How long does it take to hike the entire Florida Trail?
How long does it take to hike the entire 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.
Where is the beginning of the Florida Trail?
The Florida National Scenic Trail (also known as the Florida Trail or FT for short) is a congressionally-designated, long-distance hiking trail that weaves its way across Florida from Big Cypress National Preserve in the south to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the western end of Florida's panhandle.
Does the Florida Trail connect to the Appalachian Trail?
Notably, it includes the entirety of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Florida Trail (FT). Many roads and shorter trails connect the two through the deep south, and the International Appalachian Trail (IAT) takes over where the AT drops the ball in Maine, carrying it across the border and deep into Quebec.
How do you get water on the Florida Trail?
In the center of every cypress dome is a reliable deep pool of water. Even in dry years, when Big Cypress is nothing but mud, cypress domes are reliable water sources. You can always get water from a cypress dome, even if your guidebook does not list it as a water source.
Can you hike the Florida Trail in the summer?
In an environment where temperatures are frequently in the 90s, and long stretches of trail may provide no shade or little water, heat exhaustion is a major concern. It's one of the reasons (along with summer rains and insect populations) that most Florida hikers only hit the trail between October and April.
What is the most difficult hiking trail in Florida?
Big Cypress National Preserve South Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve is a must-visit spot along the Florida Trail, particularly if you're looking for a challenge. Although this 30-mile hike is touted as Florida's toughest backpacking trip, its incomparable beauty makes the hard work worth it.
Is the Florida Trail well marked?
Trail Marking Mapped sections of the trail are marked with painted blazes. The primary trail is marked with orange blazes, except in state parks where the blazes are white. Blue blazes mark side trails to campsites, access pounts, or places of interest.
Where does the Florida Trail begin and end?
The official southern terminus of the Florida Trail is at Oasis Visitor Center in Big Cypress National Preserve. The official northern terminus is at Fort Pickens in Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Are there shelters on the Florida Trail?
The Florida Trail's oldest shelter sits at the northern end of this hike and is a welcome spot for lunch or camping. Non-potable water is accessible from a nearby creek if you bring a water filter.
Do I need a permit to hike the Florida Trail?
Thru-hikers are exempt from all fees and may camp at any campsite without a permit except for Lake Jackson. If you want to camp at Lake Jackson, call 352-732-1225. Section hikers must day for day use permits at trailside kiosks.
What is the most scenic part of the Florida Trail?
Florida Trail, Sopchoppy River Along this extraordinarily scenic piece of the Florida Trail, the footpath follows the tops of bluffs where weirdly shaped cypresses outline the inky waters of the Sopchoppy River below as it snakes its way through the Apalachicola National Forest near Tallahassee.
How much does it cost to thru-hike the Florida Trail?
Cost of a Thru-Hike Today, the figure is usually considered to be about $3 per mile. If that is the case, then to complete all 1,100 miles you shouldn't begin the trip without $3,300 in the bank.
Can you camp anywhere on the Florida Trail?
Some managing authorities permit primitive camping anywhere along the trail. Others permit camping only at designated sites. Utilize maps and guidebooks to plan your trip accordingly. Follow Leave No Trace ethics when camping and minimize your impact; many of Florida's habitats are extremely fragile.
Is the Florida Trail continuous?
The trail is approximately 1,500-miles long and is intended to offer a continuous, permanent non-motorized recreation opportunity for hiking and other compatible activities.
How many people hike the Florida Trail a year?
Even in its incomplete state, the Florida Trail is one of just 11 federally designated national scenic trails, and while few walk its full length, the trail attracts more than 350,000 people each year who bite off sections.
What is the longest Florida Trail?
Coming in at a whopping 1,500 miles, the Florida Trail is the longest trail in the state. Much of the other popular trails throughout Florida are just smaller sections of the Florida Trail. It's made up of the Southern region, the Central region, the Northern region, and the Panhandle region.
How long is the Florida Trail?
The Florida National Scenic Trail, better known as the Florida Trail, is a federally-designated, non-motorized recreation trail that meanders approximately 1,500 miles across some of the most beautiful, unique landscapes in the entire country.
How many people have completed the Florida Trail?
Less than 400 people have completed the entire trail. Unless you pair up with a hiking partner, much of your hike will be spent in solitude. That's a plus for many hikers who come here, but not a great idea if you're thinking that the Florida Trail should be your first long distance hike.
How difficult is the Florida Trail?
Since 2018, I have been section hiking the Florida Trail, one of eleven congressionally-designated National Scenic Trails in the United States. At more than 1,300 miles, the FT has been called the “toughest hike you've never heard of” for its exceptionally diverse track over the span of the Florida peninsula.
Are bicycles allowed on the Florida Trail?
The Florida National Scenic Trail is within one hour's drive of most Floridians, and there are many great resources available to help you use and locate the Trail! While the FT is mostly a hiking trail, users can also camp, swim, bike, horseback ride, paddle, and picnic on some sections of the Trail.
What is the hardest national scenic trail?
Continental Divide Trail Arguably the most challenging thru-hike of the National Scenic Trails, it traverses five states, ranges from 4,000 to 14,000-feet in elevation, and passes through alpine tundra, broad glacial valleys, craggy mountain peaks, and desolate desert landscapes.