O’Leno State Park: Hiking, Camping, Biking and more!

O’Leno State Park is located on the Santa Fe river, and was one of Florida’s first state parks.  O’Leno was constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and much of their work can still be seen around the park, including a recreation hall, and a suspension bridge that crosses the Santa Fe river. O’Leno offers many activities …

Fossilized Florida: A Guide to Finding Fossils in Florida’s Creeks

In North Florida, you’re never far from a fresh water creek. This is a lucky thing for those interested in archaeology and paleontology, as these creeks are some of the best places to find fossils, most notably shark teeth, ray teeth, and other bits and pieces of the fossil record.  Florida is a great place to find these fossils due to …

Nature Coast State Trail Part 3: Fanning Springs to Trenton

Part 1: Fanning Springs to Cross City Part 2: Fanning Springs to Chiefland The Nature Coast State trail is a 32 mile trail that runs through Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy counties.  For casual bikers, the trail is easily divided into three shorter pieces.  The third and final chunk of the trail is a 7 mile …

Nature Coast State Trail Part 2: Fanning Springs to Chiefland

Part 1: Fanning Springs to Cross City The Nature Coast State Trail follows the track of a former railroad, and the 32 mile trail can be divided up into three separate mini-trails perfect for casual bikers and hikers.  Part one of this series covers the 12 mile track from Fanning Springs to Cross City and can …

The Nature Coast State Trail, Part 1: Fanning Springs to Cross City

In the late part of the fall, the weather in North Florida becomes perfect for hiking and biking.  The temperature stays mild, and rainy days are few and far between.  The Nature Coast State Trail, formerly known as the Nature Coast Greenway, is a 32 mile trail that winds its way through Gilchrist, Dixie, and Levy …

Post-Thanksgiving Family Fun: The Gainesville-Hawthorne trail

Thanksgiving, a day of indulgence, a huge feast with friends and family where the average American eats nearly three times as much as they normally would.  The day before is usually spent in half-starved anticipation, and the day after is usually spent rolling around in regret and thinking that perhaps that extra serving of sweet-potato casserole wasn’t …