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.



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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Half Dome, Yosemite National Park From the moment you lay eyes on the last 400 feet of the Half Dome hike, you'll understand why it's considered one of the most dangerous hikes in America.

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The Boardwalk Loop, Congaree National Park There are boardwalks that take you back in time, and then there are boardwalks that lead you into a scenic lush forest. The Boardwalk Loop at Congaree National Park in South Carolina is the latter — and it's the ideal beginner hiking trail.

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Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail – 444 miles Suffused with more than 10,000 years of human history, the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail might be the shortest of the country's National Scenic Trails, but the track has plenty to offer hikers and equestrians.

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