Hickory Swamp Loop

Go to the Koreshan State Park. The fee is $5 per car + $4 to access the boat ramp. (If you don't have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes from the park or from Estero River Tackle & Canoe Outfitters). Go to the boat ramp. Here you have two options:A. You can go left (west) towards Estero BayB. You you can go right, (east), up riverI recommend option B.  Why? The river widens as you hea...

If you're like me then you probably spend a fair amount of time chasing the setting sun around. I visited Naples Florida this past spring and was treated to these stunning sunsets 8 out of the 10 days there. The Gulf gives us east coasters the delight of watching the sun dip out over a large body of water which is quite a treat.There are a lot of great beach spots in Naples to take in the golde...

The Archbold Research station has plenty to see as they have a visitor center with exhibits, but the main attraction for me is the great nature trail that takes you through a very unique habitat called Florida Scrub. In this habitat you find a diverse amount of wildlife that is only found in these areas of Florida, and you will also find that the trail is white sand because it located in what i...

Tucked in the Myakka Wilderness, along the Myakka River, is Deep Hole. After hiking through expansive Florida dry prairie and hammocks of ancient trees draped with spanish moss, you come to a large sinkhole, 200 ft across and 130 ft deep. During the dry season it is home to hundreds of american alligators.  To begin this hike, you must first check in at the ranger station to obtain a permit. D...

First, you'll arrive at the Collier County Rest Area (26.1674944,-81.0806947) off of the Everglades Parkway. You can either park in front of the rest area, or on the paved area directly north of it near the trailhead. Walk through the pedestrian gate and make your way toward the Florida National Scenic Trail kiosk. Please sign in (and out on your way back with any pertinent information about wh...

Highlands Hammock State Park is one of the best places in all of Florida! There are multiple trails to choose from, but if you want to see ancient oak trees in a quintessential swamp then the Ancient Hammock Trail is your best bet. The boardwalk meanders through the swampy forest and you can be on the look out for herons, birds, frogs, and other wildlife.  The trail is short but can be combined...