The Florida Trail is a 1,500 mile long trail that runs from Big Cypress National Preserve here in South Florida to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the western end of Florida’s panhandle. But there is one section of the Florida Hiking Trail that stands out above the rest when it comes to it's scenic views.
A new study conducted by the outdoor clothing brand KÜHL has revealed the most breathtaking US hiking trails, where outdoor enthusiasts won’t just enjoy a hike, but also an Instagram worthy view. Coming in at number 1 was the Skyline Trail at Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma. It's an 8.6 mile trail with stunning views and an amazing waterfall. After that, in second place is the 5.6-mile long section of the Florida Trail at Little Big Econ State Forest less than an hour from Orlando.
What makes this Florida Hiking Trail so special?
Visitors have remarked that the trails at Little Big Econ State Forest are very well maintained with lots of bridges and a scenic river. There's great shade and much of the trails are near water, which means its likely you'll see wildlife, and of course - gators. It's best to keep your distance.
The All Trails website lists 21 different trails you can explore, with their favorites being the 10 mile Little Big River, Digbat, Ditch Of Doom and Flagler Trail. The Ditch of Doom being a 1 mile downhill mountain bike trail. Love the name.
Aside from hiking and mountain biking trails, there's also equestrian and paddling trails.
The trail mentioned as the second most scenic in the country is the Florida Scenic Trail portion. A good starting point for this Florida hiking trail is the Barr Street Trailhead, then head east to enjoy the views of the Econlockhatchee River and head towards the bridge. Or south, if it suits you.
The trail starts in mowed grass, but it gets soggy in the shady areas. You'll hike through a variety of wooded areas, to marshy plains, and wooden bridges. You may even see some signs of an old abandoned railroad as the Flagler Trail is built on the ruins of the old Florida East Coast Railway. Along the way, just enjoy the beauty of nature. Dress appropriately and above all else: Bug spray. Ever seen an episode of Naked and Afraid after they been in the jungle for a day? It can be like that.
And that's what makes this Florida hiking trail the second most scenic in the country.
Florida is absolutely amazing that we have Disney World and Universal Orlando with all of their attractions, and then just an hour away - there's this. More on the Little Big Econ State Forest can be found here. With a 1,500 mile trail, there's lots to explore in Florida. Pick a spot and get to exploring. Here's where you'll find the trailheads.
Florida Has 3 Of The Top 10 Bass Fishing Lakes In The Country
The state of Florida continues to show as a top destination for fishing in the latest "Top 10 Best Bass Lakes of 2023." The annual rankings come from the highly regarded Bassmaster. Theyshow that when it comes to bass fishing lakes, Florida is a clear choice. And with winter approaching in the north, many will be flocking down here to Florida to fish.
In a press release, Roger Young, FWC Executive Director stated, “We take a tremendous amount of pride in managing our freshwater fisheries. The recognition of multiple Florida waterbodies in the Best Bass Lakes is a testament to our commitment to preserve the well-being of our aquatic ecosystems while promoting recreational fishing in Florida,”
Fishing is a big part of the Florida lifestyle. Whether you're out in the gulf fishing for grouper, or just passing the time at the retention pond at your Fort Myers condo. People here love to fish. But sometimes you want to hit a lake and do some bass fishing. Fortunately for us, 3 of the top 10 lakes in the U.S. for catching bass are right here in Florida.
If you're up for a road trip, number one on the Bassmaster list is the O.H. Ivie Lake. The lake is a reservoir on the Colorado and Concho Rivers, 55 miles east of San Angelo, Texas. The reservoir was formed when a dam was built in 1990. They're seeing a lot of double digit bass being pulled from there this year. Some of these spots will be best if you wait until spring. Do your research, but here's some ideas to get you started.
Here's the Florida lakes that made the top 10.
5. Fellsmere Reservoir
Sometimes known as Headwaters Lake or Lake Egan, this is a 10,000-acre manmade lake in Indian River county. This place was made to be a bass fishing lake with underwater features and am ideal habitat. Recommended lures are topwater lures and weedless soft plastic jerkbaits or stickbaits. When the lake was originally flooded, it was stocked with 1,000,000 Florida bass.
8. Orange Lake
This lake is 20 miles southeast of Gainesville. A lot of vegetation on this lake, making some areas inaccessible. The deeper areas are good fishing for largemouth bass. This lake also features a handicap-accessible pier with a fish attractor to provide for good fishing.
10. Lake Okeechobee
In the Seminole language, this literally means 'big water'. Because Lake O is so heavily affected by rainfall, it's levels vary. The current restriction "For largemouth bass only one may be 16 inches or longer in total length per angler per day, with no minimum length limit. The bag limit remains the same, at five." Because the releases of Lake O always make negative headlines here in SWFL, it's easy to forget that it's a really good spot for bass fishing.
Some Florida lakes that just missed the top 10.
Lake Tohopekaliga
Lake Toho is an 18,810-acre lake located southeast of the city of Kissimmee. The FWC has installed fish attractors, so check here for locations of the best spots.
Lake Seminole
A reservoir at the juncture of the Florida, Georgia, and Alabama state lines. 80% of this lake is in Georgia, but Florida fishers can fish up to an imaginary line. More details on that here. Beautiful place.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid has 27 freshwater lakes. Cool small town. I like it because it's not too far from here. My neighbor has a place on one of those lakes and it's a really nice change of pace from Southwest Florida.
Lake Panasoffkee
This place is more well known for it's trails, but four spring-fed creeks enter the lake which provides for some solid bass fishing. Bass as big as 8 pound on up to double digits. Just to the northwest of Orlando.
Lake Istokpoga
Lake Istokpoga is five miles northeast of Lake Placid. There's fishing resorts on the lake with accomadations. Excellent largemouth bass fishing can be done from the bank near the canal.
Lake Rousseau
West of Ocala, this is a man made reservoir on the Withlacoochee River. A real old Florida feel out here. You might even see a manatee.
Rodman Reservoir
This one comes as a recommendation from Captain Debbie Hanson, host of ESPN Reel Talk Radio. This man made lake is a premier largemouth bass fishery located in Putnam County in Northeast Florida. North of Ocala.
