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The Florida National Scenic Trail

Distance : 1300 miles (when completed)

Location : State of Florida.

The hiking trail starts in Big Cypress National Preserve, passes through three national forests, and will finish in Gulf Islands National Seashore, in the states western panhandle. Each year additional segments are added to the trail, bringing it closer to completion. Florida's panhandle is a diverse wilderness area, and as yet is still quite undeveloped.

It was designed to showcase Florida's tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems. The trail travels through swamps, crosses rivers and prairies, it passes sandy beaches, and is bordered by lakes and surrounded by forests of palms, pines, cypress and moss-covered live oaks.

The most commonly seen wildlife, includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, tortoise, black bear and beaver. In the bird migratory season (November to March) up to 300 species can be sighted. Florida is also home to the world's largest population of red-cockaded woodpeckers, as well as a large population of bald eagle, osprey, egret, bobwhite quail and countless songbirds. Lets not forget the most well-known reptile, the broad-snouted alligator. This predator has no natural enemies and can grow to 17 feet in length.

The Florida Trail has the advantage of being the only National Scenic Trail open all year. The southern areas of the state are tropical, hence humidity is high, although the temperature doesn't exceed 90°F. Hurricane season starts in late August. Often two a year will reach Florida, and most frequently from the Atlantic Coast rather than the Gulf Coast.

History.
James A. Kern, a wildlife photographer, envisioned the Florida Trail in 1964, while hiking along the Appalachian Trail. He formed the Florida Trail Association (FTA) establishing the framework for todays trail. The US Congress designated it a national scenic trail in 1983. About 1100 miles of the 1300 miles are currently open.

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		To buy hiking/camping gear or get prices visit our equipment store The Florida National Scenic Trail Distance : 1300 miles (when completed) Location : State of Florida. The hiking trail starts in Big Cypress National Preserve, passes through three national forests, and will finish in Gulf Islands National Seashore, in the states western panhandle. Each year additional segments are added to the trail, bringing it closer to completion. Florida's panhandle is a diverse wilderness area, and as yet is still quite undeveloped. It was designed to showcase Florida's tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems. The trail travels through swamps, crosses rivers and prairies, it passes sandy beaches, and is bordered by lakes and surrounded by forests of palms, pines, cypress and moss-covered live oaks. The most commonly seen wildlife, includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, tortoise, black bear and beaver. In the bird migratory season (November to March) up to 300 species can be sighted. Florida is also home to the world's largest population of red-cockaded woodpeckers, as well as a large population of bald eagle, osprey, egret, bobwhite quail and countless songbirds. Lets not forget the most well-known reptile, the broad-snouted alligator. This predator has no natural enemies and can grow to 17 feet in length. The Florida Trail has the advantage of being the only National Scenic Trail open all year. The southern areas of the state are tropical, hence humidity is high, although the temperature doesn't exceed 90°F. Hurricane season starts in late August. Often two a year will reach Florida, and most frequently from the Atlantic Coast rather than the Gulf Coast. History. James A. Kern, a wildlife photographer, envisioned the Florida Trail in 1964, while hiking along the Appalachian Trail. He formed the Florida Trail Association (FTA) establishing the framework for todays trail. The US Congress designated it a national scenic trail in 1983. About 1100 miles of the 1300 miles are currently open.