Summer is not a good time to go hiking in Florida. Three reasons: heat, humidity and bugs.
Fall after the deer flies have stopped hatching, winter and spring before the deer flies hatch, are great times to enjoy the outdoors here.
We are lucky enough to live a couple of miles away from two state forest reserves. Blemore State Forest is new. It was donated to the Florida forest service only in 2008, and so far they have not made any hiking trails.
The network of old county roads and logging trails that criss-cross the thickly wooded tract are sign posted and provide adequate places to hike or ride on, though.
Etoniah Creek State Forest has been managed by the state for much longer, and has several hiking trails and a variety of terrain and flora, including pine forest, oak forest, and some open ground.
We had a great hike Thanksgiving weekend Sunday. The weather was perfect, and we took a circular route about 6 1/2 miles altogether. We didn't see any wildlife, but tracked three bears. Lots of deer, turkeys, wild boars, foxes and possums also live in the reserve.
Hunting season is in full swing, and we always make certain we are wearing bright colors so some half blind trigger happy hunter doesn't mistake us for wildlife.
