Product Description

This new hiking guide to the region of Florida south of FL 60 includes hikes along the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Coast, and in Big Cypress Swamp, the Everglades, and the Florida Keys.

In the entire continental United States, only South Florida can lay claim to truly tropical habitats with native tropical plants. Rare ghost orchids grow in the humid depths of the Big Cypress, a region of vast prairies, haunting cypress strands, and deep sloughs filled with alligator flag. From its traditional start at Lake Okeechobee, the world's only Everglades sweep southward. North of Lake Okeechobee lie the remnants of ancient sand dunes forming high and dry scrub habitats, while along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coastlines the freshwater marshes of the interior meet the mangrove swamps of the barrier islands. In the Florida Keys, jungles of Caribbean plants top fossilized coral reefs surrounded by still aquamarine waters.

This new guide to this fascinating region contains a mix of easy nature trails, beach walks, and short interpretive boardwalks, as well as challenging day hikes and backpacking trips. The hikes range in length from 1 to 20 miles; each hike description includes mile-by-mile directions, a topographic map, and information on hiking time, mileage, and trail conditions. Features 50 spectacular black & white photographs by Clyde Butcher.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #521773 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

About the Author
Sandra Friend is a freelance writer and photographer whose work has appeared in Blue Ridge Country, Appalachian Trailway News, Florida Hiker, and Backpacker. She participates in the Florida Trail Association as an activity leader, a trail maintainer, and a volunteer with organization publications. She is also the author of 50 Hikes in Central Florida; 50 Hikes in North Florida; Florida in the Civil War: A State in Turmoil, and Sinkholes. She lives in Ocala, Florida.

Customer Reviews

Very good trail book
This whole series is a great intro into hiking the "real" Florida I own all 3, South, North and Central -- is Panhandle coming soon?

Sandra is a real hiker with a great eye for detail. She also works with the Florida Trail Association and highlights several FT trails in each of her FL hiking books. She seems to have hiked every trail in Florida. This book contains a good sample of all types of hikes / backpacking trails from short nature trails to the 30+ miles in Myakka River State Park. I use these books as a good way to find new trails.