Many states have a long distance foot path or multi-use trail which traverses the state. Florida is no exception. The Florida Trail extends over 1400 miles from the Everglades to the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola and north to the Alabama state line. This is a work in progress as much of the proposed trail is not actually on the ground yet. Neither is it a truly linear trail; it makes several loops in various areas of the state. There is one loop around Lake Okeechobee and another which roughly encircles central Florida. Much of the northern portion of this central Florida loop is within driving distance for us while we’re at Silver Springs. The Florida Trail has the distinction of being named a National Scenic Trail, one of only eight in the country.
Like most long distance trails, the Florida Trial incorporates other trails along its path. Using existing trail is very helpful in getting a new trail on the ground. Here in Marion County, the Florida Trail takes advantage of the Marion County Greenway system and the Cross Florida Greenway. A hiker can access the Florida Trail any place the trail crosses a road and often the trail association will put up an information kiosk and provide a small area for parking.
Although the word “swamp” appears in the name of this section, the trail is generally dry. Dry that is unless there have been recent heavy rains. Even though it has been two days since the downpours, there were still several large areas of water on the trail. It was somewhat unfortunate that we saw a snake in one of the first puddles we crossed. I also had a sharp eye out for alligators. We mustered our courage and continued on for the full 2.5 miles then turned around and wadded back through all those puddles again.
Tomorrow will be a house cleaning day. We will try to get in a walk around the neighborhood, if the rains hold off in the morning.
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