Remember how fun it was to play in the mud as a kid? Well, you’ll rediscover that pleasure along some segments of the FT. Expect your hiking speed to decrease dramatically during swamp crossings.

To safely cross a swamp, bring along a stout hiking stick (wood or bamboo work best, as they can be pulled back out of thick mud without harm to the stick) to feel out each step before putting your foot down. Although you’re looking down a lot, watch out for the next blaze so you don’t get lost—it’s far too easy to lose the trail in hydric hammocks, where every tree and every gap between trees looks the same.

Remember that hiking boots built to keep water out will also keep water in when it spills over the top of the shoe. Consider wearing fast-drying nylon pants and bring an extra pair of socks or two.