Parks & Forests

Articles and photos about unique Florida state parks, national parks and wildlife refuges, state and national forests, featuring unique opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping, RV camping, fishing, paddling, hiking, biking, bicycling and beaches.

Parks & Forests, Springs

Get your feet wet in these 19 cool Florida springs

by Bob Rountree and Bonnie Gross

Florida Springs where you can swim, snorkel and dive.

Beaches, Parks & Forests, Southeast Florida

Discover Hobe Sound’s ‘secret’ wild beach and wildlife refuge

by Bonnie Gross

Secret beaches are the stuff of vacation dreams. But I found one — more than 5 miles of wild, broad unspoiled sandy shore, lined with thick native vegetation and without a condo or T-shirt shop in sight.

The anhinga is one of nearly 260 species of birds in the refuge.

Birding, Everglades, Kayak & Canoe, Parks & Forests, Southeast Florida

Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge: Window to the Everglades

by Bob Rountree

BOYNTON BEACH — About 260 species of birds and waterfowl find their way here throughout the year, and you can find them by hiking, biking or paddling the canoe trail.

Central Florida, Kayak & Canoe, Parks & Forests

Buster Island Loop: Challenging kayak trail circles Lake Kissimmee State Park

by Bonnie Gross

It’s rare in Florida to find a loop trail for kayaks and this one, with three lakes, two creeks and a canal, is a challenge. The 11-mile trail circles the state park.

Family tent campground at the Dupuis Wildlife Management Area

Camping, Parks & Forests

Dupuis Wildlife Management Area: Free camping, amazing trails, superior birding

by Bob Rountree

A prime destination for camping, hiking, off-road bicycling, fishing and limited canoeing, this vast 22,000-acre wildlife refuge is a classic South Florida wilderness with wet prairies and marshes, cypress domes, oakwood hammocks, pine flatlands and abundant wildlife.