwood hammocks and dwarf cypress swamps of Southern Florida. Start your journey at the Southern Terminus in Big Cypress National Preserve, trek through swamps and follow the winding through historic cattle country.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is one of ’s premier locations for birding, wildlife viewing and stargazing as a designated Dark Sky Park. Discover this successful restoration project and the vast biodiversity of the state’s largest dry prairie by foot, bike or horse.

Lake Okeechobee is the 2nd largest freshwater lake in the continental United States, encircled by 113 miles of the Florida Trail. Whether you take a paved levee walk around its eastern shore or explore the more remote marshlands to the west, make sure you’re there in time for an unforgettable sunrise. As Florida’s official statewide non-motorized trail, the Florida National Scenic Trail is made possible through the efforts of our partners including Big Cypress National Preserve is often noted as the most remote wilderness hike on the Florida Trail. Get your feet wet while you trek through • Florida Department of Environmental Protection • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cypress groves in search of rare ghost orchids, migratory bird populations or • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • • Florida Water Management Districts even a glimpse of the endangered Florida panther. • U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Florida Forest Service • And many universities, city and county government partners

PC: WINNIE LO