Category Archives: Florida Trailwalker

Video of rare Florida wildflowers along the Ravine Trail in Lake Talquin State Forest

Posted on 04/13/2011 by Adventurous Barbara

This past week I had the pleasure of experiencing some of Florida’s rarest wildflowers in full bloom along the Ravine Trail in Lake Talquin State Forest. This 1.4 mile hike loops around a Spring-fed pond while traversing up and down steep ravines and steephead habitats. This uncommon Florida habitat provides a home for a large diversity of hardwood trees, deciduous shrub, and other plant and animal life. Along the banks of the pond, I was able to see the endangered showy blooms of the Chapmans Rhododendron Continue reading →

Posted in Adventures, Florida Trailwalker, Hiking, Nature Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Trail: The River Trail follows scenic river bluffs along the Withlacoochee River

Posted on 11/15/2010 by Adventurous Barbara

Located in the Rock Lake Unit of the Withlacoochee State Forest, this trail can be accessed from the Ridge Manor Trailhead of the Withlacoochee State or from the Crooker River Campground in the Silver Lake Recreation Area. This is a nice trail for a long out-and-back day-hike or an overnight backpacking trip. As part of the Florida Trail, the trail continues from Crooked River north along the shores of Silver lake to tie into the Silver Lake Connector Loop Continue reading →

Posted in Adventures, Backpacking, Camping, Florida, Florida Trail Adventures, Florida Trailwalker, Hiking | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Florida Trail: Withlacoochee State Forest – Croom A Loop provides a nice challenge for hikers!

Posted on 11/11/2010 by Adventurous Barbara

The Croom A loop is one of three stacked hiking loops in the Withlacoochee State Forest – Croom Tract that creates over 20 miles of continuous hiking/backpacking trails. This 8 mile trail begins at the Tucker Hill Trailhead and takes you down a fairly steep trail through a hardwood forest into pine forest. Here there is a primitive campsite for camping/backpacking. Continue reading →

Posted in Adventures, Backpacking, Camping, Florida, Florida Trail Adventures, Florida Trailwalker, Hiking, Mountain Biking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hike Picayune Strand State Forest: A land of Wonderment

Posted on 11/08/2010 by Adventurous Barbara

I hear a loud noise coming from the heavy brush. Out of curiosity, I stay put and wait. I was not afraid at this moment for I felt like I was seasoned with the wildlife encounters. Anytime I heard that much noise, it always turned out to be an armadillo. It has been my experience that large 300 lb White-tale bucks travel much quieter than this armored rodent. The rustling noise gets louder and I have my camera ready with great anticipation of what is to come into the clearing. Well to my surprise, I see a large Florida Black Bear. I stand perfectly still to observe him and hoping he does not notice me. Continue reading →

Posted in Backpacking, Camping, Everglades, Florida, Florida Trailwalker, Hiking, Nature Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Coastal High Bluffs Trail: A Hidden Gem for hikers in Tates Hell State Forest

Posted on 10/27/2010 by Adventurous Barbara

After mile one the trail ascends up a ridge into classic Florida sand hill habit. Deer-moss and reindeer lichen cover the ground symbiotically on the sides of the trail. The girls in the group take interest in identifying fresh animal prints in the sand. “This one is a coyote” one exclaimed “..and the other is bobcat for sure.” The trail continues to ascend at a steeper slope causing a noticeable change in our breathing. Just before we reach the top, a rare giant Florida Rosemary bush is spotted. Then another and another. I am energized with delight as a Rosemary scrub is the rarest of Florida’s habitats. What a special place we are in! Continue reading →

Posted in Adventures, Florida, Florida Trailwalker, Great Florida Birding Trail, Hiking, Nature Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment