Alligators

Q: Should I worry about alligators?
A: Only if you're afraid of them. Yes, they do exist. Yes, you'll see them along the trail. But we've had no reports of alligator attacks on hikers. Any alligator in the wild will perceive you as a threat and rush away. Unless, of course, you're bending over a creek or canal at dusk or dawn, or swimming in their habitat, in which case they might mistake you for prey. Be careful when and where you filter your water. 

Building Fires

Q: Can I build fires for cooking?
A: Carry a backpacking stove to cook your meals. Don't rely on fires. Not only is it more convenient and easier in wet weather, it minimizes your impact on the land around your camp. Campfires are not allowed at all along some sections of the Trail and may be temporarily banned in other areas during periods of high fire danger. When you can build a fire, keep it small. Use only pre-existing fire rings or build a leave-no-trace fire on a deep sandy base. 

Clothing 

Q: What clothing is required?
A: Rain protection is a must and layering is the rule for clothing. Layered synthetic clothing will allow you to regulate your body temperature on those days that start with finding your water bottle frozen solid and end with you basking in semi-tropical heat. 

Essentials

Q: What should I carry on a hike?
A: To be prepared for most contingencies while hiking, authorities recommend that any hiking trip include these "essentials."

Map and compass
Water (and some means to treat water from streams)
Warm clothing and rain gear
Extra food
First-aid kit
Whistle (three blasts is the international call for help)
Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb)
Sharp knife
Fire starter and waterproof matches 

First Aid

Q: What about first aid?
A: Read up on the following topics to be prepared.

Blisters
Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
Hypothermia
Sunburn
Lyme disease 

Physical Demands

Q: What are the greatest physical demands of this trail? It seems the elevation gain-loss would not be signifcant.
A: Slogging through marl mud and deep water in Big Cypress; hiking the 8-miles of swamp forest in Bradwell Bay; miles of rough uneven terrain (limerock and grass) on the South Florida dike systems we use, and soft sand in scrub habitats like parts of the Ocala National Forest.  No climbing, but still physically demanding. 

Water

Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: All water in Florida should be treated unless identified as potable by signs. You must filter, boil or chemically treat all surface water. Particular care should be taken within the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. At high tide the surface water within St. Marks is brackish, being infused with seawater. 

Weather

Q: What's the weather like?
A: While Florida winters are very moderate compared to the rest of the United States, we do get fronts that come through during the winter that can cause the temperature to drop below freezing in a matter of hours. Fortunately, such weather usually doesn’t stay with us for more than a few days. Be prepared for temperatures ranging from 20 degrees to 80 degrees during this winter hiking season.  Summer hiking can be very hot, especially if there is no shade.  It is crucial to wear a hat and lightweight clothing to protect you from the sun and bring plenty of water to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Summer is also a time for thunderstorms.  Florida has some of the most violent storms in the world.  Be prepared to take cover if you see one approaching to avoid dangerous lightning strikes.