Florida

After first entering Canaveral National Seashore, this is the stop of many hiking options in the park. We walked in toward Mosquito Lagoon and found three well spaced picnic tables and two paths.A path along the lagoon that is well marked to preserve the ecology. We tried this one but it was flo...

Egmont Key Sate Park is only accessibly by boat, so be sure to book ahead if you need a ride. Several tour companies offer relatively cheap rides to and from the island, paired with snorkeling excursions at the ruins on the west side of the island.The island ferry departs from Fort De Soto State ...

From Tamiami Trail, 5.2 miles west of Highway 29, turn left on the unmarked road. You will be able to leave you car here and launch. Follow the posted map closely as the mangrove tunnels are confusing, and you will probably get lost a few times anyways.There is a series of 5 mangrove tunnels, wit...

This 5-mile swamp walk begins off of Loop Road. To get there, take the Tamiami Trail into Big Cypress National Preserve and turn onto Loop Road (a right turn if coming from the west, a left turn from the east) at Monroe Station. About 2.2 miles down the gravel road, you will see signage for the G...

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote National Parks you can visit. Located 70 miles off the coast of Key West, FL it is accessible via commercial ferry, seaplane, or private boat. Our family of 5 camped for two nights in the campground on Garden Key. We snorkeled, swam, explored ...

Starting at Cotton Landing, you paddle about a quarter of a mile downstream until you encounter the spring run to the right/north. Another tenth of a mile or so up the run will take you to one of the most beautiful spring-fed swimming holes you will ever find. Fed by a 2nd magnitude spring, this ...

Located in Gainesville, FL this easy to moderate trail is approximately 3.1 miles round trip. Approximately a quarter of the trail is an elevated boardwalk that is handicapped accessible. Along the hike, you'll often see alligators, wild turkeys, wild horses, bison, and various migratory birds. ...

Park across the road from the trailhead and visit the Atlantic ocean before crossing onto the Castle Windy Trail. The trail is shaded and a breeze is ever-present. There is a bench halfway down the trail that leads to Mosquito Bay and a picnic area.We saw so many islands in the lagoon that we'll ...

Located a short drive off the main drag to the Flamingo Visitor Centre (and only a few hours from Miami) this short boardwalk through a lush Mahogany and Gumbo-Limbo plants is an easy walk for families.Elevated upon a well-serviced boardwalk this trail passes the oldest Mahogany tree (Swietenia m...

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 o...

This trail is accessible to hikers, cyclists, equestrians and dogs. It takes you through open Florida landscape enlivened by wildflowers and also takes you past Dixie and Bear Lakes on the way to the much larger Lake Louisa. The trail is out-and-back, so you can go the whole way or choose do just...

From the parking lot, which has a $3 entrance fee per car, you walk to the trail head and grab a small pocket sized map that does a good job of showing markers and mapping out the different path ways. This park has around 15 miles of regular trails and 25 when it's not hunting season. You can wal...

I would like to preface this adventure by saying that if you prefer to bike Shark Valley, please reference Rob Witt's adventure "Bike through Shark Valley".  Biking is certainly the best way to see the whole trail, and not spend the entire day doing it.  Hiking (really walking) this trail is a sl...

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 ...

Park at the trailhead and hop onto the boardwalk trail. Its very short--just 0.2 miles, so take your time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Partway through the hike there is a lookout tower which is great for getting a high vantage point to enjoy the landscape from. Be aware of wildlife around y...

If you are looking for a place to capture images of wildlife, especially birds, then the Merritt Island Refuge is the place to go. With many trail options, both hiking and driving, the opportunities for good captures are endless. From the small green herons, to spoonbills, and great herons to ga...