What is the longest hiking trail in Florida?
What is the longest hiking trail in Florida? Spanning more than 1,400 miles from Pensacola Beach to the edge of the Everglades, the Florida Trail is our statewide National Scenic Trail.
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 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.
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.
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.
Can you ride a bike on the Florida Trail?
Several short portions of the Florida Trail coincide with shared, multi-use trails where bikes and sometimes horses are allowed. However, the vast majority of the Florida Trail is designated for foot traffic only.
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.
What is the longest hiking only trail in the world?
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail — commonly known as the Appalachian Trail or simply “the A.T.” — is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, measuring roughly 2,190 miles in length.
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.