Florida Trail

The Florida Trail (Florida National Scenic Trail) is a 1,500-mile, federally designated non-motorized hiking trail that runs from Big Cypress National Preserve at Oasis Visitor Center to Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Thru-hike time is typically 60–90 days for hikers moving end to end along the full 1,500 miles.

The trail’s route-building and logistics involve multiple routing options, including alternatives around Lake Okeechobee and options that pass through Central Florida.

Because it crosses a wide range of Florida ecosystems, expect the character of hiking to shift by region—from Big Cypress to the spring-fed and tannin-rich river country of North Florida to the Florida Panhandle’s coastal environments.

The trail is managed as a permanent trail system supported by volunteer development and maintenance efforts, and it is promoted and overseen through the Florida Trail Association and the U.S. Forest Service.

Seasonally, year-round hiking is possible, but the long-distance hiking season is commonly October to April, with many thru-hikers favoring January–March for sustained backpacking conditions.

For the end-to-end experience, plan for severe hazards that can include alligators and venomous snakes, plus the wider exposure risks that come with hiking much of the route in the open across Florida.

More information: Official website, Official website, Official website