"This book is a must for Florida hikers. It will keep me on the trail for years!"--Johnny Molloy, author of Beach and Coastal Camping in Florida (UPF) and From the Swamp to the Keys: A Paddle through Florida History (UPF)

"Sandra Friend takes us on a brief tour of discovery of our amazing state, a land of rolling hills, forests, lakes, swamps, and yes, even local deserts. She shows how easy it can be to access Florida's special world with walks, hikes, and multi-day backpacking trips where the environment can change abruptly with only a difference of inches in elevation."--Warren Resen, Outdoor Florida

Hikers in the Sunshine State may find themselves less than elevationally challenged, but what Florida trails lack in altitude, they make up for in habitat diversity. More than 80 different natural communities range across the state, from tropical gumbo limbo forests to open prairies and sand dunes, and a single brief hike can encompass any number of these environments.

Avid hiker and author Sandra Friend presents the complete guide to over 500 hiking trails spread across Florida. These trails cover 2,273 miles, including portions of the 1,400-mile Florida Trail, a designated National Scenic Trail that is the state's premier hiking destination. For each trail, a concise one-page listing describes trek highlights and provides pertinent information on trail length, logistics, sources of additional maps, and directions to the trailhead (with GPS coordinates for many). Organized by region for immediately accessible information, this guide is a user-friendly trail companion for beginners and advanced hikers alike.

Sandra Friend is an active volunteer with the Florida Trail Association and a member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association.

No Sample Chapter Available

Awards
Second Place, Florida Outdoor Writers Association Excellence in Craft Award - 2006

"A guidebook that activity leaders will love."
--Footprint

"Friend provides a general prep that will serve remedial reminders for experienced hikers or as a crash course in necessities for novices." "Friend chooses to let nature speak for itself or for walkers to discover nature's voice on their own."
--Ocala Star-Banner

"If your idea of a vacation in Florida has more to do with mangroves than Mickey Mouse or Miami, check out the "Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State.""
--Hartford Courant (CT)

"[a] treasure trove of trail trekking" "This book will greatly simplify anyone's search for the trail less traveled." "With the 'Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State,' you won't have any difficulty choosing or finding the trail upon which you can celebrate Florida Trails Hiking Month every day of the year."
--Tampa Tribune

:full of helpful information for the hiker"
--Deland-Deltona Beacon

A trail-by-trail guide to hiking and walking opportunities in Florida…a well-done guide, easy to use and inclusive.
--Southeastern Naturalist