Hiking Florida

“I have no hiking experience and am looking to start hiking the florida trail in segments. I was wondering if anyone had any advice i.e. what type of gear to bring, best trails in floria etc...”

“Google Florida trail association. They are a group that hikes. Too bad you didn't find this site several years ago. HPM (TT'r here) hosted the annual Reunion hike in Feb where all the crazy northerners showed up in shorts and stuff!! Insane!”

“It's Friday night and the trolls are out. No experience, but knows about hiking a trail in segments and knows about the existance of the Florida Trail. Then loads up asking about, "best trails in floria etc...”

Which is it, Troll Emily23, The Florida Trail or the best trails. They could be the same!

However, look at the florida Trail Association. Then, locate the literature for your Local Chapter, attend their meetings and ask your questions there. You do not have to be a member to attend the meetings.
last edited: 9/08/06 10:14:08 PM”

“I am afraid the big Ocala hikes are now relegated to history.
~bows head~

Perhaps it can be revived in the future. A reunion union tour?

Hiking or backpacking?
Hiking, just slap on some comfy shoes a daypack with lots of water, some snacks, a hat, a map(that you know how to read) and rain gear and go.

Backpacking gear is a whole 'nother subjest.

I have hiked nothing south of Ocala NF so I've got nothing for you there.

In my opinion the best section of the FT that I've done is throught the Ocala NF. It's about 74 miles of trail.

Osceola NF I'm quite bored with but it's decent. Not a lot variation or water access though.

Ellaville section is nice and allows very easy access if you want a hike with a lot of bail-out options.

Suwannee section is good, lots of swimming and water access.

Goldhead branch State park section is short and easy.”

“Take an 18" cast iron skillet. There is nothing like fried eggs for breakfast on day 6. I carry one everywhere i go. really. You will also need an entire roll of duct tape, 3 pairs of blue jeans, 6 cotton t-shirts, 8 pairs of socks, no less than 2 gallons of water, and since you are in florida, you need a 3 person double wall tent so you can put all your gear in there with you at night (rainy there you know) a presto log incase you cant find any dry wood, a shovel (army surplus are best) a hatchet, food for 3 days longer than you plan to be out, and a pack. I recomend army surplus. Korean war vintage are hands down the best nice thick canvas, and a good sturdy steel frame that kinda wraps around at the bottom. You dont need to worry about a bag since you are in Fl either, just 2 wool blankets also from the surplus store. be sure not to forget matches, compass, 4d mag-lite, knife, bug spray, sun screen, good vietnam issue jungle boots, plenty of extra tent stakes, toilet paper, and a good book like War and Peace, or The Grapes of Wrath.

Now pack up and get out there and have fun. Remember you aren't really backpacking unless you can knock off at least 15 miles per day.”

“WAIT! I nearly forgot! you need 300 feet of rope just incase you find yourself somewhere necessary to repel. And don't sweat a map you are on a "trail" how could you get lost?


ENJOY!”

“at least 6-rolls of toilet paper, foot powder, snake bite kit, cell phone, umbrella, portable radio(for news and weather forecasts), extra batteries, post hole digger for your toilet stuff disposal, two, bear-proof food-storage-barrels, alligator repellant and video tape recorder.

Optional: insulated waders(spring water is cold), fishing pole and reel, minnows and your tackle box.
last edited: 9/09/06 3:53:40 PM”

“oh damn I almost forgot! thanks Slimmer!
This is why you always make a gear list sweety.
We are here to help.”

“watch out for the gators and crazy southerners”

“watch out for the gators and crazy southerners”
~spirit coyote

Funny thing. As a 48 y/o Georgian, you'd think I'd had worse heeby-jeeby experiences than the ones I had in AZ and IL... but it ain't happened.

As to the gators - overrated savagery reigns these days. I stood within six feet of a fat-type six footer in the shallows of Cumberland Island's Lake Whitney. Never felt threatened...

The 10 footer several trips later is another story, tho.

Emily -
You'll need a Florida Trails Assoc. membership card to pass unmolested through several stretches of the FNT.”

“Don't forget the bugspray too. I've heard hikers sometimes need blood transfusions after hikes in FL.”

“I am going to hike a section around Okeechobee Lake in December. Probably a two or three nighter. Newbies won't offend me.”

“don't forget a gun of some sort. two people were murdered in ocala nat. forest last year, the hidden pond area.”

“Chili

I haven't backpacked in a couple of years, but I use to frequent this site and even went on one of the Ocala hikes. Another hobby has pulled me away from backpacking.

I live a few miles from Lake Okeechobee. Not sure I could go on a trip that time of year, but I can help you with some local knowledge and planning if you need it.

The Trail around the Lake is kind of unique. It's up on top of a high dike. Some good views of the water, but no shade. Some of it is even paved so it can be a hot hike even in Dec.

The email in my profile is not current. Waiting on the email so I can update it.
last edited: 9/11/06 10:20:50 AM”

“Thanks everyone for all your advice, its much appreciated. This is the kind of info i was looking for.”

“Hey flatlander, the email in the profile still bounces.

I am in the planning stage and will send you the parameters as soon as I get a good address.”