Adventure on the Florida Trail!

 

  

 

FNST Combo Adventure Opportunities – from DEP OGT

The following DEP guides provide detailed maps and information for combination paddle and hike trips that include a portion of the FNST.

• Juniper Creek: The DEP Office of Greenways and Trails has an extensive database of Florida’s trail resources. With their handy guide, you can plan a hike/paddle combo trip along the Florida National Scenic Trail. Juniper Creek and the FNST run parallel to each other for about 6 miles from Red Rock Road to Indian Ford Road (see maps provided in the guide). You can paddle Juniper Creek, and then hike the FNST back to your vehicle (or vice versa) to create a great hike/paddle loop! Be sure to safely secure your kayak or canoe if leaving it unattended.
• Econfina Creek Paddling Trail: The DEP Office of Greenways and Trails has an extensive database of Florida’s trail resources. With their handy guide, you can plan a hike/paddle combo trip along the Florida National Scenic Trail. Econfina Creek and the FNST run parallel to each other for about 10 miles from the Scott Road Bridge to Walsingham Park (see maps provided in the guide).
• Withlacoochee River South: The DEP Office of Greenways and Trails has an extensive database of Florida’s trail resources. With their handy guide, you can plan a hike/paddle combo trip along the Florida National Scenic Trail. The southern portion of the Withlacoochee River and the FNST run parallel to each other for about 7 miles from the Hog Island Recreation Area (point #5 in the guide provided) to the River Junction Recreation Area (point #8). You can drop and lock your kayak or canoe at River Junction, park at Hog Island, hike back to your canoe via the FNST, and then paddle back to your vehicle at Hog Island.
• Aucilla River: The DEP Office of Greenways and Trails has an extensive database of Florida’s trail resources. With their handy guide, you can plan a hike/paddle combo trip along the Florida National Scenic Trail. A portion of the Aucilla River runs parallel to the FNST for about 3.5 miles from Aucilla’s Big Rapids (point #7 in the guide provided) to a Suwannee River Water Management District access point (point #8). You can launch from the access point at Aucilla’s Big Rapids, take out at Access Point #8, lock your canoe/kayak, and then hike back to your vehicle at the Big Rapids via the FNST.

 

Apalachicola National Forest

• Hike and paddle in the Apalachicola National Forest! The FNST intersects the lower portion of the Ochlockonee River Paddling Trail at Porter Lake Campground in the Apalachicola National Forest. Check out the Ochlockonee or one of several other non-motorized boating areas found here.
• Hike the FNST in the Apalachicola National Forest and fish at one of several water areas: Lake and Pond Fishing Sites. Be sure to check that you have the proper permits and passes here.
• Hike the FNST, and then boat, swim, or fish at Camel Lake in the Apalachicola National Forest. Check hours, permitting requirements, and fees here (area is unavailable).
• The FNST runs parallel to the Sopchoppy River for about 3.5 miles between the FR 329 Trailhead and the Oak Park Trailhead. Hike the FNST and then cool off with a paddling trip on the Sopchoppy! Check out this blog from Trailahassee.com to learn more about what you can expect when paddling the Sopchoppy.

 

Osceola National Forest

• Hike the FNST and swim, paddle, boat, waterski, camp, picnic, or fish at the Ocean Pond Recreation Area in the Osceola National Forest. Find hours, permitting requirements, and fee information for Ocean Pond here (area is unavailable).

 

Ocala National Forest

• Hike the FNST and swim, paddle, or fish at the Lake Clearwater Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest. Be sure to check hours, permitting requirements, and fees here (area is unavailable) before you head out on you next adventure.
• Hike the FNST and explore the beautiful, crystal clear water at Alexander Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest. Explorers of Alexander Springs can hike, swim, bike, camp, fish, and paddle, with canoe and kayak rentals available at the concession stand. Alexander Springs is also the only place in the Ocala National Forest that permits scuba diving. Check hours, permitting requirements, and fees here (area is unavailable).
• Hike the FNST and boat, fish, picnic, or paddle at the Rodman Recreation Area. The boat ramps at this recreation area provide access to the Lake Ocklawaha and Ocklawaha River. Check hours, permitting requirements, and fees here (area is unavailable).
• For some real summer fun including picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, paddling and hiking, visit Juniper Springs Recreation Area, only a short distance from the FNST in the Ocala National Forest! Overnight use is also available. For more information, visit here (area is unavailable)

 

Outside National Forests

• Did you know that the Florida National Scenic Trail is the only national scenic trail to include a beach walk? Get out and explore the FNST and historic Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola, FL.
• Hike the FNST and paddle the St. Marks River in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
• Take the St. Marks Rail Trail from Tallahassee to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and then explore the FNST in St. Marks
• Hike the Aucilla River section of the FNST (which was recently featured in USAToday as one of America’s best hiking trails!) or paddle along the Aucilla River to explore some of Florida’s coolest natural features: sinks!
• Hike and paddle along the Suwannee River to explore the Florida National Scenic Trail
• Hike, bike, or rollerblade on the Lake Okeechobee section of the FNST, located in south-central Florida, and then do some boating or fishing!
• The South Florida Water Management District Kissimmee Public Lands has recreational activities available. Both the Chandler Slough and Micco trailheads provide access to the FNST and the Kissimmee River northwest of Lake Okeechobee. Recreationists can canoe, fish, hike, hunt, and camp at designated sites in Chandler Slough and MICCO Landing. Find maps, fee and permit requirements, and other information here: Chandler Slough or MICCO Landing.
• Hike the FNST and pick from several paddling trails in Big Cypress National Preserve. The Florida National Scenic Trail meets up with the Halfway Creek Paddling Trail at the Big Cypress Oasis Welcome Center, which also happens to be the southern terminus of the FNST. Find more information here.
• Still looking for something to do? Checkout the Florida Trail Association's Activities Calendar!