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Take a hike

By DAVID A. BROWN
Published January 20, 2007

Notwithstanding our warmer-than-normal weather, this is a great time of year for outdoor activities. The Nature Coast abounds in pristine habitats rich with recreational potential. Some pursuits require more skill and equipment than others, but don't let that keep you from enjoying the fresh air, rustling leaves and chirping birds.

If you're looking for a way to immerse yourself in nature with little to no startup costs and a soft learning curve, try hiking. February is Florida Hiking Trails Month, but if that's not reason enough to lace up your boots, consider the versatility.

Hiking easily integrates into camping, fishing, hunting and bird watching. Sometimes you hike to get somewhere. Sometimes you hike to see something. Sometimes you hike just to stretch your legs.

Based in Ocala, Sandy Friend of the Florida Trail Association said, "Hiking naturally goes with everything outdoors. If you're bird watching or hunting, it's a slow and careful hike. If you're walking to your favorite fishing hole or picnic spot, it may be a brisk hike. It's a walk in the woods, a perfect adjunct to any outdoor activity."

Scenery varies from damp to dry, but throughout the Nature Coast, you'd have to hike blindfolded to miss a fascinating array of flora and fauna. Friend described the general attraction of trail hiking as "getting back to nature."

"Some folks hike to explore, others for the health of it, but virtually everyone who hikes is out there in the woods because they want to be," she said. "It's a place for quiet contemplation, a getaway from everyday stress."

The right hike

Depending on where you walk, a trail may take you deep into the thickest of Florida forests and swamps, while others allow you to park near the trail head and walk an easy loop. An honest evaluation of your experience level, physical fitness and time constraints will facilitate a prudent choice.

"The hike you take varies greatly according to you, your abilities and your interests with some influence by the time of year and the time you have available to hike," Friend said. "A lot of folks assume that because Florida has no mountains, hiking here is easy. But it isn't."

Hikers should always carry sunscreen, insect repellant, snacks and water. Comfortable shoes are essential and lightweight, quick-drying clothing ensure continued comfort. Also, keep a rain poncho in your day pack, just in case.

Maps, compass and a handheld GPS prove invaluable for lengthy sojourns into unfamiliar territory. And as Friend notes, paying attention to surroundings is the best safeguard against disorientation.

"Always let someone know where you're going and when you plan to be back. Carry more than enough water for the hike," Friend said.

Not everyone you encounter along the trail will be as nice as your fellow hikers, so Friend offers this advice: "Shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate hiking gear in Florida unless you want to be a buffet for chiggers and ticks."

Where to go

Technically, you can hike through any public land. But unless you're good with the compass and possess at least moderate outdoor skills, random marches into "the woods" can lead to unpleasant experiences, especially if you run out of water and/or daylight.

Friend offers these suggestions for Nature Coast hikes.

GREEN SWAMP WEST FOOT PATH: Twenty-seven miles of trail connecting to the Richloam hiking trail in the north and to the Green Swamp east hiking trails in the south. Access from Dade City is via River Road to Ranch Road next to the Withlacoochee River.

CROOM HIKING TRAIL: Twenty-seven miles long, divided into three connected loops within the Croom tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. The main part of the trail is on the west side of the Withlacoochee River. From Interstate 75, head east on SR-50 for one mile and turn north on Croom-Rital Road.

CITRUS HIKING TRAIL: Four connected loop trails totaling about 41 miles. Fifteen miles north of Brooksville and southwest of Inverness. Access trailheads through the Mutual Mine Recreation Area or the Holder Mine Recreation Area.

Fellow hikers

If you're looking for a hiking buddy or if hands-on volunteer opportunities interest you, check out the Florida Trail Association at (www.floridatrail.org). Members belong to local chapters, which gather for monthly meetings and plan hikes, paddling, birding and backpacking trips. Janice Meeks ((813) 920-0702; j.meeks@gte.net) heads up the local chapter.

"The Florida Trail Association offers camaraderie for folks who love to be outdoors," Friend said. "You end up with an extended family of close friends who'll hit the trail with you at the drop of a hat, a very important consideration if you prefer not to hike alone."

[Last modified January 19, 2007, 23:34:31]