Florida Trail / Ocean to Lake Trail

It only takes two to make a great outdoor event!

The service road was washed out 2 miles ahead of the planned trailhead start point . We made some calculations & decided to hike in the 2 miles & take an easterly route for a wonderful 3 mile out and back on the Ocean to Lake Trail in the other direction. [The algae bloom that basically shutdown the coastal areas was not a factor. The army corp of engineers released "nutrient" heavy water which caused a massive & toxic algae bloom along the coast. The inland wetlands where we were was unaffected]. So the 7 mile west & loop back [14 miler] became a 3 mile east and back for 10 miles total.

No gators spotted but we saw an otter mom & her babiies. (We also saw some 4-wheeler guys in pickups. They had to rescue one of their buddies who was stuck back at the washout. Great to see male bonding in action.)

92 deg. +. Partial cloud cover kept the heat down. Water on the trail was cool in the morning. Lukewarm on the way back. But we got a later than planned start. 10 miles. 6 hours plus 1/2 hour for lunch.

The Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) is 1 of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the country, and 1 of 3 contained entirely within a single state. This hike is a 7 mile segment of the Ocean to Lake Trail - technically a side trail of the (FNST) - which runs from Hobe Sound on the ocean to Lake Okeechobee - 63 miles inland. We will take a side trail & service road back to make a ~14 mile loop.

Swamplands, pine flatwoods, scrub, and saw palmetto are frequently seen on the southern portions of the FNST.  Some of the common types of wildlife seen in this region include: alligators, cattle, panthers, Florida black bears, and many different bird species. Great opportunity to see the Seminole lands before the casinos :). Great picture taking and quiet wilderness.

GOOD - LIGHTWEIGHT - hiking shoes & extra socks. You will hike through extended water sections up to thigh deep and sections of wet mud. Shoes should be light & sturdy & fit snuggly. NO PETS. Bring bugspray & sun block. Although I've been hiking segments this May-June - bugs have not been an issue. Many portions of the trail are shaded, others are open and lots of sun. WATER - 2 liters recommended. Water available along the hike but needs treatment filters or purifying tablets. Since it is June, water will be very important. I freeze 2 1 liter bottles & put in the fridge the night before & have cold water most of the day. I've found a lite lunch - a sandwich & small snacks adequate for the estimated 6+ hours from start to finish.

We will pickup the trail insde J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area on South Grade Rd at milepost 40.7 (E-W) of the Ocean to Lake Trail (about 3 miles from the main entrance to J.W. Corbett W.M.A.) then hike west 7 miles to Dupuis Reserve boundary - then back along trail #4 inside J.W. Corbett W.M.A. to South Grade Rd.

I'm recommending a meet-up at 7AM at the main gate to J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. It will take 30-60 minutes to drive to the trailhead and get going & to get most of the hike in before the midday heat.

I'm using moderate to strenuous primarily for the heat & the water & mud sections. No elevation changes but the south Florida heat is draining.