Bike & Hike

Articles and photos about bicycling trails, bike trails, rail trails, mountain bike trails, off-road cycling and cycling opportunities throughout the state of Florida.

Bike & Hike, Florida Keys, Southeast Florida

Florida bike trails: Our favorites in South Florida and statewide

by Bonnie Gross

South Florida bike trails offer great scenery and local flavor. From the Keys to Lake Okeechobee, here are nine great bike trails that we’ve tried and recommend. How many have you ridden?

Bike & Hike, Central Florida, Kayak & Canoe

Outdoor adventures near Orlando theme parks: See the real Florida when visiting Disney

by Bonnie Gross

We know what the big draw is in Orlando, and it’s not nature. But it should be! Even if your main destination is a theme park, here are eight natural experiences and places that would make memorable additions to a visit to Central Florida

Night sky at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve.

Bike & Hike, Birding, Central Florida, Photography

Shooting for the stars at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve

by Bob Rountree

Amateur astronomers love this place in the heart of Florida’s cow country. With 54,000 acres of wide-open prairie 25 miles from the nearest town, light pollution does not exist, making the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve one of a few destinations in Florida for stargazing under a pure night sky. The campground set aside for astronomers is known as “the red light district.”

The Driftwood Inn overlooking the Atlantic in Vero Beach. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

Beaches, Bike & Hike, Craft Beer, Historic, Lodging, Southeast Florida

Discovering 100-year-old Vero Beach, Driftwood Inn

by Bonnie Gross

This laid-back beach town isn’t famous, but it charms visitors with its funky Florida history, gorgeous beaches and a cute downtown with interesting restaurants and shops. In 2019, it celebrates its 100th birthday.

One hiking trail in Fakahatchee Strand takes you to this spot -- the boardwalk next to the "Fakahatchee Hilton." (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

Bike & Hike, Everglades, Kayak & Canoe, Southwest Florida

Fakahatchee Strand: Big, wild and great for Everglades hiking and kayaking

by Bonnie Gross

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park — the biggest state park in Florida — is a vast, wild place near Everglades City. Year after year, we drove right past, but there are three great reasons to spend time here. We’re glad we did.

The bridge over Big Creek at Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

Bike & Hike, Camping, Central Florida, Lodging

Lake Louisa: Nature near Orlando with great hiking and cabins

by Bonnie Gross

Lake Louisa State Park is a half hour from theme parks, but is a natural world with 20 miles of hiking trails and great cabins. Located on the east end of the vast Green Swamp, you’ll find wildlife, old citrus groves, hills, cypress swamps and forests.