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.



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Alabama / Georgia Alabama Roadwalk – This not only starts at the Florida Trail, but ends at the Appalachian Trail! That's right, all the way through to the AT.

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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.

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All ECT hikers start their hike at the Southernmost Point in the United States, a marker found in Key West at the southernmost spot with public access.

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The Long Trail: Vermont, 272 miles As with the Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail welcomes hikers with a series of shelters, usually about a day's walk from each other.

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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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1. Southern Maine. For hikers heading north, hitting Maine is a significant milestone, and they are rewarded with this section that's arguably the most challenging on the trail.

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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.

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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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Damascus, Virginia certainly qualifies as one of the latter. This tiny locale in the southwestern portion of the state has gained the nickname of “Friendliest Town on the Appalachian Trail,” and you'll quickly discover why. The famous A.T. runs right through town, and the locals love it.

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Start Date for Northbounders:
  • If you're going northbound, the optimal start date is mid-March to early April. ...
  • To avoid crowds, start between April 15 and the first week of May. ...
  • You also have the option of beginning in February, but this is only recommended for experienced hikers due to severely snowy weather.


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There are several backcountry campsites located along the trail. Backcountry permits are required to camp at these sites. During the dry season (November-April), there may be very little to no water along the trail. Hikers need to pack in their own water.

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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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Trail Community If you plan to thru-hike the Florida Trail, keep in mind this is not a social trail like the Appalachian 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.

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A northbound hike, often referred to simply as NOBO, is easily the most popular choice for most A.T. thru-hikers. Northbound hikers start their adventure at the AT's Southern Terminus on Springer Mountain and hike north toward the Northern Terminus atop Mount Katahdin in one continuous trip.

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