Sharing the best of Florida hiking

Florida hiking season is winding down ... what do you do in the summertime?

I'm headed north this weekend to hike along the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Superior in Michigan at a variety of parks. First stop: Mackinac Island, which can only be explored by foot, bicycle, or horse. It has some great trails I've sampled already.

Now that he ticks and chiggers are back in force and it's hot out I've pulled back from lengthier hikes. I'll do some short hikes in the mornings between May - September, but in the past have been crazy enough to take on longer treks (swamp walks especially). What do you do?

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Permalink Reply by Dawn Trail on June 11, 2009 at 1:50pm: You go kayaking....thats what I do. And yesterday, I even fished...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Wahoo on June 11, 2009 at 7:54pm: Like Dawn says - go kayaking!
But I still do lots of hiking in the summer, just as much as any other time actually. Yes, the 'skeeters, ticks, and heat can be rough, but I totally agree with Troy. Ultralight gear and the proper clothing make a world of difference. Check out some of the ExOfficio pants and shirts with Insect Shield. Pack light and dress right - it makes Florida summer hiking so much better.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Troy Day on June 18, 2009 at 1:30pm: I did a hike Tuesday at Wekiva Springs State Park with my daypack set for comfort, water, snacks, and my hammock. One thing I forgot to bring was my camera, but I will be back in a few weeks to take some pics. I really love to hike at Wekiva Springs due to the diverse ecosystem. They have some really great primitive camp sites for you overnighter's like me. This was my backyard growing up and it never gets old being here just more familiar.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Curtis Blair on June 21, 2009 at 10:26am: Hi Troy, I hiked there in March with my sister and loved it. I thought the wetland section would be too muggy and buggy in the summer. Was the trail in there under water in any areas now?

Troy Day said:
I did a hike Tuesday at Wekiva Springs State Park with my daypack set for comfort, water, snacks, and my hammock. One thing I forgot to bring was my camera, but I will be back in a few weeks to take some pics. I really love to hike at Wekiva Springs due to the diverse ecosystem. They have some really great primitive camp sites for you overnighter's like me. This was my backyard growing up and it never gets old being here just more familiar.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Janie Hamilton on July 9, 2009 at 6:46am: I am headed to upstate Georgia tomorrow morning to hike Jack's River Trail. Has any of you ever hiked this before and have any insite?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jason on July 9, 2009 at 8:28am: Georgia Hikes (off-site link)

Check that thread out.

Janie Hamilton said:
I am headed to upstate Georgia tomorrow morning to hike Jack's River Trail. Has any of you ever hiked this before and have any insite?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Janie Hamilton on July 9, 2009 at 7:30pm: Thanks, Jason
I'll let you know how it is.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Janie Hamilton on July 15, 2009 at 7:46pm: The hike on Jack's River Trail was an awesome summer hike. I highly recommend it. The only problem was finding the trailhead and the time it took to get to it. If you do this hike be sure to research and have a good map. Almost all of the trail follows the river and crosses it so many times I lost count. By the second day I gave up my hiking boots and just stayed in my water shoes. Great campsites along the way and a spectacular waterfall about 8 miles in. The weather was perfect with no bugs or rain and the moonlight on the river just outside my tent door was beautiful.; ▶ Reply to This