What is the Panhandle Trail in Florida?

The Florida National Scenic Trail (also known as the Florida Trail or FT for short) is a congressionally-designated, long-distance hiking trail that weaves its way across Florida from Big Cypress National Preserve in the south to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the western end of Florida’s panhandle.

Is there anywhere to hike in Florida?

Some of the most popular and scenic hiking in Florida can be found around the town of White Springs following the Suwannee River. For a fantastic day hike it doesn’t get much better than the Florida hiking trails at Big Shoals State Park with views of Florida’s only major whitewater rapids.

What is Northwest Florida known for?

Northwest Florida is known for its sugar-white beaches, emerald-green waters, pristine natural springs, and millennia old cave systems—all of which offer adventurers ample opportunities to explore the natural wonders.

What to wear hiking in Florida?

Shorts and a T-shirt are adequate for many Florida day hikes. A day-pack to hold a sweater and a poncho, your first aid kit, food, water, camera and perhaps dry socks will cover warm weather hiking. Long pants and long sleeves protect you from insects and brush. If you are backpacking, learn to travel light.

Is it safe to hike in Florida?

When people think about epic thru-hikes in the United States, one that might remain on the backburner is the lesser-known Florida Trail. This Florida thru-hike remains one of the most dangerous hikes in the state and is not for the faint of heart.

How long does it take to walk the Florida Trail?

60 to 90 days
Most hikers take 60 to 90 days to complete the trail.

Why do they call it the panhandle in Florida?

A military salient, like the geographical salient, is surrounded by the enemy on multiple sides (geographical salient is surrounded by land on multiple sides). The use of the word “panhandle” is mainly confined to the United States and is derived from the part that is used to lift off a cooking pan.

Is the Florida Panhandle a good place to live?

There are many reasons why people have been eager to move to one of the Florida Panhandle cities. Generally, it offers a more affordable cost of living compared to the rest of Florida while still being close to some of the best beaches in the world.

Are there alligators on the Florida Trail?

Alligators. Invite someone into the backwoods of Florida and they will inevitably ask, “Will there be alligators?” There is an alligator in just about every body of water in all 67 Florida counties, so the answer is always yes. To our surprise, we saw very few gators on our thru-hike, possibly for this reason.

What is the best time to hike the Florida Trail?

For section-hikers, weekend warriors, and day-hikers, the hiking season in Florida is October through early May, with the most ideal months being October, March, and April.

How difficult is the Florida Trail?

“The Florida Trail is like the ugly stepchild,” Kennedy says. “It gets the least amount of attention, yet it is the toughest trail out there.” That’s thanks in part to the swamp water. Flooding often devours large swaths of the trail in the 150 miles between Lake Okeechobee and Ocala National Forest in central Florida.

How hard is the Florida Trail?

While it’s true the FT isn’t monstrously difficult, it certainly features some challenging terrain. I completed the entire trail in 2017, hiking it during four separate trips. This is technically still a thru-hike, since I completed it within one year.

Where are the best hiking trails in Florida?

1. Turkey Creek Nature Trail Great place to go for a leisurely stroll along the board walk, right beside the refreshing Turkey Creek with its crys… 2. Blackwater Heritage State Trail 3. Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail 4. Coffees Nature Preserve 5. Watersound Trail 6. Beach City Lake 7.

Where are the best natural wonders in Florida?

Some of the top natural wonders in Florida include Devil’s Den in Williston, Ocala National Forest, Blowing Rocks Preserve in Hobe Sound, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. Have you visited any of these natural wonders in Florida?

Which is the most beautiful part of Florida?

Ocala’s 75-mile section of the 1,300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail is widely considered one of the best and most beautiful. Here you’ll find bountiful hills, ponds, pine forest and boardwalks through cypress and gum swamps.

Where are the largest whitewater rapids in Florida?

Big Shoals is located approximately a mile east of White Springs, FL, and home to the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. If thrill-seekers come at the right time, they can kayak down the Suwanee in class III whitewater rapids. It’s also a terrific hiking spot.