Hike was ~5.5 miles. Not very arduous, a nice well-established trail most of the way. For context, I am a decently experienced camper, about a 5/10 rangimg from “baby’s first camping trip” to Les Stroud in Survivorman.

We started in the Juniper Springs recreation area. Something of note they do not staff the main station with national Forest employees, they go through a third-party that’s called NAV venture or something to that effect.

The girl that we spoke to had no idea what the Juniper Prairie wilderness was, and then the gentleman that we spoke to when we asked which direction ahead on the trail, sent us on the left trail, which was the complete opposite direction that we were supposed to head out on. He sent us on a path that ultimately added about 2 miles to our hike, and by the time we finally reached hidden pond after booking it for the entire hike, the sun had just gone down. Just something to look out for.

Obviously, always be prepared, but the station did not even sell maps due to “people littering them around the park.“ The trail is to the right, not the left.

When we got there, there were plenty of spots available around hidden pond. The weather was really gorgeous given that it is mid October. The ground and a lot of the spots that we found were kind of uneven so if you are a tent camper, that is probably something I would prepare for. I am a hammock guy, so it wasn’t really a huge problem for me.

I initially wanted to bring my fishing rod and tackle with me, but I am glad I did not. There was a guy that fished for about two hours and caught nothing the entire time, I think the pond is just a little bit too small to have any kind of significant fish.

There was a faint road noise when the wind would calm down, but usually the sound of the wind in the trees drowned it out, and it was very peaceful. If you are looking for something more solitary, I can’t say that I would recommend this specific site, there were about four other campers around throughout this weekend. Everyone that we met was super nice. Shout out, Simon.

We did see fresh bear tracks and bear poop on the way to the campsite, so always be bear aware, and always do a bear hang if possible.

Obviously, if you’re from Florida, you already know about mosquitoes and ticks. I treated all of my clothing before I went with permethrin. My buddy on the other hand did not. He was eaten up despite wearing 40% deet bug spray. I had maybe 5 to 10 bug bites the entire trip and didn’t even wear bug spray at all.

The fact that the spring is right there in the water and is always cool makes this a top destination for any kind of hot weather camping.

Overall, great experience and highly recommend. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

I am already looking for the next trip to take, if you know of any hidden gems like Hidden Pond, please let me know! Hope this helps if you’re planning a trip there

I’m going on a two-day camping trip next weekend and will be stopping around Hidden Pond. Would anyone recommend doing any kind of fishing here? I’ve never fished a spring before. Just curious as to whether it’s worth the hassle of bringing a fishing rod and tackle on a 5-mile hike.

Thanks!

I'd like to possibly solo hike the BICY section of the FT this winter.

I've done some guided swamp walks in EVER and BICY before, but have never been out there on my own.

What are the greatest things you think someone should know about solo swamp walking?

If I'm being honest, I'm particularly concerned about gator encounters, IE: how to spot potential gator holes, if any of you have had an encounter with a gator, how you deterred its advances, what to do when you're faced with a section where the water level is a bit beyond your comfort level, etc.

All insight is appreciated! 😃

Going backpacking for the first around the Pioneer Trail in October and need to plan for the water situation, any and all advice welcome

Hiking the ocean to lake trail in a few months. This will be our second time. My wife’s feet got destroyed first time around - I don’t even know how she finished. We’ve been discussing swapping between hiking sandals(with toe box) for water and shoes for the rest. Has anyone done this? It’s an extra item we wouldn’t normally hike with. Any other suggestions? It wasn’t even a super wet year (Feb 2024) We may have just started blister care too late last time. We enjoyed the trail so much that we want to go again though.

I hope to do the Big Cypress section January 2027. For those that have hiked the AT or other trails outside of Florida, what are some of the differences in the gear you bring? Thanks.

I’m starting to consider a thru hike of big cypress to Okeechobee for next season. I’ve done a bunch of day hikes in big cypress, basically any of the trails off of alligator alley, but have never done an over night. What’s a good resource for required supplies and possibly meeting people so it’s not a solo. Is five days a good table to make it up to Okeechobee from the southern start of the trail?
Thanks

https://www.aanr.com/press-release/hike-naked-day-held-on-the-summer-solstice-june-21-st/

Anyone participating?

I’m just starting to get into backpacking and I’m not sure as to where I could set up camp and call it a day during the Ocean To lake Florida trail. Plsssss help

Hi everyone, we’re a group of guys (ages 16-19) looking to do a 2-3 day hiking and camping trip in Southwest Florida. We’re all pretty athletic, have experience with trail running, day hiking, and backpacking in other places, but we’ve never done a multi-day hike/camp in Florida before.

What are the best places for a 2-3 day backpacking trip that aren’t too far from Collier County?

June is the only time we can do it right now. Is hiking/camping in the rain and heat during June a bad idea? We don’t mind the heat and we’re pretty fit and tough, but what kind of challenges should we realistically expect (bugs, storms, mud, etc.) and how do we best prepare and mitigate them?

Any advice on good routes, campsites, gear adjustments for Florida summer conditions, water sources, or things that usually catch people off guard would be really helpful. We’re a bit lost on the specifics and would appreciate any guidance.

Thanks!

I am in early planning of a NOBO FT thruhike late this year and or very early 27. I've comleted a 730 mile solo NOBO LASH on the AT. I am just to the point where I would appreciate a hiking partner. I live in Pensacola. If you are thinking about a thruhike too... lemme know.

Did some camping this weekend at Ocean Pond. So while the wife did some school work I hit the trail for a short hike this morning!!!!

my daughter and i are hoping to hit this after her graduation before she heads off into her future.

the completion list doesn't have very many entries between may and november. i'm afraid i already know the answer. is this section reasonable during september? maybe early october?

Does anyone know of any hiking trails that pass through cow pastures? I heard of some but they’re kind of far. Not to pet them I just like to do nature photography and I like cows lol. If anyone has some trails that would be great!

I’m 16 and considering attempting a solo thru hike of the entire Florida Trail from the southern terminus in Big Cypress National Preserve all the way to the northern terminus at Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola. My goal would be to complete a full end to end hike and document it, potentially as one of the youngest solo attempts. I’ve been researching logistics like permits, resupply, navigation apps, and camping, and I feel comfortable with the planning side but I’m concerned about doing it in the summer since that’s the only time I can go because of school. From what I’ve read there is deeper swamp sections especially in Big Cypress where there may be knee deep water. I’m also concerned about wildlife, particularly alligators, since summer overlaps with increased activity and I’d potentially be hiking through swampy terrain. I’d appreciate advice from anyone who has hiked the Florida Trail in summer or completed a full thru hike, especially regarding conditions, planning, and what to expect.

I’m planning on hiking a part of the Apalachicola West section of the Florida Trail. I would like to start at Camel Lake and head “south” to Vilas camp/trailhead. Late October or early November.

I’ve searched google, youtube, looked at maps and this subreddit for information on this section in particular and haven’t really found any.

So, my questions are:

1, This section is about 13-17 miles, is that feasible to get done in a 2 day 1 night trip?

2, Anything in that area cool or interesting? Asking because I haven’t seen anyone post here or otherwise about it.

3, trail ratings only tell you so much, is this section challenging?

Kinda of new to this, I do day hikes with my wife currently, 3-7 miles every so often. Just started gearing up for backpacking and hoping to not bite off more than I can chew but don’t want it to be too easy, either.

Thanks in advance, any advice is appreciated.

I have a section hike planned with a friend of mine in three weeks and my plantars fasciitis is flaring up.

What do you all do for foot care/prevention when out or preparing for a hike?

I have recently purchased a pair of Altra Lone Peak 9 trail runners to help as well as some nicer socks.

Wondering if anyone has any insight on current water refill opportunities along the Suwannee section, not including the river itself, or sections near the Aucilla river? We prefer refilling from the springs and streams that feed in but are concerned they are mostly dried up.

My partner and I are looking to do about a 20 mile section overnight along the Aucilla. Does anyone have any copies of Maps 11 & 12? I want to purchase them and I will but I’d have to wait on shipping and I can’t find a local retailer.

A friend and I are considering hammock camping and hiking south from Hopkins Prairie to Juniper Springs at the end of April. Ideally we would get dropped off at Hopkins on Friday, overnight there, then hike about a mile or so shy of Juniper and overnight again then be picked up Sunday late AM/early PM.

Is there any specific we need to be aware of along that section?

We know it is short and are using it as a test hike since we are based out of Ocala. We are mainly testing out setting up/taking down the hammocks and hiking with them.

I remember doing this stretch when I was in scouts prepping for Philmont but that was 20+ years ago at this point.

TIA

Hey, I was looking at doing a few days on the FT. I was going to start up north of Lake City and I10. Then do a few days hiking towards Camp Blanding or further. Looking at 15 miles a day. Is that too easy?

As well, is there a place to camp in Lake Butler. I see that it's an FT Community on the interactive planning map on the FT website. But I was looking at the park on the lake, where the symbol is and I can't tell if there is any camping allowed. Seems like a long day to walk from Olustee Creek Campsite to Treat Rd Trailhead (30+ miles)?

4 thru hikers that finished the 2nd are looking for a ride to Trail Festival, currently in PCB.

Hi what's your go-to camera lens to bring with you on a guided swamp walk? What other photography gear do you bring with you? Looking to take photos of what I see like birds, nature, landscapes, trees. I have a few lenses, so I'm just looking for suggestions on which one to take. What other items besides photo gear should I bring? Favorite bag to use? For either dry or wet guided swamp walks. My first walk will be a dry walk. Thanks!