Florida Trail Links Natural Areas

Few hikers think of Florida when they contemplate their next journey afoot. But the Sunshine State has a little-known, 1,300-mile-long trail that extends from the Everglades to Big Cypress National Preserve, and north to the Panhandle.

It’s the Florida National Scenic Trail, and it visits practically every remaining natural area in the state, from way down upon the Suwannee River to the banks of Lake Okeechobee. The path was added to the National Trails System by Congress in 1983.

The flat terrain, semi-tropical climate and miles of beach walking along the Gulf of Mexico combine to make the Florida Trail an enticing winter adventure. America’s only long-distance trail that can be walked end-to-end in winter leads to places whose very names sound intriguing: Withlacoochee State Forest and Apalachicola National Forest, Green Swamp, Orange Hammock, Memery Island and Fodderstack Slough.

Unlike most of the nation’s other long-distance trails, such as the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, which are best hiked during the warmer months, the best and most popular time to trek the Florida Trail is winter. That’s when temperatures are mild, insect populations lower and less bloodthirsty, and the footpath fairly dry. From April to October, rains are frequent and it’s mighty hot, humid and buggy.

Some good news for hikers is that, according to Florida Trail Assn. officials, the Florida Trail received minimal damage from Hurricane Andrew, which hit South Florida Aug. 24. Some parts of the Big Cypress National Preserve area were damaged, but they have since been repaired.

While the Florida Trail is probably the flattest footpath on earth (the high point is a mere 90 feet above sea level), even the tiniest change in elevation brings a change in vegetation as well. Various plant communities have differing water requirements and tolerances. Pine forests, for example, thrive in higher, well-drained areas, while cypress and mangrove groves are water lovers.

Before hitting the trail, contact the FTA for the latest maps, guides and information about trail conditions. The FTA’s official guidebook to the Florida Trail, “Florida Hiking Trails” (Maupin House, $11.95), gives a great overview of the trail, plus suggested day hikes and accounts of longer treks across Florida’s public lands.

The guide is an indispensable trip planner. Flat and relatively forgiving as it is, the trail is still no walk in the park. Says the guidebook: “If you swim in unknown waters, you run the risk of an alligator encounter. Do not feed alligators. “ And: “Don’t handle crippled, sluggish or ‘dead’ snakes.”

One of the best areas to hike is the primeval swampland of Big Cypress National Preserve, on the north edge of Everglades National Park. Thirty-one miles of Florida Trail lead through a wet world of giant ferns, cabbage palms and suspended bromeliads (air plants). Big Cypress is named for its 900 square miles of subtropical terrain, not for the size of its predominant tree--the dwarf pond cypress.

Another good bet on the trail is a 75-mile stretch along the Suwannee River, where the trail winds through savannahs and pine forests. Orchids bloom in March, and there’s great riverside camping.

Hike with John McKinney’s guidebook: “Walk Los Angeles: Adventures on the Urban Edge “ ($14.95). Send check or money order to Los Angeles Times Syndicate, Dept. 1, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.

Florida / Florida National Scenic Trail Where: From the Everglades to Big Cypress National Preserve, and north to the Panhandle. Distance: Many day-hike and weekend excursions possible along 1,100 miles of the 1,300-mile trail. Terrain: Swamps, prairies, palmetto groves, hardwood forests. Highlights: A sojourn through the subtropics. America’s flattest footpath, a great wintertime adventure. Degree of difficulty: From easy winter walks to difficult summer swamps treks. Precautions: Frequent rains from April to October; bring your best waterproof footwear and rain gear. For more information: Contact the Florida Trail Assn., P.O. Box 13708, Gainsville, Fla. 32604, (800) 343-1882 or (904) 378-8823.