Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Senior Member JPsax's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Miami,FL
    Hammock
    DIY SL 1.9 Black
    Tarp
    OES Winter Tarp
    Insulation
    Big Agnes IAC
    Suspension
    Whoopies or cinch
    Posts
    265

    Time to Hit the Florida Trail

    Hey guys happy holidays, Wanted to start this thread cause Im going to start hiking the florida trail from South Terminus at Big Cypress to Lake Okochobee. Ive never hiked The trail though so I was hoping I could get as much Detailed info on the trail before I head out. most specifically in the Big Cypress area. I have camped in the area for years now but never stepped foot on the trail. Do the Snakes like to sit on the trail more than the camp sites? what "special" items should I take that would help on the trail specifically.

    thanks guys hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!
    Every time I hang in a tree I get a coconut to the head.....stupid coconuts

  2. #2
    Senior Member zukiguy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Space Coast FL
    Hammock
    Warbonnet Ridgerunner
    Tarp
    Superfly
    Insulation
    Lynx or Pads
    Suspension
    Straps and Biners
    Posts
    2,397
    Images
    8
    Not to hijack your thread but "me too, me too". I'm headed down with 5 other friends to do that same section the middle of January. I'm hoping the trail will be as "high and dry" as it ever gets but the bugs, snakes, and finding campsites for my ground dwelling friends will all still be a challenge. Any tips or info is welcome.

  3. #3
    richtorfla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Clearwater,Florida
    Hammock
    Warbonnet BB, Ridgerunner
    Tarp
    AHE Toxaway:UGQ WD
    Insulation
    UGQ,KAQ,Tewa
    Suspension
    strap/buckles
    Posts
    1,965
    Images
    1
    Snakes like to sun themselves on the white sugar sand. You might run into a few but from my experiences very unlikely. I use trekking poles so I recommend poles or some type of hiking stick. You can use them for balance, checking how deep of a waterhole you need to traverse and you can push or scoot things out of your way. I also like bringing a skeeter head net for the times they get thick when you are crossing swamping areas and the skeeters get thick. Good luck on your hike!

  4. #4
    Senior Member JPsax's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Miami,FL
    Hammock
    DIY SL 1.9 Black
    Tarp
    OES Winter Tarp
    Insulation
    Big Agnes IAC
    Suspension
    Whoopies or cinch
    Posts
    265
    Quote Originally Posted by zukiguy View Post
    Not to hijack your thread but "me too, me too". I'm headed down with 5 other friends to do that same section the middle of January. I'm hoping the trail will be as "high and dry" as it ever gets but the bugs, snakes, and finding campsites for my ground dwelling friends will all still be a challenge. Any tips or info is welcome.
    Awesome! Im starting on MLK jr. holiday weekend so Around the same time Im guessing around the same time? My cousin and I are going to go together so hopefully we will all meet up!
    Every time I hang in a tree I get a coconut to the head.....stupid coconuts

  5. #5
    New Member aircamper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Deerfield Beach, FL
    Hammock
    Hammock Bliss
    Tarp
    Big Daddy
    Suspension
    whoopie slings
    Posts
    2
    Your chances of seeing a cotton mouth on the trail in the Big Cypress are pretty good. I came two steps from stepping on one that was right on the trail while on a day hike north of alligator alley last month. This was right after crossing a wet portion of the trail. That was one of 3 cotton mouths my group saw that day, so do pay attention to where you step. I didn't see any at the camp sites... but we did see a lot of bear scat both on the trail and at the camps, so I recommend hanging your food. Ticks were an issue too. Besides the one I saw running up my leg, I also found hanging from my underarm the next morning, so bring spray and check yourself. Also, on an overnighter a couple months ago I heard a deep purring/growling sound just feet from my hammock in the middle of the night that I'm convinced was a panther.

    Have fun out there!

  6. #6
    Senior Member JPsax's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Miami,FL
    Hammock
    DIY SL 1.9 Black
    Tarp
    OES Winter Tarp
    Insulation
    Big Agnes IAC
    Suspension
    Whoopies or cinch
    Posts
    265
    the wilderness is always welcoming!!*

    is there a lot of bear activity this time of year?


    *welcomness not guaranteed
    Every time I hang in a tree I get a coconut to the head.....stupid coconuts

  7. #7
    New Member aircamper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Deerfield Beach, FL
    Hammock
    Hammock Bliss
    Tarp
    Big Daddy
    Suspension
    whoopie slings
    Posts
    2
    Quote Originally Posted by JPsax View Post
    is there a lot of bear activity this time of year?
    Not sure if there is more or less bear activity... they are always out there. I don't think you will have a problem with the bears though. Just keep and eye out for snakes on the trail and be sure of your footing. If its wet, it can be easy to lose your footing between the limestone and muck. I haven't been south of oasis this season, but my guess is its still wet down there.

  • + New Posts
  • Similar Threads

    1. Places in Florida that aren't the Florida Trail
      By Mikums in forum Hangouts, Campouts, and Trip Planning
      Replies: 12
      Last Post: 04-27-2013, 17:46
    2. Something Different - Florida Trail
      By Damifino in forum Trip Reports
      Replies: 10
      Last Post: 01-03-2011, 10:25
    3. Florida Trail - Dec. 12
      By dpitalo in forum Trip Reports
      Replies: 0
      Last Post: 12-13-2010, 22:39
    4. Florida Trail
      By nighthawk156 in forum Long distance travel with a hammock
      Replies: 10
      Last Post: 03-07-2009, 16:52
    5. Florida Trail End2Ender
      By T-BACK in forum Long distance travel with a hammock
      Replies: 3
      Last Post: 03-15-2008, 20:01

    Tags for this Thread

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •