“A civilization which destroys what little remains of the wild, the spare, the original, is cutting itself off from its origins and betraying the principle of civilization itself.”
– Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire
Florida Hiking Trails
Bear Island Nature Trail, Moss Park, Orlando
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” ―
Trimble Park, Mount Dora
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Riverbend Park, Jupiter
Two days. Thirteen miles. 11 deer sightings. Many osprey sightings, among other bird species. Riverbend Park. Jupiter. Don’t miss it!
Split Oak Forest
I hiked about six miles at Split Oak Forest, first heading South along the North/South Trail and then taking the Lake Loop Trail that winds by Bonnet Pond and Lake Hart. A very enjoyable hike and I saw two deer and two Sherman’s fox squirrels. An amazing wilderness area, Split Oak Forest deserves to be preserved for future generations to enjoy!
Lettuce Lake Conservation Park
We enjoyed a pleasant stroll along the 3,500-foot boardwalk at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park in Tampa over the weekend. Don’t miss the observation tower, which offers some great scenic views of the Hillsborough River. Highly recommended!
The Longest Journey
“The longest journey begins with a single step, not with a turn of the ignition key. That’s the best thing about walking, the journey itself. It doesn’t much matter whether you get where you’re going or not. You’ll get there anyway. Every good hike brings you eventually back home. Right where you started.” – Edward Abbey
Smyrna Dunes Park
With a 1.5-mile-long boardwalk that meanders over vast sand dunes and overlooks white-sand beaches, Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach is the perfect spot for a family outing! We spotted dozens of gopher tortoise burrows, but the weather was a little too chilly for the friendly critters to leave the confines of their homes. We will be back soon!
Bourlay Historic Nature Park
Nestled alongside scenic Lake Griffin in Leesburg, Bourlay Historic Nature Park features several short hiking trails, along with an old Florida cracker house (which serves as a visitor center), 1930’s Bourlay House and Barn (a private residence but one of the trails goes right by it), chickee hut, small fishing pier and kayak launch.
