Safety and Outdoor Ethics

Heat

In an environment where temperatures are frequently in the 90s, and long stretches of trail may provide no shade or little water, heat exhaustion is a major concern. It’s one of the reasons (along with summer rains and insect populations) that most Florida hikers only hit the trail between October and April.

Hydration

Even in these months, temperatures can soar, and if you’re not hydrated, heat exhaustion will set in. Listen to the feedback from your body. If you can’t quench your thirst (or you don’t feel thirsty) and you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or chilled despite the heat, you’re in the throes of heat exhaustion. Stop hiking immediately. Rest in the shade, if any is available. Drink water. Soak a bandana with water and cover your head with it. Water sources are pointed out on all Florida Trail maps, but keep in mind that some non-potable sources may only be available seasonally.

Sun Exposure

To avoid sunburn, prevention is the key. Wear a hat, preferably a wide-brimmed one, and loose lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs. If your arms or legs are bare, slather on the sunscreen. Wear a wet bandana around your neck or over your head to keep yourself cool. On hot days, always hit the trail at daybreak and try to be done hiking before noon. And don’t let yourself become dehydrated. Carry extra water if you need to, but do whatever it takes to keep hydrated!

From small-game to big-game hunting, the National Forests in Florida offer something for everyone. 

Hunters must following rules and regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). In addition, each national forest has different rules. Be sure to check the hunting regulations for the specific land management agency that a trail segment runs through.

Apalachicola National Forest

Most of the Apalachicola is a Florida wildlife management area (WMA). Hunting seasons, permits, limits and other rules are posted on the FWC website at Apalachicola WMA Brochure Detail.

Ocala National Forest

The FWC also manages the Ocala WMA. Please remember to get a valid hunting license and follow all regulations outlined by the FWC.

Hunt camps are available only during hunting season and require a special permit. Farles Lake, Clay Lake and South Tower Hunt Camps are closed.

Osceola National Forest

Hunting is very popular in the Osceola National Forest. General gun season runs from mid-November to early January. During that time all camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground. Dates are updated every year in the FWC WMA brochure for the Osceola National Forest.

Please note, Florida has unpredictable weather and environmental conditions such as storms and wildfires. Sudden closures or trail notices may not be immediately reflected on the FTA website, especially after severe storms. As an important part of planning your hike, be sure to check the weather and visit the website of the land managing agency for the section you to plan to hike. Land managing agency contacts can be found here.

Hurricanes

Hurricane season in Florida lasts from June 1st to November 30th, however storms can still fall outside this period. Always be sure to check for trail closures after a hurricane has come through, as there may be severe damage and may cause the trail to be temporarily closed. 

Lightning

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, lightning accounted for nearly half of all weather-related deaths in Florida for the past four decades. Central Florida, the “Lightning Capital of the United States,” has the highest number of lightning-related fatalities in the country. Always be cautious if thunder clouds are rolling in and if lightning appears, get off the trail or take shelter in a ditch or shrubby area. 

Wildland Fire

Wildland fires are a force of nature that can be nearly as impossible to prevent, and as difficult to control, as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.

Wildland fire can be a friend and a foe. In the right place at the right time, wildland fire can create many environmental benefits, such as reducing grass, brush and trees that can fuel large and severe wildfires and improving wildlife habitat. In the wrong place at the wrong time, wildfires can wreak havoc, threatening lives, homes, communities and natural and cultural resources.

The Forest Service has been managing wildland fire on national forests and grasslands for more than 100 years. But the Forest Service doesn’t – and can’t – do it alone. Instead, the agency works closely with other federal, tribal, state and local partners. 

Here in Florida, one of our most important tools to prevent wildland fires and promote forest restoration is prescribed fire. 

Prescribed Fire

Prescribed fire is a planned fire used to meet management objectives.

• Reduces hazardous fuels, protecting human communities from extreme fires;
• Minimizes the spread of pest insects and disease;
• Removes unwanted species that threaten species native to an ecosystem;
• Provides forage for game;
• Improves habitat for threatened and endangered species;
• Recycles nutrients back to the soil; and
• Promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers and other plants.

The Forest Service manages prescribed fires and even some wildfires to benefit natural resources and reduce the risk of unwanted wildfires in the future. The agency also uses hand tools and machines to thin overgrown sites in preparation for the eventual return of fire.

Please be aware most prescribed fires in Florida are conducted in winter and early spring.

Bear Safety

Interactions between campers and Florida black bears are rising. Learn how to store food properly and help keep the bears where they belong.

When visiting the National Forests in Florida, it is important to “Be Bear Aware” by taking appropriate safety precautions. We can avoid conflicts with bears by never approaching or feeding them. Human behavior plays a significant role in the behavior of bears.

Attractants include anything having an odor that may attract bears, such as food, beverages, cooking grease, toothpaste, toiletries, soap, game meat, pet food, livestock feed and garbage. Ways to store food properly:

• Store all attractants inside an approved bear-resistant container.
• Keep your food inside a hard-topped vehicle.
• Hang all attractants at least 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from any vertical support.
• Discard all attractants in provided bear-resistant trash receptacles.
• DO NOT burn or bury any attractants and take out what you bring in.

How to Avoid Attracting Bears

• Keep a clean site by properly disposing of food scraps and garbage.
• Do not leave food or garbage inside fire rings, grills or around your site.
• Pack out trash; do not bury it.
• Never store food in your tent.
• If a bear approaches you, move away slowly and get into a vehicle or secure area.
• Make noise to avoid surprising a bear.
• Never approach a bear or other wild animal.
• Watch for bear signs: scat, claw marks, digging, logs or stumps torn apart, etc.
• Carry EPA registered bear pepper spray.

Learn more here.