Thru-Hike Overview
| mileage | 1,100 |
|---|---|
| cost | $2500 – $3300 for on-trail expenses |
| direction | south to north is best |
| start | Oasis Visitor Center, Big Cypress National Preserve |
| end | Fort Pickens, Gulf Islands National Seashore |
Additionally, 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.”
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.
Subsequently, 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.
FAQ
How long does it take to through hike the Florida Trail?
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.
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.
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 |
Can you camp 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 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.
How do you hike big miles? 12 Time-Saving Tips So You Can Hike More Miles
- Ten Before Ten, or Get Up Early. …
- Night Hike. …
- Take Efficient Breaks. …
- Pack Smart. …
- Pocket Snacks Over Sit Down Breaks. …
- Go Stoveless. …
- Eat Dinner Early. …
- Get Really Good at Making/Breaking Camp.
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.
What is the longest hike in the world?
The world’s longest designated hiking trail is the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs for 4,260 km (2,650 miles) along the West Coast of the USA between the Mexican and Canadian borders.
How long does the Appalachian Trail take? Completing the entire 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.T.
How long does the East Coast trail take?
It takes 7–9 hours. There are steep ascents and descents on this « wild and exposed coastal trail ». A 6.3-kilometre (3.9 mi) access path along Shoal Bay Road from the highway.
Does the Florida Trail go through the Everglades? Florida Trail, Seminole
56.2 miles. Stretching from the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation to Lake Okeechobee, the Florida Trail Seminole section traverses a vast agricultural region, the former Everglades. Hiking is on roads and levees.
How long does the Appalachian Trail take to walk?
What to Expect. Completing the entire 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.T.
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