Seven of 14 ultra-light led migrating whooping cranes arrived at Florida’s
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) on Saturday January 17 after
traveling more than 1,200 miles from their summer grounds at Necedah NWR in
Wisconsin. Half of the flock is expected to remain at St. Marks NWR for the
winter. The rest of the birds will continue south to Chassahowitzka NWR, 65
miles north of St. Petersburg.

“St. Marks has been anticipating the birds arrival for months, and the
outpouring of community support around Wakulla and Leon counties has been
phenomenal,” said Terry Peacock, Refuge Manager at St. Marks NWR. “We are
thankful for the help of all of our volunteers who have assisted with pen
set-up and helped with other preparations around the refuge.”

The Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP), an international coalition
of public and private groups, leads the annual project, now in its eighth
year, in an effort to reintroduce this endangered species in eastern North
America. Each fall, pilots from Operation Migration (OM), a non-profit
organization and founding WCEP partner, lead a new generation of whooping
cranes behind their ultralight aircraft to wintering grounds in Florida.
The cranes will make the return flight to the Upper Midwest on their own in
the spring.

This year’s migration began from Necedah NWR on Oct. 17, with four
ultralight aircraft leading the birds southward. To help speed the
migration and improve safety for the birds and the pilots, a new route was
developed this year that took the team around the Appalachian Mountains
rather than over them, taking them through the state of Alabama for the
first time. The ultralight-led flock also passed through Wisconsin,
Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia before crossing the Florida
border.

One of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, St. Marks
National Wildlife Refuge covers 70,000 acres and more than 60 miles of
coastline in Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties along the Gulf Coast of
northwest Florida. The landscape includes coastal marshes, islands, tidal
creeks and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers, and the refuge is home
to a diverse community of plant and animal life. The refuge was established
in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds.

The Visitor Center at St. Marks NWR is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m
– 4:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The public and
media are encouraged to visit the St. Marks NWR visitor center to learn
more about the whooping crane re-introduction and ultralight project. The
cranes will begin to head north to their summering grounds in the Spring.

The staff of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge request visitors to be
respectful and aware of the safety of the whooping cranes and their pens.
Anyone who encounters a whooping crane in the wild should give them the
respect and distance they need. If you see a whooping crane, do not
approach birds on foot within 600 feet; try to remain in your vehicle; do
not approach in a vehicle within 600 feet or, if on a public road, within
300 feet. Also, please remain concealed and do not speak loudly enough
that the birds can hear you. It is very important that all visitors to
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge respect the area closed for the cranes.
Any interaction with humans is detrimental to the birds learning wild
behavior.

There are now 73 migratory whooping cranes in the wild in eastern North
America – including the first whooping crane chick to hatch in the wild in
Wisconsin in more than a century. Many of these cranes have settled into
their wintering locations in parts of the Southeast, including Georgia,
Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida. State partners from
Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia provided
strong support throughout the migration.

In late October, biologists from the International Crane Foundation and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also released six additional chicks into the
company of older birds at Necedah NWR in Wisconsin, in the hopes that the
chicks learn would the migration route from adult whoopers or sandhill
cranes. This technique, called “direct autumn release” (DAR) is being
tested to complement the known success of the ultralight-led migrations.
Chicks for direct autumn release were reared in the field and released with
older birds after fledging, or learning to fly. This method of
reintroduction has been extensively tested and proven successful with
sandhill cranes released with other sandhills but it remains to be seen if
it will work with whooping cranes or with mixed species.

In 2001, project partner Operation Migration’s pilots led the first
whooping crane chicks, conditioned to follow the ultralight aircraft south
from Necedah NWR to Chassahowitzka NWR. Each subsequent year, biologists
and pilots have conditioned and guided additional groups of juvenile cranes
to Chassahowitzka.

The whooping crane chicks that take part in the reintroduction project are
hatched at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland. There,
the young cranes are introduced to ultralight aircraft and raised in
isolation from humans. To ensure the impressionable cranes remain wild,
project biologists and pilots adhere to a strict no-talking rule, broadcast
recorded crane calls and wear costumes designed to mask the human form
whenever they are around the cranes.

New classes of cranes are brought to Necedah NWR each June to begin a
summer of conditioning behind the ultralights to prepare them for their
fall migration. Pilots lead the birds on gradually longer training flights
at the refuge throughout the summer until the young cranes are ready to
follow the aircraft along the migration route.

Most of the reintroduced whooping cranes spend the summer in central
Wisconsin, where they use areas on the Necedah NWR, as well as various
state and private lands. Reintroduced whooping cranes have also spent time
in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and other upper Midwest states.

Project staff from the International Crane Foundation and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service track southbound cranes in an effort to learn as much as
possible about their unassisted migrations and the habitat choices they
make along the way. The birds are monitored during the winter in Florida
by teams from ICF, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Operation Migration and
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. They are also tracked as they make
their way north in the spring. ICF and FWS biologists, along with
Wisconsin DNR biologists, continue to monitor the birds while they are in
their summer locations.

The Whooping Crane Recovery Team has established a target number for this
reintroduction. Once there are at least 125 individuals, including 25
breeding pairs, migrating in this eastern corridor the population could be
considered self sustaining.

Whooping cranes were on the verge of extinction in the 1940s. Today, there
are only about 500 birds in existence, 350 of them in the wild. Aside from
the 73 Wisconsin-Florida birds, the original population of whooping cranes
nests at the Wood Buffalo National Park in the Northwest Territories of
Canada and winters at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on the Texas
Coast.

A non-migrating flock of approximately 30 birds lives year-round in central
Florida. The remaining 150 whooping cranes are in captivity in breeding
facilities and zoos around North America.

Whooping cranes, named for their loud and penetrating unison calls, live
and breed in wetland areas, where they feed on crabs, clams, frogs and
seeds. They are distinctive animals, standing five feet tall, with white
bodies, black wing tips and red crowns on their heads.

Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership founding members are the International
Crane Foundation, Operation Migration Inc., Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Geological Survey’s
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and National Wildlife Health Center, the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Natural Resources Foundation of
Wisconsin, and the International Whooping Crane Recovery Team.

Many other flyway states, provinces, private individuals and conservation
groups have joined forces with and support WCEP by donating resources,
funding and personnel. More than 60 percent of the project’s estimated $1.6
million annual budget comes from private sources in the form of grants,
public donations and corporate sponsorship.

For more information on St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge visit
http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/. For more information on the whooping crane
project, its partners and how you can help, visit the WCEP website at
http://www.bringbackthecranes.org. A Wisconsin Whooping Crane Management
Plan that describes project goals and management and monitoring strategies
shared and implemented by the partners is online at:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/birds/wcrane/wcraneplan.htm.

Source FWS.gov

Name: Apalachicola Bluffs
Zipcode: 32399
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Name: Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail
Zipcode:

Miles: 157.5

Info: Open dawn to dusk; closed months of July and August for scallop season
The trail accesses amazingly remote wildlerness in an area steeped in Florida’s frontier history. Remnants of old Confederate salt works visible in the shallow salt marsh give silent testimony to the area’s colorful past, while tales of Spanish conquest, pirate plunder, logging and turpentine camps remain alive in history books and in the folklore of coastal residents. In a state experiencing rampant growth, especially along the cost, this remote and sparsely populated area will remain protected, since most of its coastal wetlands, sea grass beds, and coastal marshes are in public ownership.The trail is a segment of a proposed statewide circumnavigation trail following the Gulf coastline from Florida’s border with Alabama all the way around the state and up to the Georgia line on the Atlantic coast. The Big Bend is one of the state’s 38 designated canoe trails, and ends at the mouth of the magnificent Suwannee River, another of the state trails under Florida’s Office of Greenwyas and Trails. Three more of florida’s designated canoe trails are within close proximity of the Big Bend paddling trail.
Volunteer paddlers contributed over 300 hours of time during the process of trail development. They assisted with scouting the paddling trail for campsites, creating hiking trail routes, and identifying points of interest. A large group of volunteer paddlers spent a week testing the newly-made map guide prior to publication, adding valuable insights to make the trail user -friendly. a diverse array of community organizations and individuals are volunteering to adopt portions of the trail for cleanup and maintenance. They include church groups, school childlren, paddling clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts, and AARP members.
The FWC worked with regional tourism development councils and small business owners along the trail to identify amenities for paddlers and provide economic benefits forthe area’s rural residents. Restaurants, lodging options, and outfitters in the area can be found online to assist in planning a trip in advance.A new paddling guide to the trail published by florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), along with the agency’s recreation website will help experienced paddlers plan for their trip. Taylor, Dixie
The 105-mile Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail embraces one of the longest and wildest publically owned coastal wetlands in the United States. a striking array of bird and marine life along with side trips to springs, wild rivers, historical sites, wildlife havens, and small coastal towns await the seasoned kayaker paddling along this unspoiled stretch of Forida’s Gulf coast.

Facilities: Bench(es)
Boat launch(es)
Camping area(s)
Fire ring(s)
Parking
Parking, trailer
Picnic area(s)
Public shelter(s)
Restroom(s)
Shower(s)
Sign(s), directional
Trash disposal
Water, potable


Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Beach(es)
Coastline(s)
Creek(s)
River(s)
Spring(s)/geyser(s)
Swimming area(s)
Wetland(s)
Other (describe below)
Over 80 miles of coastline
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Name: Clearwater East-West Trail

Zipcode:

Info:
The Clearwater East-West Trail serves as the critical east-west link within the City of Clearwater connecting Tampa Bay to Clearwater Beach (approximately 13 miles). In addition, the trail offers an invaluable connection between the two primary north-south trails in Pinellas County, the Pinellas Trail and the future Progess Energy Trail.
The trail is also special in that it connects many land uses serving a broad diverse population. Presently, within the open 4.4 miles, the trail connects nine park facilities including the new Philadelphia/Clearwater Phillies Stadium, Moccasin Lake Natural Park (an environmental and energy education center), an elementary school, the Upper Pinellas Association of Retarded Citizens (located at the Long Center) and many residential areas of economic diversity.
There is also an abundance of amenities along the trail such as parking, restrooms, benches, trash receptacles, water fountains, and other recreational opportunities. Some of the other recreational opportunities include disc golf, picnicking, a fitness course, softball, volleyball, handball, kayaking, environmental education, swimming, tennis, fishing and basketball.The Clearwater East-West Trail utilizes innovative trail design in a number of features. The 15 foot asphalt trail has 6” concrete ribbons on either side. This treatment not only finishes the appearance of the trail, but has been extremely instumental in keeping maintenance costs low. Due to this addition of the concrete ribbons, we have experienced very little grass instrusion or asphaltic erosion. Other outstanding design features include the two major bridges. The first, Memorial Causeway Bridge, will have a separate 12 foot path for non-motorized users. This path is a separate elevation than the motor vehicle lane and will have vistas/rest areas. The second bridge (across Mandalay Channel) is a cable-stayed bridge similar to the design of the famous Skyway Bridge south of St. Petersburg, Florida.Pinellas County
The Clearwater East-West Trail has many special and unique features. The Trail uses innovative design techniques, serves as an important regional connection, and offers a wealth of recreational opportunities.

Facilities: Boat launch(es)
Historical site(s)
Parking
Picnic area(s)
Restroom(s)
Telephone(s)
Trailhead(s)
Potable Water

Features: Coastline(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Swimming area(s)
Wetland(s)

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Name: Felix Lake Nature
Zipcode: 32403
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Name: Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Zipcode:

Info: 0:00:00
Monroe County
The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT) is being developed and managed by the FDEP, on Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) right-of-way, with Monroe County and local citizen collaboration, as a linear world-class, multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facility that will traverse the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West. A recreational greenway, that upon completion, will include an integrated system of educational kiosks, roadside picnic areas, scenic overlooks, fishing piers, water access points, art, bicycle and jogging paths serving both residents, and visitors to the Florida Keys. The trail links a string of transportation, promoting health opportunities and providing a mechanism for the preservation and use of the historic Flagler Railroad Bridges. The historic Flagler Railroad Bridges are monuments to the test of time and are a major part of the modern landscape of the Florida Keys. The bridges were built by Henry Flager in 1904 and completed in 1912. Of the original 42 bridges built by Flager, 23 remain and are nominated for the National Registry of Historic Structures. The trail and historic bridges access six National Wildlife Refuges, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and border the World Heritage Site of Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park and four underwater recreation areas. There are also twelve State Parks located along the trail. The trail will ultimately link with the Florida Keys Overseas Paddling Trail, and the State Greenways and Trails system. the linear corridor will serve a broad population by linking recreation areas, schools and businesses throughout Monroe County and offering unique opportunities for interpreting the many cultural, historic, ecological and maritime stories of the Florida Keys.

Facilities: Bench(es)
Boat launch(es)
Cabin(s)
Camping area(s)
Historical site(s)
Parking
Parking, trailer
Picnic area(s)
Public shelter(s)
Resort(s)/Ranch(es)
Restroom(s)
RV hookup(s)
Shower(s)
Sign(s), interpretive
Telephone(s)
Trail access information
Trailhead(s)
Trash disposal
Vistor center(s)
Potable water

Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Beach(es)
Coastline(s)
Geological feature(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Meadow(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Swimming area(s)
Wetland(s)

--------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail
Zipcode:

Info: Open daylight hours
The Pinellas Trail provides access to a large number of natural, cultural and historic resources. These include the Sponge Docks and Historic District in Tarpon Springs, the Palm Harbor Historic Downtown District, and Andrew Chapel, built in 1888, which is on the National Historic Register. Built in 1897 and also on the National Historic Register is the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. It is also famous for being the largest occupied wood structure under one roof. The trail provides close access to the Florida Botanical Gardens, the Gulf Coast Museum of Art and Heritage Village (History Museum) that collectively are known as Pinewood Cultural Park. More distantly accessible is the Savador Dali Museum, The Museum of Fine Art and the Holocaust Museum. Spectacular natural resources are presented along the Anclote River and the estuaries along Crystal Beach. Significant numbers of listed species of birds may be observed both along the trail and at park destinations accessed from the trail. Scenic vistas at Cross Bayou, Boca Ciega Bay and at many of the nearby parks provide outstanding nature appreciation. Parks that are easily accessible along the trail include Wall Springs Park, John Chesnut, Sr. Park, John S. Taylor Park, Seminole City Park, Walsingham Park, Boca Ciega Millennium Park, and War Veterans Memorial Park. Each of these parks has significant wildlife and nature-based recreation available.
The Pinellas Trail crosses through a wide variety of areas throughout Pinellas Country. It runs adjacent to upscale residential neighborhoods and assorted other neighborhoods including underserved communities. The trail also runs adjacent to a wide assortment of small and large businesses, as well as industrial areas. The trail provides access points to many parks, shopping areas, cultural and historical sites. Local residents as well as seasonal residents and tourist populations use the trail. The Pinellas trail is a tourist destination for some visitors. Trail visitors use the trail for alternative transportation, exercise, recreation, special events, social interaction, nature appreciation and peaceful respite. All socio-economic levels, ages, occupations, cultures, religious affiliations and diverse populations are served by the Pinellas Trail.
The 47 miles of Pinellas Trail currently includes spur trails to the City fo Gulfport, the Anclote River and the Dunedin Causeway. The Dunedin Causeway spur leads directly to causeway beaches and to Honeymoon Island State Park and access to Caladesi Island State Park. Design plans are underway for 20-mile expansion to be called the Florida Power Trail, which will connect to the Pinellas Trail at the East Lake spur and run south along the east side of Pinellas County. A 6.7 mile paved multi-use recreation trail at Fort De Soto Park in the extreme south end of the Pinellas County will also be connected to the Pinellas Trail. The Pinellas Trail eventually may also connect to the Friendship Trail Bridge, which is also operated by the Pinellas County Park Department. The Friendship Trail Bridge is a partnership trail with Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties and assistance from the City of Tampa. It is a converted bridge spanning Tampa Bay. Citizen initiative to save the old Gandy Bridge from demolition resulted in the formation fo the Friendship Trail Bridge. That trail is currently 2.67 miles long and provides the same multi-use recreation as the Pinellas Trail. It also has catwalks that provide access to fish Tampa Bay.
After many years of maintaining the trail by park staff, the Park Department elected several years ago to contract out ground maintenance of the entire length of the trail. This resulted in an operating budget cost savings of over 50%. The average savings is approximately $150,000 per year. The Park Department also accepts donations from the nonprofit organization, Pinellas Trails, Inc. in the form of trail amenities such as benches, covered shelters, water fountains, trees for landscaping, etc. This financial support has exceeded $100,000 since the trail opening in late 1990. The extensive use of volunteer Auxiliary Rangers has equated to the largest cost-effective management strategy. Since the programs inception in 1995, and program maturation in 1998, the cost savings and value of volunteer time is exceptional. The average number of 500 hours donated monthly, times the national figure computed by the Points of Light Foundation (Washington, D.C.) for volunteer service value of $16.05 per hour, results in a value of volunteer time to the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail of $385, 200!
The Pinellas County Park Department partners with Pinellas Trails, Inc. to help provide amenities such as benches, covered shelters and water fountains on the trail. Pinellas Trails, Inc. is a nonprofit organization comprised of a group of citizens that support the Pinellas Trail and raise funds to purchase amenities for the trail. They also periodically provide funding for the purchase of trees to shade and landscape the trail. The Park Department also partners with a large number of volunteers that serve as Auxiliary Rangers on the trail. Pinellas County provides the volunteers with training and workers compensation protection. Trail staff provide them training and uniforms. The Rangers numbers vary seasonally, but on average they provide 500 to 700 hours of volunteer service per month as public relations liaisons on the trail. Municipalities also partner with Pinellas County to support the Pinellas Trail. The City of Clearwater maintains a section of the landscaping that runs through their city. The City of Dunedin has landscaped a section of the trail that runs near their downtown area and also assists with maintaining the landscaped areas that they installed. Local police of municipalities traversed by the trail provide a visible presence in the form of officers on bike patrol. The City of Tarpon Springs is working on downtown redevelopment and considers the trail an integral part of that transformation.Several features of the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail are unique and over time have been duplicated by subsequent communities as they develop their trail systems. The trail consists of a 15-foot wide asphalt surface that is striped and marked to designate 10 feet for use as a bike/skate lane and 5 feet for the walking lane. Where space allows, the walking lane is separated from the bike lane by a grass median. This multiple use separation allows for safe trail use. Additionally, pedestrian overpasses were constructed over major road intersections throughout the country. The overpasses provide pedestrian and trail user safety in crossing very heavily used roads (many in excess of 70,000 cars per day). The overpasses also reduce the impact on vehicular traffic by allowing the unrestricted movement of vehicles that would otherwise have to frequently stop to permit trail users to cross the road. The entire Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, including the overpasses, is ADA (American With Disabilities Act) compliant.The Pinellas Trail traverses the entire western length of Pinellas County. It passes through 8 of the 24 municipalities in Pinellas County and along many unincorporated areas. Some of these communities are socio-economically underutilized and may have limited access to recreational facilities. Examples include: the Ridgecrest/Danville community that borders the trail in Largo; the Greenwood community in Clearwater which also abuts the trail; south St. Petersburg which has underserved communities that have close trail access. Since the Pinellas Trail has no admission fees and is open during daylight hours, a large segment of the adjacent neighborhoods use the trail for recreation and transportation activities.Pinellas
Imagine a lush green shaded corridor with chirping birds, scurrying squirrels and giggling children enjoying a bike ride. Now imagine all this in the most highly urbanized county in the state of Florida. With nearly one million residents in the 280 square miles in Pinellas County, The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a green jewel in a county that is sometimes inaccurately perceived as a county of concrete.The average annual attendance on the trail since 1992 is 977,241 users, indicating the trail is a welcomed and integral part of Pinellas County. A November 1999 survey shows that of the total attendance, well over 40% used the trail to commute to work, school, parks, shopping and restaurants. Exercise, nature appreciation and general recreation also rank as major uses. The trail traverses 8 of the 24 municipalities in Pinellas County and is credited with assisting with downtown redevelopment in several of these cities. The trail also provides a greenway corridor for urban wildlife and bird migration and provides plentiful nature viewing opportunities. The trail is heavily used for special events such as races, walkathons and bikeathons.The Pinellas County Park Department operates the Pinellas Trail with a staff of 13 who patrol, inspect and provide public relations information to trail users. Additionally, Auxiliary Ranger Volunteers log 500 to 700 hours per month patrolling the trail and providing a friendly presence to assist trail users. The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail opened in 1990 with an initial 5-mile stretch. Since then, it has grown to 47 miles, including several spurs. Plans for an additional 20-mile extension are underway. This extension along the east side of Pinellas County will serve to loop the trail throughout the county. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy says this about the Pinellas Trail:
'The Pinellas Trail is a 15-foot wide paved asphalt trail built along an abandoned railroad corridor through the length of Pinellas County. Along parts of the Trail you can enjoy deep glades of live oaks, trailing Spanish moss, tidal streams with wildlife and quiet waterways for fishing. The Trail leads you to a number of City, County and State parks along the route. A trail spur was built to Honeymoon State Park, and a trail in Fort DeSoto County Park will be joined to the Pinellas Trail in the future. The Trail passes through several downtowns with cultural and historic significance, including Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and Palm Harbor. The Pinellas Trail is a priceless haven of peace in a densely populated urban county.
The residents and visitors to the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail agree that the trail is a priceless jewel and look forward to having it designated a National Recreation Trail.


Facilities: Bench(es)
Boat launch(es)
Cabin(s)
Camping area(s)
Corral(s)/Hitching rail(s)
Fire ring(s)
Historical site(s)
Parking
Picnic area(s)
Public shelter(s)
Resort(s)/Ranch(es)
Restroom(s)
RV hookup(s)
Sign(s), interpretive
Sign(s), directional
Telephone(s)
Trail access information
Trail intersection(s)
Trailhead(s)
Trash disposal
Vistor center(s)
water, potable;
over 60 boat ramps; unlimited parking at multiple business sites adjacent to trail; multiple shelters & business sites; first aid; skate & bike rental locations

Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Beach(es)
Coastline(s)
Creek(s)
Grove(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Spring(s)/geyser(s)
Swimming area(s)
Wetland(s)
Estuary, Bay, Harbor
--------------------------------------------------------------
Name: General James A. Van Fleet Trail State Park
Zipcode:

Info: Trail is open dawn to dusk
The Dept. of Environmental Protection took on this rails-to-trails is because of its location. The Van Fleet Trail’s 29.2 miles of asphalt trail runs directly through Florida’s Green Swamp - a wetland area which is the origin of five rivers.The General James A. Van Fleet Trail State Park is a converted rails-to- trails and is one of the only three state park managed trails. The State of Florida’s Dept. of Environmental Protection manages and maintains the Van Fleet Trail.Polk, Lane, Sumter
The Van Fleet Trail is one of Florida’s more rural trails. It runs through the Green Swamp, the headwaters for some of Florida’s most canoed rivers, the Withlacoochee, Hillsborough, Peace, Oklawaha and Little Withlacoochee. Though much of the Green Swamp has been drained for citrus and cattle ranching, a few large tracts still remain and this trail goes right through them. Its average elevation is higher than any other rail trail in Florida at around 100’ above sea level. With only one curve in its 29.2 miles, you can chose to go slow and view the wildlife or as fast as you can hold it. Though this trail has a great reputation for wildlife viewing between Green Pond Road and Bay Lake Road, recent studies are giving it special high marks for butterfly populations throughout the trail.

Facilities: Bench(es)
Corral(s)/Hitching rail(s)
Parking
Parking, trailer
Picnic area(s)
Public shelter(s)
Restroom(s)
Sign(s), interpretive
Sign(s), directional
Trail access information
Trailhead(s)
Trail intersection(s)
Trash disposal
Water, potable
Other (describe below)
Other features include: five bridges

Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Grove(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Meadow(s)
River(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Wetland(s)
Other (describe below)
Other features included: An archeological site about one mile from the trail

Cultural interests: The trail was the CSX Railroad bed for many years
--------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Hells Bay Canoe
Zipcode: 33030
--------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Jackson
Zipcode: 32570

Difficulty: Intermediate

Facilities: Camping area(s)


Features: Creek(s)
River(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)

--------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Lake Arbuckle Hiking
Zipcode: 33625
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Name: Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway
Zipcode:

Info:
The Cross Florida Greenway originally began as a potential shipping route, allowing ships to travel through Florida from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. What once was conceived as a bridge for the nation’s shipping industry - a threat to Florida’s environment - actually was destined to become a vital link in the state’s green infrastructure. Today, due to carefully designed legislation, these former United States government ship and barge canal lands comprise one of the largest greenways under sole ownership in the United States. Along the approximate 110 mile corridor, which in most places is one mile wide, many natural and cultural resources may be found. The Greenway includes 117 known historic sites alone.
The Cross Florida Greenway goes through Marion, Putnam, Citrus and Levy counties, providing recreation opportunities to a variety of trail users. These include hikers, paddlers, bicyclists, off-road bicyclists, equestrians and carriages.
The several hundred miles of trail located on the Greenway provide connections with many local, state and federal trails along its 110 mile length. The Florida Scenic Trail is a part of the Greenway.
Partnership are the key. The excellent working relationship with Marion County, municipalities, state and federal agencies, and user group volunteers enable the Office of Greenways & Trails to manage a first class greenway. The Greenway acts as a connector for both wildlife and recreationists.
Partnerships enable proper management and development of the Greenway’s resources. Marion County, Florida Dept. of Transportation, Florida Trail Association, as well as local user groups are among the Office of Greenways and Trails partners. American Trails recently recognized the Santos Trailhead partners (bicycling, hiking, equestrian) with a national award at the 2000 National Trails Symposium.Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Greenway Land Bridge: $3.4 Million project federally funded with transportation enhancement money provides safe passage over Interstate 75 for hikers, equestrians, off-road cyclist and wildlife.The trail systems located on the Greenway utilize a variety of strategies. Some are shared trails, while others are single use trails departing from single use trailheads. The Greenway follows primarily a rural route. It is open for all residents and visitors to enjoy. As the Greenway goes through Marion County it becomes part of an urban trail/bike system which encourages trail use by persons within an urban setting.
0:00:00
Citrus, Levy, Marion, Putnam
The Cross Florida Greenway originally began as a potential shipping route, today, due to carefully designed legislation, these former United States government ship and barge canal lands comprise one of the largest greenways under sole ownership in the United States. Along the approximate 110 mile corridor, which in most places is one mile wide, many natural and cultural resources may be found. The Greenway includes 117 known historic sites alone, providing recreation opportunities to a variety of trail users. These include hikers, paddlers, bicyclists, off-road bicyclists, equestrians and carriages.

Facilities: Bench(es)
Boat launch(es)
Camping area(s)
Corral(s)/Hitching rail(s)
Fire ring(s)
Historical site(s)
Parking, trailer
Parking
Picnic area(s)
Public shelter(s)
Restroom(s)
Sign(s), interpretive
Sign(s), directional
Telephone(s)
Trail access information
Trail intersection(s)
Trailhead(s)
Trash disposal
Vistor center(s)
Water, potable


Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Cave(s)
Creek(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
River(s)
Spring(s)/geyser(s)
Wetland(s)

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Name: Peghorn Nature Park & Trails
Zipcode:

Info: Weekdays
Florida’s rainy seasons may result in occasional trail closures.7:00AM
Osceola
This 58-acre facility is being developed by the St. Cloud Park & Recreation Department, with assistance from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The name 'peghorn' is derived from the cattle that were raised within this area around the early 1900s. Characteristics of these cattle were horns shaped like wooden pegs. Today, much of the land surrounding Peghorn Nature Trails has been developed, leaving a small section of Floridas wetland - an area which is home to many native species of plants and animals. Future plans will link Peghorn Nature Trails with a trail system to be developed on the adjacent Steven Plantation property, once it has been acquired by the City of St. Cloud.

Facilities: Parking
Picnic area(s)
Restroom(s)
Sign(s), interpretive
Sign(s), directional
Trailhead(s)
Trash disposal
Vistor center(s)
Water, potable

Features: Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Wetland(s)

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Name: Rice Creek
Zipcode: 32077
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Name: Suncoast Trail
Zipcode:

Info: Open dawn to dusk
The trail will serve as an important link between the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, Pinellas Trails and Starkey Wilderness Area in the south, and to the Withlacoochee State Trail and Cross Florida Greenway to the north.
Operations and maintenance of the trail and construction of any additional trail amenities including concessions will be the responsibility of each county.
The Suncoast Trail is the first trail to be designed and constructed by the Turnpike Authority in Florida. The tri-county maintenance agreement with the Turnpike Authority provides for continued and diverse partnering and support efforts. As the trail crosses these three counties, it provides a changing look at the landscape as it shifts from urban to rural. Part of the trail crosses the eastern section of the Seronova Preserve, a 6,500 acre preserve in Pasco CountyThe 400-foot wide corridor acquired for the Suncoast Parkway Project provides ample space between the roadway and the trail. It allows for conservation of adjacent native landscape buffers, rest areas and storm water ponds. The 12’ wide trail is separated from the roadway by varying distances, between 30 feet and 120 feet in width. On bridges where the rail and roadway are in closer proximity, concrete barriers, a special lane and protective fencing are utilized. All local crossroad intersections will be appropriately signed and marked for pedestrian crossing and State Roads 52 and 54 will also have pedestrian crosswalk signals. A pedestrian bridge over State Road 50 and final paving northward to US 98 will be constructed in 2000-2001 with federal funding. Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando
Projecting 42 miles northward out of metro-Tampa, through the pastures of Pasco County and into the rolling hills of Hernando County, the Suncoast Trail enables non-motorized access to the regions natural habitat and public places, while also providing for alternative modes of travel for local trip-making. Averaging 1,400 users per week, the Suncoast Trail is widely depended upon as a means for fitness for Tampa Bay area residents and casual nature seekers from northern Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties. The Trail passes alongside 10 miles of conservation area and spans two rivers in Pasco County and includes two wildlife crossings in Hernando County. The Trail is also convenient to the students of five public schools within two school systems, and a trail spur is provided to a Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch in Pasco County.Incorporating eight major trailheads and interconnecting four public parks, the Suncoast Trail increases access to the regions recreational facilities, picnicking, ponds, lakes, and rivers, interpretive areas, and primitive camping. Links to other trails, including the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, Withlacoochee State Trail, Cross Florida Greenway, and others are now being plotted to help open-up statewide connections to natural resources. The Suncoast Trail also provides an important link in the East Coast Greenways planned connection between the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.The Suncoast Trail would not have been possible if not for the strong, ongoing partnerships between Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties and the Turnpike Enterprise. The mutually supportive relations have brought national and statewide recognition, as seen with the Trails designation by the White House Millennium Council as a Millennium Trail, the United States Department of the Interior as a National Recreation Trail, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as part of its statewide system of greenways and trails. Running generally parallel to the four-lane, limited access Suncoast Parkway, the Suncoast Trail has received national recognition from transportation planning and engineering experts for its contribution to adjacent communities and design innovation. The Trail is considered one of the regions quality intrinsic resources and helps to tell the story of a transportation corridor that is now being considered for designation under Floridas Scenic Highway Program.


Facilities: Bench(es)
Parking
Restroom(s)
Sign(s), interpretive
Sign(s), directional
Telephone(s)
Trail access information
Trail intersection(s)
Trailhead(s)
Trash disposal
Water, potable


Features: Creek(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Meadow(s)
River(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)

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Name: The Great Calusa Blueway
Zipcode:

Info: 0:00:00
Lee County
The Great Calusa Blueway is currently a 30+ mile waterway providing non-motorized access to Federal, State, and Local preserves and historic sites in one of the fastest growing areas of the country. Traversing the mangrove islands and tidal creeks of Estero Bay, Florida’s first “Aquatic Perserve”, visitors will see playful dolphins and gliding Manatees as well as over 300 species of birds. The historic sites include the Mound House Cultural Museum and Environmental Center built in 1906 on a mound created by prehistoric inhabitants, Mound Key Archaeological State Park, and Koreshan State Historic Site, a Utopian pioneer settlement founded in 1984 by Dr. Cyrus Teed. Future expansion of the blueway includes waterway trails that will connect to Charlotte County and access the numerous creeks and tributaries, including Hickey’s Creek, a State designated canoe trail that flows into the Caloosahatchee River. The Blueway is identified as a Paddle trail opportunity within the State’s 5-year Implementation Plan for the Florida Greenways and Trails system. The Blueway is also included in the overall Lee County Trail Master Plan currently under development. The County’s development of the Blueway was made possible and continues to be supported by local businesses, the Tourism Development Council, the municipalities and unincorporated communities of Lee County.

Facilities: Boat launch(es)
Camping area(s)
Fire ring(s)
Historical site(s)
Parking
Parking, trailer
Picnic area(s)
Restroom(s)
Shower(s)
Sign(s), interpretive
Sign(s), directional
Telephone(s)
Trail access information
Trailhead(s)
Potable Water
Hiking/Running Path

Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Beach(es)
Coastline(s)
River(s)
Mangrove, dune systems, maritime oak hammock, shell mound board walks
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Name: University of North Florida Nature
Zipcode: 32224

Info: Open sunrise to sunset.
May close do to high fire danger or prescribed burns.
recycled plastic boardwalk decking

Duval
The University of North Florida (UNF) has over 500 acres of natural Florida wildlands on it’s property. Eight natural community types exist that support diverse population of plants and animals. The wildlife sanctuary staff manage these assets to preserve the natural resources while supporting academic research, low-impact recreation and environmental education. (UNF is located in Jacksonville, FL, one of the fastest growing cities in America.) The UNF Nature Trails were built on old logging roads in 1973 by UNF students, faculty and staff, as well as the Youth Conservation Corp. (YCC) and other community organizations. The trails feature a self-guiding interpretive system, visitor pavilion and a handicapped-accessible picnic area and boardwalk.
Campus located on St. Johns Bluff Rd. between Beach & Butler Blvds. Nature Preserve parking area is first parking lot on the right after entering the campus.


Facilities: Picnic area(s)
Water, potable
Parking
Boat launch(es)
Sign(s), directional
Trail access information
Trash disposal
Bench(es)
Parking, trailer
Public shelter(s)
Sign(s), interpretive
Telephone(s)
Trailhead(s)
Water, potable

Features: Creek(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Wetland(s)

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Name: Upper Bens Lake Nature
Zipcode: 32542
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Name: Wilderness Way
Zipcode: 33034

Difficulty: Intermediate

Miles: 148.5

Info: Winds through open bays and lakes and narrow winding sections along waterway. Mangrove trees throughout. Beach sites on Gulf of Mexico are potential stops along trip. Calusa Indian Shell Mounds can be seen in Gulf Coast District. Manatees, alligators.
Starts and ends in Flamingo (40 miles from main park entrance) and in Everglades City on Gulf Coast side, south of Naples.


Facilities: Camping area(s)
Restroom(s)
Picnic area(s)
Water, potable
Cabin(s)
Parking
RV hookup(s)
Boat launch(es)
Trail access information
Vistor center(s)
Telephone(s)


Features: Creek(s)
River(s)
Lake(s)/pond(s)/reservoir(s)
Beach(es)
Other features include: Mangroves, open bays, shell mounds
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Most of the USA Wilderness areas are so remote there is not much information available as they are administered by several different agencies.

If you've had a wonderful wilderness adventure, please share your trip reports and create a new topic in the forum in the correct part of the state where the wilderness area is located.




Name: Alexander Springs Wilderness

Category: Forest Service
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Name: Big Gum Swamp Wilderness

Category: Forest Service
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Name: Billies Bay Wilderness

Category: Forest Service
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Name: Bradwell Bay Wilderness

Category: Forest Service
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Name: Cedar Keys Wilderness

Category: Fish & Wildlife Service
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Name: Chassahowitzka Wilderness

Category: Fish & Wildlife Service
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Name: Florida Keys Wilderness

Category: Fish & Wildlife Service
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Name: Island Bay Wilderness

Category: Fish & Wildlife Service
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Name: J.N. Ding Darling Wilderness

Category: Fish & Wildlife Service
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Name: Juniper Prairie Wilderness

Category: Forest Service
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Name: Lake Woodruff Wilderness

Category: Fish & Wildlife Service
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Name: Little Lake George Wilderness

Category: Forest Service
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Name: Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness

Category: National Park Service
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Name: Mud Swamp/New River Wilderness

Category: Forest Service
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Name: St. Marks Wilderness

Category: Fish & Wildlife Service
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