The
state of Florida is the perfect place for hiking and enjoying
the wilderness and wildlife. Here is a selection of trails for
your enjoyment.
Rock
Springs...famous home of the Florida Black Bear. Over 12,000
acres of wilderness with more than 20 miles of hiking trails.
If hiking is not for you try cycling, horse riding or go camping,
overnight stays are allowed . The park also has several sights
of historic interest including the civil war graveyard.
This
trail at Loxahatchee Reserve is suitable for cyclists and
hikers. The park itself covers nearly 30,000 acres and has a beautiful
combination of marshland and pine flatwoods. Trails in the park
range from 3-6 miles and are also used for horseriding.
The
St. Francis trail is a must as it winds from the open vegetable
fields past the St. Johns River plain and down into the town of
St. Francis (now a ruin). From here you will continue on to the
Alexander Springs Wilderness area.
If
you are looking for a truly scenic route try the trail at the
Ocala National Forest. Here you will trek through a changing
landscape as the land changes from lucious forests with plant
life galore to scrubland with large sandy hills. Many lakes &
streams can be found in the area, so take you bathing suit and
enjoy refreshing swim after your days walking.
Myakka
River State Park in Saraosta has over 35 miles of looping
hiking trails with campsites throughout. The trails are excellent
as there is something to suit all ages. Wildlife is also abundant
in this park and the river can provide an enjoyable days freshwater
fishing.
Here
are a few State parks with camping facilities:
St.
George Island State Park, St. George Island, Florida. Primitive
campsites can be found at the end of the Gap Point trail, simply
follow the 2.5 mile hiking trail from the bay through the flatwood
forest. Full facility camping is also available if required. Relax
on the white sandy beaches, go swimming, fishing or just enjoy
the sun.
Cayo
Costa State Park, Boca Grande, Florida. Located 12 miles west
of Cape Coral this barrier island is the place to be. The island
is packed with exotic vegetation and trails leading to a selection
of camping grounds.
Lake
Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales. This park offers the best
fishing in the state as it is bordered by the Rosalie, Tiger and
Lake Kissimmee. This park has over 13 miles of hiking trail 60
full facility campsites and 2 primitive sites are also available
for those of you wishing to pitch a tent. There are no facilities
on the latter sites, so you must ensure that you have plenty of
bottled water with you.
|