The state of Florida is the perfect place for hiking and enjoying the wilderness and wildlife. Here is a selection of trails for your enjoyment

Rock Springs...famous home of the Florida Black Bear. Over 12,000 acres of wilderness with more than 20 miles of hiking trails. If hiking is not for you try cycling, horse riding or go camping, overnight stays are allowed . The park also has several sights of historic interest including the civil war graveyard.

This trail at Loxahatchee Reserve is suitable for cyclists and hikers. The park itself covers nearly 30,000 acres and has a beautiful combination of marshland and pine flatwoods. Trails in the park range from 3-6 miles and are also used for horseriding.

The St. Francis trail is a must as it winds from the open vegetable fields past the St. Johns River plain and down into the town of St. Francis (now a ruin). From here you will continue on to the Alexander Springs Wilderness area.

If you are looking for a truly scenic route try the trail at the Ocala National Forest. Here you will trek through a changing landscape as the land changes from lucious forests with plant life galore to scrubland with large sandy hills. Many lakes & streams can be found in the area, so take you bathing suit and enjoy refreshing swim after your days walking.

Myakka River State Park in Saraosta has over 35 miles of looping hiking trails with campsites throughout. The trails are excellent as there is something to suit all ages. Wildlife is also abundant in this park and the river can provide an enjoyable days freshwater fishing.

Here are a few State parks with camping facilities:

St. George Island State Park, St. George Island, Florida. Primitive campsites can be found at the end of the Gap Point trail, simply follow the 2.5 mile hiking trail from the bay through the flatwood forest. Full facility camping is also available if required. Relax on the white sandy beaches, go swimming, fishing or just enjoy the sun.

Cayo Costa State Park, Boca Grande, Florida. Located 12 miles west of Cape Coral this barrier island is the place to be. The island is packed with exotic vegetation and trails leading to a selection of camping grounds.

Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales. This park offers the best fishing in the state as it is bordered by the Rosalie, Tiger and Lake Kissimmee. This park has over 13 miles of hiking trail 60 full facility campsites and 2 primitive sites are also available for those of you wishing to pitch a tent. There are no facilities on the latter sites, so you must ensure that you have plenty of bottled water with you.