Take A Hike, Florida!

"The Florida Trail winds gently through the state from the Alabama pines to Everglades cypress and sawgrass. It is a footpath that brings tourist dollars to small towns, good health and recreation opportunities, an education about the Florida’s natural and cultural heritage, and conservation linkages for Florida wildlife.

The Florida Trail, recognized in Florida Statutes as “Florida’s statewide non-motorized trail," was designated by Congress as the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) and is one of only eight national scenic trails in the Nation.

The Florida Trail is an endangered trail. While much of the Florida Trail is on the ground, there are significant gaps to be closed. Florida Forever is the single best source of funding for the closing the gaps in the Florida Trail. In fact, Florida’s success in closing gaps in the Florida Trail using Florida Forever/P2000 was a primary reason why Congress appropriated $15.7 million for land acquisition for the Trail. Since 2000, Florida funded acquisitions by the state or water management districts has resulted in approximately 74 miles of trail and Federal acquisitions have added another 21+ miles.

With the slowdown in Florida’s real estate market comes a unique opportunity to acquire critically needed conservation lands, many of which will help close gaps in the Florida Trail. Gaps which otherwise would become permanent when growth and development rebounds.
-Florida Trail Association