Florida National Scenic Trail aims to connect 1,300 miles of trail through varied Florida ecosystems from Big Cypress National Preserve to Gulf Island Seashore. On the southern end, the trail begins in Big Cypress National Preserve located within the Big Cypress Swamp region of southern Florida. The Florida Trail then makes a ring around the 730 square mile Lake Okeechobee, the second largest freshwater lake in the United States, and an angler's paradise. Departing north of Lake Okeechobee, the Florida Trail winds through central Florida, to Tosohatchee State Reserve, through Ocala National Forest, through the forested woodlands and swamps of Osecola National Forest, follows the Suwannee River and passes through Apalachicola National Forest. Much of the Panhandle section of the trail, west of Apalachicola National Forest to its terminus in Gulf Islands National Seashore, is not finished. Until the trail is established, the pieces are connected with road walks.

• 1 - Big Cypress National Preserve -
• 2 - Lake Okeechobee -
• 3 - Kissimmee River -
• 4 - Ocala National Forest -
• 5 - Osceola National Forest -
• 6 - Suwannee River/Apalachicola -
• 7 - Northwestern Terminus -

• Hike through Big Cypress National Preserve and spend some time birding and wildlife viewing for such endangered animals as the Florida panther and wood stork.
• Join hikers in November for the Big "O" hike around Lake Okeechobee.
• Cool off by swimming in the Suwannee River on one of the beautiful sandy beaches.