A typical thru-hiker takes two to three months to hike the entire FT. After deciding when and where to begin and then registering your thru-hike, you will need to plan your resupply points and know the needed permits and camping regulations along the Florida Trail.
Additionally, What to pack for hiking in Florida? Here are the essentials you need for a comfortable hike in Florida.
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For Day Hikers
- Water (and plenty of it!)
- Food.
- Map, plus compass or GPS for longer trips.
- Rain gear.
- Hat.
- First aid kit with bandages, antibiotic cream, and items you need for your personal health and safety.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen.
How difficult is the Florida Trail? While a few thousand people register every year to hike the length of the Appalachian Trail and other well-known routes, this one averages about 30. “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.”
Subsequently, 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.
FAQ
When should I hike the Florida Trail?
Our hiking season is October to April, with optimal long-distance backpacking best in January, February, and March. Hiking south to north is the usual progression of a thru-hiker in order to move in step with the change of season and with the expiration of general gun season (deer hunting season) on public lands.
How long is the Florida Trail? The Florida Trail is currently about 1,500 miles long. The USDA Forest Service has it divided into four main geographic regions: the Southern region, the Central region, the Northern region and the Panhandle region.
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.
Can you camp anywhere on the Florida Trail? Hikers are limited to designated campsites during general gun (deer hunting) season. Random camping is otherwise permitted. During the hunts, you MUST stay in these designated campsites as you traverse of the trail through the forest. You can opt to stay at any of these campsites at any time.
Can you hike the Florida Trail in the summer?
The more temperate weather in these three months will allow you to hike with a lighter pack by reducing the layers needed for more extreme conditions. Unless you’re a fan of torrential rain, high humidity and mosquitos, you may want to avoid distance hiking in the summer months of July, August, and September.
How many people have hiked the Florida Trail? If you plan to thru-hike the Florida Trail, keep in mind this is not a social trail like the Appalachian Trail. Less than 400 people have completed the entire trail.
Is there anywhere to hike in Florida?
For some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Florida, you can’t go wrong with the following places: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Big Cypress Bend in Fakahatchee Preserve State Park, Timucuan Trail in Alexander Springs, Caladesi Island Trail in Dunedin, Garden of Eden Trail in Bristol, Anhinga Trail in …
Can you hunt off the Florida Trail? Hunting is not permitted in county parks, state parks, or state recreation areas. However, hunters and backpackers coexist on public lands like wildlife management areas, water management district lands, state preserves, state forests, and national forests.
What to do if you see an alligator while hiking?
Just run in a straight line, directly away from the alligator, Ross said. Alligators can move up to 35 mph (56 km/h) for short distances on land, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). (By comparison, gold medalist Usain Bolt tops out at about 28 mph (45 km/h.)
Are there bears on the Florida Trail?
We’ve seen bears in all three places, as well as the campground at Kelly Park / Rock Springs Run. Bear bags hanging at the Kitching Creek campsite, Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail, primarily to keep small creatures out of them.
Can you bring dogs on the Florida Trail? FWC does not permit dogs in their Wildlife & Environmental Areas, which affects Florida Trail hikers following the Western Corridor of the Florida Trail in Central Florida. Dogs may not enter Perry Oldenburg or Chinsegut WEAs.
Can you Boondock in Florida state parks? A full 29% of the state is wetlands, which isn’t necessarily the best place for parking your RV. However, many of the best spots for boondocking Florida are in areas called Water District Management Areas, where you can camp for up to six nights.
How can I camp for free in Florida?
Free Camping in Florida’s National Forests
- Always leave no trace.
- Be bear aware.
- Minimize waste.
- Do not camp within 100 feet of a water source.
- Select a previously used primitive site to minimize environmental impact whenever possible.
- Adhere to local campfire restrictions.
Can you bike the Florida Trail? The Florida Trail is the official hiking route and not open to off-road biking except north of MM 470.2, where it is shared to cross Marshall Swamp. Cyclists now also have access to a paved bike path along the Cross Florida Greenway between MM 446.2 at Ross Prairie and MM 463 in Santos.
Does the Florida Trail connect to the Appalachian Trail?
From south to north, the route strings together the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (a rail trail that is partially complete as of early 2022), the Florida Trail, a road walk through southern Alabama, the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail, and part of the Benton MacKaye Trail, to reach the southern terminus of the …
How far is the Appalachian Trail from Florida?
| State | Trail | Length (miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Florida Trail* | 1000 |
| Alabama | Alabama Pinhoti Trail* | 171 |
| Georgia | Georgia Pinhoti Trail* | 160 |
| South Carolina | Palmetto Trail* | 500 |
Is there backpacking in Florida?
Spend a night or more in the wilds of Florida by planning a backpacking trip. Along with our state parks and state forests, the Florida National Scenic Trail offers plenty of overnight and multi-day trips.
How many hiking trails are in Florida? More than 5,000 miles of hiking trails to explore across two time zones, for every age and ability.
Can you hike in South Florida?
Exploring South Florida
On the SOUTHEAST and SOUTHWEST coasts, barrier islands and inland prairies are protected for hiking, paddling, and trail riding. Hundreds of small but critical urban parks provide quiet getaways for families to enjoy birding, wildlife watching, and the colorful blooms that appear year-round.
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