Hiking – The Florida Trail

Florida’s Scenic Trail

Hiking Trail in the PinesA group of volunteers at the Florida Trail Association work alongside the USDA Forest service (the federal administrator of the Florida National Scenic Trail) to build and maintain a linear footpath across some of the most unique landscapes in the country.

The Florida Trail is one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the United States. The Florida Trail is 1400 miles long and traverses the state from Big Cypress National Preserve outside Everglades City to Fort Pickens at Gulf Island National Seashore, Pensacola Beach.

Florida Trail Association also strives to acquier and protect lands along the trail corridor, maintaining an additional 400 miles of loop and side trails designated by diamond-shaped “FT” signs as part of the Florida Trail System.

Trailwalker Program

Trailwalker PatchThe Florida Division of Forestry encourages hiking of designated trails through the Trailwalker Program. Trail logs can be obtained at designated Trailwalker trailheads. Brochures can be obtained by calling (850) 414-0871 or visiting the Division of Forestry website at www.fl-dof.com.

Participants in the Trailwalker Program complete and mail postcards to the program administrators; after 10 hikes, they recieve a patch and certificate.

For more information on trail locations, download the free Florida Hiking Trails brochure in .pdf format.