Winter Haven, Florida

I'm not sure why this trail is called Gobbler Ridge. I do understand the Gobbler part as there are wild turkeys in the park. However, I don't think there is a ridge in all of Florida! Anyway, this is a nice trail about 2.8 miles long marked with green blazes. The trailhead is from the south end o...

The Buster Island Loop hike is the longest hike in the park at 6.7 miles. It is completely flat and easy hike that goes through a varied landscape. The trail starts from the north side of the parking lot (only one parking area). Follow the blue connector trail a short way to a road. Here you will...

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...

Escape into wild Florida on the River Rapids Nature Trail just minutes from downtown Tampa at Hillsborough River State Park. After a delayed flight had me spending an unexpected night in the Tampa area, I was pleasantly surprised to roll into Hillsborough River's campground without a reservation...

Start at John B Sargeant State Park--they do have a $2 parking fee. There is a canoe rental and shuttle service on site called Canoe Escape. They do have kayaks as well. If you own your own canoe you can pay for the shuttle service to pick you up at the end if you choose not to paddle out and bac...

Located just 10 miles from downtown Tampa right off I-4, this short trail runs through a 31-acre botanical garden.  The park has a variety of exotic plans, ferns, flowers and plants as well as a 0.3 mile boardwalk through cypress, maple and oak trees.  Run by Hillsborough County, there's a $2 fee...

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 6.5 mile trailhead is actually located outside the main entrance, just north of the river off of US 301 S.  The park charges a $4 entrance fee and it is recommended that you enter the main park to use restrooms and/or refill water bottles as those facilities are nonexistent at the outside-th...

Lake Baldwin Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Winter Park, Florida.

Little Econ Greenway is a point-to-point trail located near Orlando, Florida. The greenway stretches from Forsyth Road to the Alafaya Trail and has opportunities for fishing, paddling, and picnicking along the route. There are easy parking and stopping points along the route as well such as Econ ...

Starting at Fort Maitland Park, free entrance and parking, unload your water transport unto the designated area. Be mindful of other people as this is a popular spot to unload big boats as well as small crafts. In general, it is easy to get out of the bay made by the lake on this particular spot,...