As someone who has lived in Florida my entire life.. gators don't care how deep water is. We've had gators in 6 inches of water in ditches. Every body of water in Florida has had a Gator in it at some point.
Also a lifetime Floridian...I would not take for granted that alligators are afraid of you. They are powerful animals that run fast, mostly muscle, scaley body that's hard to the touch, extremely strong jaws. They will rip off limbs from adult humans if they are hungry. For those who don't know, they often drag you into the water and start the death roll. You'll drown before dying from their bite.
Not a Florida resident, but I have seen gators in quite shallow narrow ditches. Maybe it depends on the season or time of day or some just hang out in different places. Being European I tend to forget after a while that they could be there, and one day I was coming around a corner and a huge one was sitting in the sun on the trail, we scared each other witless. I was screaming and jumping back, gator rushed off into the water like lightning.
Used to cowboy camp til one dark night I was awakened by a cold nose pressed to my cheek - it was a raccoon! Freaked out a bit. Some yelling and flailing. Tents from then on. :-D
“And if you’re mad at me and wanna fight me because your Pee-Paw told you a story where he had a fight with a water moccasin…” You are just so delightfully Southern. 🤣
Important things about Florida. Winter months are usually the “dry” season. Rainy season starts in June and goes through early August. During winter months you hit the dew point at sundown and stay there until sunrise unless your temps are very cold. That makes for very wet nights. We had a tropical storm last fall that came after a couple of weeks of constant rain, which gave us very high water levels for a few months. Then the late spring became very dry. Humidity rarely drops below 60% regardless of temps. The land wants to overgrow and return to swamp so the effort to keep this trails clear is pretty extraordinary. I love that you “slow” hiked it. Another great short option is the Ocean to Lake trail that is only 62 miles.
As a native Floridian, you have bigger balls than me girl!! Please note alligator mating season when planning a hike like this. There are hundreds of stories of people that got bitten by alligators walking through water like this so just because she got lucky and had a good experience doesn’t mean someone else trying this especially during alligator meeting season might not be setting themselves up for disaster.
Hammocks can, if no trees are available, be very easy to set up as a tent, running a ridge line through the hammocks bug net, to trekking poles or anything else you care to "stick" in the ground, and guy lines from the poles to create opposing force. Also, to keep dry, using some sort of small footprint like 3mil poly droocloth, and a small tarp (sil-nylon, or possibly a military poncho to double as rain gear, or another sheet of drop cloth with knots tied in the ends to be able to tie it down).
Excellent video, Dixie. I've come across wildlife that statistically flees as they are truly out to protect themselves. Those that hold their ground are typically protecting their nest or eggs. Also, thank you for saying "Venomous" snakes as they are not "poisonous". :) The Florida Trail is a huge victory for you. Howdy from Houston, Dixie!
I love the fact that your Boyfriend had a DCF bag for his guitar. That was a nice touch. I was wondering what that was until he was playing it walking along the road. My hats off to him!
I’d rather go to jail than hike the FT, but I watched the whole video because Dixie is so knowledgeable AND I learned something about picaridin lotion! You’re a gem, Dixie.
Don't dangle over water...gators will grab a quick bite. And I soloed the FT just behind you most of the way...somehow finished just ahead of you when you went to your sister's graduation. And yeah, water is difficult on the FT.
I always enjoy the video after the hike which I like to call - the talk about the walk about. This one did not disappoint! Your research, experience and personality make your vlogs educational and entertaining. I have lived in central FL for 14 years. This spring season, in which you just hiked, was one of the best I’ve seen in my time here. I’m so glad that was the case for you.
Just FYI for anyone who is planning a hike on the FT, I trail Angel the Etoniah Forest and Goldhead (Mike Ross) area and can do others if needed and there is a Place to camp and chill out at a place called Tropical Toms in Etoniah so if you need more info let me know!!! Happy Trails!!!
I live in Florida and didn't know the Florida trail existed. I started the AT because of you so now I have to alternate section hiking the AT and the FT LOL! Gators aren't gonna mess with ya. The Mosquitos are more scary than snakes and gators down here.
Very convincing spokesperson for the FT. You have convinced me to put my primordial concerns behind and give the FT a second look. The biodiversity along the FT would be worth the experience. Thanks for bringing your expertise and experience into my life. Dixie is one of a kind!
Dixie, thank you so much for mentioning that permethrin is toxic to cats! That stuff is magic for repelling ticks, but it drives me crazy when folks don't mention how dangerous it can be for pets. Thank you!
After watching you hike at night in swamps with moccasins, all I can say is that I'm so glad you two are out of there! I can't believe you made it out unscathed. I thank a merciful God for your sake!
I live in Florida near the Green Swamp area and have hiked/biked some of the trails in that area. Florida has an amazing variety of wildlife. When hiking/biking we typically see gators, different types of snakes, otters, racoon, bobcat, hogs, deer, many types of turtles/tortoise, and many varieties of birds, including bald eagle. I've seen signs of cougar and black bear, but haven't seen them. The Florida hiking and biking trails and it's many branches are spread though out the state of Florida. I can definitely recommend the central Florida area for any hiking/biking.
This is a great overview of the FT! I have never through-hiked the whole thing despite living here my whole life and hiking many of the best sections. Thanks for covering our trail. I think the biggest obstacles for me doing this are the heat and the road walks. I have always walked the best parts of the trail in the good months. The through hike you got the worst of it, definitely!
Dixie " I was a little bit timid before starting my hiking the Florida trail knowing would be going through alligator territory" Me : "no f'ing way, I'm turning around and going home"
I truly enjoyed your FT journey. Yes, this trail isn’t as beautiful as the triple crown trails, I got a chance to see you interact with Florida residents (humans and lots of gators🙂) you made great memories, met great people along the way. Not every trail is going to be perfect, well marked, easy to follow, hiking is an adventure where we discover new things each day. Gators won’t mess with you unless you’re messing with them or you get too close to them.
The "florida panther" is just a subspecies of mountain lion. Mountain lion attacks are INCREDIBLY rare and really only happen when the animal is starved enough to be willing to risk an attack on an unknown animal (human) in case it might be food.
Hi Dixie thank you so much for putting out this information about our Florida Trail it is not a well known trail but it does have its own beauty. Not very many Floridians even know about the trail.
East Or West Around Lake Okeechobee? I Live In Palm Beach Florida Knowing The Area A Little I Would Say Choose West Because Pahokee Belle Glade Area Is On The East Side Of The Lake And Are Considered Some Of The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods. Where West Like Clewiston Is More A Country Hillbilly Type Cities or Towns. More Friendly Area By Far. Pahokee #16 Belle Glade #14 Of Most Dangerous Cities In All Of Florida With Florida City #1 Miami Area Being The Worst. With There Being #282 Total Cities In Florida.
Aligators, water moccasins are a concern. I am from the Sierra Mountains, we have rattlesnakes, mountain lions, bears, sasquatch, etc. Thanks for sharing this great information!
The beauty of Juniper Springs is if you take a short little hike up the boardwalk (≈¼mi), to the 'upper boil', Fern Hammock Springs... It's one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I live in the Orlando area, and I love the hiking through the Little Big Econ and the Charles Bronson State Forests. Orlando Wetlands Park, got featured a little bit in one of your videos is also a really unique place for a someone to spend a day watching wildlife, though I wouldn't call it 'hiking' per se. Awesome video Dixie, I loved the whole series of FT videos, and I'm glad that you've shared insight about the beauty and challenges of hiking in Florida, especially from a thru-hikers perspective. I hope over time I get less bewildered looks and comments like "You hike in Florida? Where?" Though I do, to some extent, enjoy telling folks about our beautiful state parks, forests, and natural areas to explore, and that FL is more than theme parks and over crowded beaches.
A lot of the trail does look very pretty and very interesting. I still don't know that I'd do any of it. There's so much of my home province of Ontario I haven't hiked yet. Like about 99.9% of it. There's A LOT! 😂 I do like the idea of kayaking on the Suwanee though. I could do a couple of days there maybe for a long weekend trip.
Me and my friend spent 4 days on suwannee in March. Gret time. Water was high and pushed us. Google Suwannee wilderness trail. Camping at the huts is free and that includes electricity, a ceiling fan and flush toilets...Bon Chance!
Great video! I feel a lot better knowing that, like most critters, alligators and cottonmouth snakes mostly want to avoid us if we allow them to. Wish it were the same for ticks and mosquitoes!
I wanted to share a quote by Robert Frost. He said "What I've learned about life can be summed up by 3 words. It goes on." Just like you've done Dixie on all your thru hikes. You are such an inspiration for us all!!
Located in urban Pensacola is the Jones Swamp Preserve..Here you can practice hiking in plenty of swampy trails.. If you are unsure about swamp terrain but interested in the FT you can come check it before taking on Big Cypress..Jones Swamp is Located 15 minutes from Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach.. So make a trip to the beach and come check out our trails..
I grew up in the Ozarks and when I was a boy I seen a water moccasin bite a little girl on the neck while we were swimming and she started seizing up and almost drowned. so they’re very dangerous and if you’re anywhere they are you need to be aware how dangerous they are you could die easily without help. The water moccasin was just swimming in the water we didn’t even see it
I know people say that cottonmouths won't agress at people, but I did see one once swim towards people several times. But it never "chased" anyone. It was scary to have it swim toward me, but it it didn't "attack" or keep coming, it turned and went the other way.
I agree with Hallie Hillton!:) When I finally get released from Trinka Davis Veteran's Village, Carrollton, GA, I'm going to visit my Brother, in Ft. Lauderdale, and when I'm done, I think that I'll try a small bit of the FL Trail! I can't do the whole thing, but at least I'll get a taste... I grew up in MN, but my Brother moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1998. Snakes bites are for sure a real thing! Semper Fidelis
Your alligator advice is absolutely spot on. And your snake comments are on target as well. Was a park ranger in south Florida for 20 years and still spend time outside. Water moccasins can be a problem if you are fishing as they want your fish. And it is always a good idea to watch where you step and what you step over. But either way, the alligators and snakes are not a reason to give up on a good hike.
Great video. Not as dedicated of a hiker. But a mile here or two miles there. A couple things I generally do/have 1. Good pair of waterproof boots. I don't hike through water higher than the boots. But they are rubber, comfortable and knee high. If I step on a snake, the boot can take the fangs, not my foot or ankle. 2. To each is own on this one, but I have my concealed carry and do bring my pistol. Wildlife, some random crazy person, or if worst case scenario and I get hurt and can't move, an additional signaling device.
consider: extra garments is pillow stuffing - save weight by combining a pillow case with extra linen/textiles - worst case is that you dont have much of a pillow sometimes, best case is that you had that extra garment or blanket when you needed it - a pillow case itself is an excellent survival item so bring extra pillow cases too! stuff them into each other! pillowcaseception!
I live in Florida but grew up in Northern Alabama. I am aware of stories, and I am aware of reality. I have accidentally touched water moccasins, once as a child in Alabama near a lake, and again I uncovered a nest next to my pool in Florida. I live near water but most people in Florida probably do. Water moccasins are all over the place and horror stories abound but none ever bit me, my children, or my husband. However, once in Alabama some friends and my sister drove out a distance, parked, and hiked in to a beautiful beach on Hurricaine Creek. We made the mistake of staying too late and sunset creeped up. We started back hiking down the stream when suddenly we noticed a couple of large water moccasins heading quickly toward us. We had to reverse and go the other direction in the stream as we watched several more large water moccasins join the first ones. These snakes literally lined up in a fully formed V-formation, and chased several of us down the stream for several miles. The darkness was almost completely on us and both sides of the creek were red clay angled straight up. I was scared and tired, so I wasn't hanging around anymore. I began climbing by digging my nails and fingers into the red clay, and digging footholds, then climbing My friends objected but I did not care. Soon my sister and friends saw I could scale the wall of clay on oneside, and they followed me up. I swear the story is true and I check periodically with those that were there to see if they remember what I remember. I had never heard of water moccasins chasing people aggressively or forming a V-formation with other snakes in water, but this story is 100% true.
Once as a kid not to go into the whole story I also had a moccasin chase me. Just recently camped in Osceola National Forest with my grandson and had gators try to surround us while camping on a “peninsula” reaching out into a swamp lake. Generally speaking none of these mammals act this way but it can happen so just be safe.
Try NexCare tape instead of moleskin to prevent blisters. It is smooth and spongy, easy to tear into the right shape, and can get wet and stay on. You can buy it at most larger grocery stores and pharmacies.
The Hubs and I were at Juniper Springs on June 11th. It was piping hot outside and I still only got in up to my knees! That water is CHILLY. I saw the Florida Trail marker and had to stop to take a picture because I knew that you had been there not that long ago. Doing a through hike is on my bucket list and your videos have been such an inspiration and education. I will say, around the Juniper Springs area at least, a lot of the boardwalk trails were closed/shelter houses were roped off/trails were poorly marked. Love me some hiking, so I was pretty disappointed in the upkeep, or rather lack thereof, compared to other places I've hiked and being a local to Hoosier National Forest, that's saying something. It seemed like every trail around Juniper Springs was closed off because of lack of maintenance.
I’m from Florida and I highly recommend carrying citronella candles in ocala the mosquitos are so bad you can see multiple trying to get through the big netting i light candles around my tent so when I go pee at night I don’t get TORE UP
duct tape is ok on skin, but particularly when the skin and tape are getting wet a lot, Leukotape is much better. It adheres to the skin much better, but is also easier to remove when you intend to. It does a great job of preventing blisters if you apply it to hot spots in time.
Great information about walking with Gators and snakes 😬. I would only do that if I had louds of chain metal on from head to toe 🤣. Really enjoyed watching. Steve from England 🇬🇧
Great info! Yeah, alligators really don't want to be around you (like you said there can be exceptions). Some that see humans more often can be less fearful, and some are just curious. I had one follow me and pull up next to me while I was out hiking (I was a safe distance away on shore, she was in the water), but she just sat there and looked. I took a few pics and moved along. I'd just be careful around any deep water, and/or water you can't see to the bottom of.
This is the definitive guide out there for the FT. The only thing I would add is that your main wildlife danger is probably from stray dogs. There were a few dog attacks including a bite which resulted in a pack being put to sleep this year. I'd swap Big Cypress and Ocala on the Tier List, other than that, as a SOBO this year I agree with pretty much everything Dixie said.
Lived in FL Panhandle my entire life and spend most free time on our local rivers. I am not a hot weather hiker. If you are considering kayaking, Eglin has some amazing creeks to paddle (Turkey Creek is my favorite on Eglin). Also the Suwannee is beautiful. We paddled from Fargo GA to the Gulf of Mexico this past October and it was the most amazing adventure of my life. We had a short time frame to finish it in (6 days) and I would love to go back and take more time in the future but I wouldn't trade that trip for anything.
At first when i saw you were doing the FT i wasn't overly interested. Although i was aware of it i just felt like it wouldn't have been as interesting to me as your other hikes. I kept seeing your videos in my feed and i enjoy your content so much that i said what the hell and started watching. I enjoyed it very much and realized how entertaining and informative your content is even if it's a trail i'm not interested in. Thank you so much for putting this video together to address people's concerns and questions about the Florida trail. I still don't think i'd want to hike it but enjoyed the series. Here in my part of Texas we have the Lone Star Trail and i've section hiked about 2/3rds of it but the window is short because of the heat/bugs/lack of water sources. Still a beautiful trail. You should definitely consider the Lone Star Trail when you're free but just like the Florida trail you'll want to do it in the winter.
Lol!!! I leave in Florida. EVERY TIME I go out hiking I’m on edge the hole time. It definitely depends on the weather. But I had to walk by multiple ones. And I just wanted to run. They did not care or swim away. I was so excited when I finished.
Ticks are silently the most dangerous thing on this list… stay safe Dixie! Also instead of pure sugar packs like crystal light for water there are a lot of electrolyte based singles that help keep you hydrated so you need to drink less (pedialyte, liquidIV etc) God Bless 🙏🏼
there are a couple of filters systems that will filter pesticides, Grayl Geopress and Berky Sport filter are 2 i know of. They also filter heavy metals.
Re. the Florida Panther: there are only a couple of hundred left in Florida. So far, in 2021 at least 14 of them died due to vehicle collisions. IF you see one you can count yourself the luckiest person on the planet.
I love Florida and have thought about doing this hike many times but it is such a "raw" trail. True survival and hard times on this trail. I haven't seen any fun times on this trail by hikers, just constant obstacles and set backs. I wish there was trail along the beach coasts all the way up the state. I feel like that would be so amazing!
One thing about water moccasins is that they can be seemingly inquisitive when it comes to small watercraft. I had one deliberately swim 3 feet away and stay parallel to my little kayak in a canal in the outer banks. It stayed next to me for about 40 yards or so. Scared the hell out of me. My father had a similar experience in his canoe in the Harpeth River in TN. The cotton mouth swam toward his canoe and then deliberately tracked his paddle, swimming closer to it each time he ended a j-stroke. My experience happened at night, his during the day. Both of us were fishing at the time which may have had something to do with it. Just some strange anecdotes. Food for thought.
truly impressed that you hiked the florida trial as the heat was intensifying for a florida summer. i live here and can barely stand more than a few hours in the heat- especially on those really humid days. props dixie!
If you're ever back down in Florida again, Torreya State Park (2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321) is a fantastic out & back, day hike. That goes for any Florida hikers as well. *Note* It was definitely the most trying hike I'd ever done in Florida.
👍 ! I have a fear of snakes from 30 years ago. Walking fence with my grandfather, blue racer chased him . He shot at the snake and me behind him. Double trauma lol. I'm getting better. Your pretty awesome. Keep up the vids please! 😉
Thank you for using your platform to address the Cottonmouth myth. I've been on that soap box for decades. And thank you for addressing the alligators. They are my FAVORITE animal in the world, I love photographing them, I get in the water with them to do it, I just love them. I loved this video all the way through. Thanks again.
I think much of the cotton-mouth lore comes from those who've had one drop in on them while they were boating/canoeing. They do like to climb branches over water and just, literally, hang. Like a turtle on a log, they drop into the water when disturbed, like when a boat suddenly appears right beneath them. From the person's perspective, the damned thing just jumped into the boat and went wild!
Skin so soft works for skeeters and ticks. I can't use stuff with deet in it and I think SSS works better anyway plus you get that silky smooth skin. Lived in Florida 62 years and the bugs have been thick this year. A lot of rain so pick a dry part of the trail if you are day or section hiking. Ocala NF is nice and mostly dry.
Fantastic job presenting information about alligators, snakes, and ticks when camping. This will be worth watching and sharing many times in the future. Thank you and happy trails.
I've seen gators in many ditches along roads and in shallow drainage ponds. The rule of thumb should be every large puddle or small ditch is a potential gator refuge. However, most gators will run from you.
I wanna hear you talk about the Florida Trail on some of my favorite backpacking podcasts. I don't really have time to watch TH-cam vids in the summer but I can listen to podcasts while I Paycheck work and Homestead work.
![เปิดใจ พี่ญา คนรุม หลังทัวร์ลง หนักสุดในชีวิต!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2-OJZRtclro/mqdefault.jpg)
As someone who has lived in Florida my entire life.. gators don't care how deep water is. We've had gators in 6 inches of water in ditches. Every body of water in Florida has had a Gator in it at some point.
yap even pools!
Also a lifetime Floridian...I would not take for granted that alligators are afraid of you. They are powerful animals that run fast, mostly muscle, scaley body that's hard to the touch, extremely strong jaws. They will rip off limbs from adult humans if they are hungry. For those who don't know, they often drag you into the water and start the death roll. You'll drown before dying from their bite.
Fl resident. Don’t trust alligators
Not a Florida resident, but I have seen gators in quite shallow narrow ditches. Maybe it depends on the season or time of day or some just hang out in different places. Being European I tend to forget after a while that they could be there, and one day I was coming around a corner and a huge one was sitting in the sun on the trail, we scared each other witless. I was screaming and jumping back, gator rushed off into the water like lightning.
@@elmtree33 big facts!!
peepah's great uncle billy, lol! we all have that friend.
I laughed aloud when she said that
I laughed too. Not a friend--family. OMG family!
Used to cowboy camp til one dark night I was awakened by a cold nose pressed to my cheek - it was a raccoon!
Freaked out a bit. Some yelling and flailing.
Tents from then on.
:-D
😂😂😂
🤣🦝👍
Pee around the perimeter of your campsite…
I bet the raccoon got a laugh out of it...😊
“And if you’re mad at me and wanna fight me because your Pee-Paw told you a story where he had a fight with a water moccasin…”
You are just so delightfully Southern. 🤣
If you're ever lost in the wild in Florida just remember that moss grows on the outside of the tree.
I usually just climb up the nearest mountain top and regain my bearings that way
@@GrieveCreations Ah yes, the famous Florida Gator-swamp, mountain tops.
😊😊😊😊😊
But is the tree on the east or west side of where you're standing ?
@@jckdnls9292 >>> Yes. 😊
The gators, cottonmouths, brown recluse and black widow spiders don't scare me.
But Florida Man scare the living hell outta me.
Important things about Florida. Winter months are usually the “dry” season. Rainy season starts in June and goes through early August. During winter months you hit the dew point at sundown and stay there until sunrise unless your temps are very cold. That makes for very wet nights. We had a tropical storm last fall that came after a couple of weeks of constant rain, which gave us very high water levels for a few months. Then the late spring became very dry. Humidity rarely drops below 60% regardless of temps. The land wants to overgrow and return to swamp so the effort to keep this trails clear is pretty extraordinary. I love that you “slow” hiked it. Another great short option is the Ocean to Lake trail that is only 62 miles.
As a native Floridian, you have bigger balls than me girl!! Please note alligator mating season when planning a hike like this. There are hundreds of stories of people that got bitten by alligators walking through water like this so just because she got lucky and had a good experience doesn’t mean someone else trying this especially during alligator meeting season might not be setting themselves up for disaster.
When is alligator mating season?
Hammocks can, if no trees are available, be very easy to set up as a tent, running a ridge line through the hammocks bug net, to trekking poles or anything else you care to "stick" in the ground, and guy lines from the poles to create opposing force. Also, to keep dry, using some sort of small footprint like 3mil poly droocloth, and a small tarp (sil-nylon, or possibly a military poncho to double as rain gear, or another sheet of drop cloth with knots tied in the ends to be able to tie it down).
Excellent video, Dixie. I've come across wildlife that statistically flees as they are truly out to protect themselves. Those that hold their ground are typically protecting their nest or eggs. Also, thank you for saying "Venomous" snakes as they are not "poisonous". :) The Florida Trail is a huge victory for you. Howdy from Houston, Dixie!
I love the fact that your Boyfriend had a DCF bag for his guitar. That was a nice touch. I was wondering what that was until he was playing it walking along the road. My hats off to him!
I’d rather go to jail than hike the FT, but I watched the whole video because Dixie is so knowledgeable AND I learned something about picaridin lotion! You’re a gem, Dixie.
Jail is easy, sleep and read all day.
Sleep...IF YOU DARE! ; )
Jail? You’re gonna hate Thursdays.
I laughed hard at this comment 🤣🤣🤣
That was funny. I would take the gators. Jail is awful.
Don't dangle over water...gators will grab a quick bite. And I soloed the FT just behind you most of the way...somehow finished just ahead of you when you went to your sister's graduation. And yeah, water is difficult on the FT.
Got it. Don't hide from the cops in a Florida canal like that one guy did.
It doesn't usually work out well for the guy hiding in a canal!!! 🐊
I always enjoy the video after the hike which I like to call - the talk about the walk about. This one did not disappoint! Your research, experience and personality make your vlogs educational and entertaining. I have lived in central FL for 14 years. This spring season, in which you just hiked, was one of the best I’ve seen in my time here. I’m so glad that was the case for you.
Just FYI for anyone who is planning a hike on the FT, I trail Angel the Etoniah Forest and Goldhead (Mike Ross) area and can do others if needed and there is a Place to camp and chill out at a place called Tropical Toms in Etoniah so if you need more info let me know!!! Happy Trails!!!
The sandhills ecosystem of Goldhead + Camp Blanding are one of my favorite. All that rain + yet there are cacti!
Most importantly, thank you @julieBaxter1740
I live in Florida and didn't know the Florida trail existed. I started the AT because of you so now I have to alternate section hiking the AT and the FT LOL! Gators aren't gonna mess with ya. The Mosquitos are more scary than snakes and gators down here.
Another swimmer attacked and killed by a gator this week !! " Yes they will mess with ya "
The skeeters are more scary than just about anything, except maybe those "no-see-um" blackflies. LOL
Very convincing spokesperson for the FT. You have convinced me to put my primordial concerns behind and give the FT a second look. The biodiversity along the FT would be worth the experience. Thanks for bringing your expertise and experience into my life. Dixie is one of a kind!
Dixie, thank you so much for mentioning that permethrin is toxic to cats! That stuff is magic for repelling ticks, but it drives me crazy when folks don't mention how dangerous it can be for pets. Thank you!
True about cats, but it is safe for dogs. Not sure about birds or other pets.
@@ricker76er it’s safe for dogs (and used widely in flea and tick treatments meant solely for dogs) not sure about the rest!
Is two or three states a wide enough berth to give the gators?
.... I’ll just stay on the other side of the Atlantic...
👍👍👍
They generally won’t bother you as long as you’re two or three feet away, so yeah
After watching you hike at night in swamps with moccasins, all I can say is that I'm so glad you two are out of there! I can't believe you made it out unscathed. I thank a merciful God for your sake!
LOL
I live in Florida near the Green Swamp area and have hiked/biked some of the trails in that area. Florida has an amazing variety of wildlife. When hiking/biking we typically see gators, different types of snakes, otters, racoon, bobcat, hogs, deer, many types of turtles/tortoise, and many varieties of birds, including bald eagle. I've seen signs of cougar and black bear, but haven't seen them. The Florida hiking and biking trails and it's many branches are spread though out the state of Florida. I can definitely recommend the central Florida area for any hiking/biking.
I forgot how relaxing it is to listen to Dixie ❤️🙌🏼
A thru hike of the FT is absolutely worth it! And it's only getting better thanks to coverage like your youtube channel. Thanks Dixie!
This is a great overview of the FT! I have never through-hiked the whole thing despite living here my whole life and hiking many of the best sections.
Thanks for covering our trail. I think the biggest obstacles for me doing this are the heat and the road walks. I have always walked the best parts of the trail in the good months.
The through hike you got the worst of it, definitely!
Dixie " I was a little bit timid before starting my hiking the Florida trail knowing would be going through alligator territory"
Me : "no f'ing way, I'm turning around and going home"
My dog is a pink blazer??? What does that mean? Oh and thumbs up for giving Kelly Hayes words of encouragement
“Pink Blazing” is when a hiker intentionally speeds up or slows down to hike with a lady on trail. It’s just a joke about hiker lingo.
Small world- Did you receive the shirt as a gift or purchase it at Blue Blaze in Charlotte, NC?
I bartended there during COVID.
I won't be hiking the Florida trail but I really enjoyed watching YOU hike it!
Dixie - you have done an amazing job explaining the trail with all the ins and outs involved in this thru hike. You are one impressive expert.
Thank you! No expert, but I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned ♥️
Also, the 63 mile Ocean To Lake spur trail is a fantastic part to hike. I’ve done it twice and it is difficult and very beautiful!
I treated all my clothes with permethrin before I went hiking in Borneo. Works very well.
I’ve lived in Florida my whole life (29) and never even have heard of the FT until your videos.
Me too..
I truly enjoyed your FT journey. Yes, this trail isn’t as beautiful as the triple crown trails, I got a chance to see you interact with Florida residents (humans and lots of gators🙂) you made great memories, met great people along the way.
Not every trail is going to be perfect, well marked, easy to follow, hiking is an adventure where we discover new things each day.
Gators won’t mess with you unless you’re messing with them or you get too close to them.
The "florida panther" is just a subspecies of mountain lion. Mountain lion attacks are INCREDIBLY rare and really only happen when the animal is starved enough to be willing to risk an attack on an unknown animal (human) in case it might be food.
So glad to see Eglin highlighted near the end!! I love that area and how well the trails are maintained!!
Hi Dixie thank you so much for putting out this information about our Florida Trail it is not a well known trail but it does have its own beauty. Not very many Floridians even know about the trail.
A one hour Q&A on a trail I’ll likely never hike? Yeah, okay why not! Lol!
Right??? 😂
Hella cool
Lol, you showed that footage of a tick crawling on [your] arm and I instinctively itched my arm without thinkin' xD
Hahaha
East Or West Around Lake Okeechobee?
I Live In Palm Beach Florida Knowing The Area A Little
I Would Say Choose West Because Pahokee Belle Glade Area Is On The East Side Of The Lake And Are Considered Some Of The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods.
Where West Like Clewiston Is More A Country Hillbilly Type Cities or Towns. More Friendly Area By Far.
Pahokee #16 Belle Glade #14 Of Most Dangerous Cities In All Of Florida With Florida City #1 Miami Area Being The Worst.
With There Being #282 Total Cities In Florida.
Aligators, water moccasins are a concern.
I am from the Sierra Mountains, we have rattlesnakes, mountain lions, bears, sasquatch, etc.
Thanks for sharing this great information!
Lol Sasquatch 😂
Alligators be like "Here comes a human, I don't wanna be boots or a purse, I'm outta here".
The beauty of Juniper Springs is if you take a short little hike up the boardwalk (≈¼mi), to the 'upper boil', Fern Hammock Springs... It's one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
I live in the Orlando area, and I love the hiking through the Little Big Econ and the Charles Bronson State Forests. Orlando Wetlands Park, got featured a little bit in one of your videos is also a really unique place for a someone to spend a day watching wildlife, though I wouldn't call it 'hiking' per se.
Awesome video Dixie, I loved the whole series of FT videos, and I'm glad that you've shared insight about the beauty and challenges of hiking in Florida, especially from a thru-hikers perspective. I hope over time I get less bewildered looks and comments like "You hike in Florida? Where?" Though I do, to some extent, enjoy telling folks about our beautiful state parks, forests, and natural areas to explore, and that FL is more than theme parks and over crowded beaches.
A lot of the trail does look very pretty and very interesting. I still don't know that I'd do any of it. There's so much of my home province of Ontario I haven't hiked yet. Like about 99.9% of it. There's A LOT! 😂 I do like the idea of kayaking on the Suwanee though. I could do a couple of days there maybe for a long weekend trip.
Me and my friend spent 4 days on suwannee in March. Gret time. Water was high and pushed us. Google Suwannee wilderness trail. Camping at the huts is free and that includes electricity, a ceiling fan and flush toilets...Bon Chance!
@@shawnbrodrick8673 wow that sounds pretty awesome!
Great video! I feel a lot better knowing that, like most critters, alligators and cottonmouth snakes mostly want to avoid us if we allow them to. Wish it were the same for ticks and mosquitoes!
Right?! Haha
Well... now I know why I have a thumb growing out of my forehead. Doc told me not to drink the tap water round here.
Thanks so much Dixie for advocating for the snakes and all the animals! Awesome video!
I wanted to share a quote by Robert Frost. He said "What I've learned about life can be summed up by 3 words. It goes on." Just like you've done Dixie on all your thru hikes. You are such an inspiration for us all!!
Located in urban Pensacola is the Jones Swamp Preserve..Here you can practice hiking in plenty of swampy trails.. If you are unsure about swamp terrain but interested in the FT you can come check it before taking on Big Cypress..Jones Swamp is Located 15 minutes from Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach.. So make a trip to the beach and come check out our trails..
HI DIXIE 👋
THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONG WITH YOU ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨
You covered about every animal encounter except Sasquatch! So what’s the next thru hike your doing?
are swamp monsters considered animals? i know the swamp thing is a plant
Thanks, Dixie. That was a great roll-up of your lessons learned from completing the Florida Trail.
I grew up in the Ozarks and when I was a boy I seen a water moccasin bite a little girl on the neck while we were swimming and she started seizing up and almost drowned. so they’re very dangerous and if you’re anywhere they are you need to be aware how dangerous they are you could die easily without help. The water moccasin was just swimming in the water we didn’t even see it
I know people say that cottonmouths won't agress at people, but I did see one once swim towards people several times. But it never "chased" anyone. It was scary to have it swim toward me, but it it didn't "attack" or keep coming, it turned and went the other way.
I agree with Hallie Hillton!:) When I finally get released from Trinka Davis Veteran's Village, Carrollton, GA, I'm going to visit my Brother, in Ft. Lauderdale, and when I'm done, I think that I'll try a small bit of the FL Trail! I can't do the whole thing, but at least I'll get a taste... I grew up in MN, but my Brother moved to Ft. Lauderdale in 1998. Snakes bites are for sure a real thing! Semper Fidelis
Your alligator advice is absolutely spot on. And your snake comments are on target as well. Was a park ranger in south Florida for 20 years and still spend time outside. Water moccasins can be a problem if you are fishing as they want your fish. And it is always a good idea to watch where you step and what you step over. But either way, the alligators and snakes are not a reason to give up on a good hike.
Use powdered sulfur on your socks and legs. That detures ticks and redbugs.
I bet Fancy is glad you're home.
She is 🥰
Absolutely not scared I have no desire to manage the safety logistics of this hike . I have much respect for the hikers who have
Great video. Not as dedicated of a hiker. But a mile here or two miles there. A couple things I generally do/have
1. Good pair of waterproof boots. I don't hike through water higher than the boots. But they are rubber, comfortable and knee high. If I step on a snake, the boot can take the fangs, not my foot or ankle.
2. To each is own on this one, but I have my concealed carry and do bring my pistol. Wildlife, some random crazy person, or if worst case scenario and I get hurt and can't move, an additional signaling device.
great information about the Florida trail. I hope everyone will get out there and hike it.
if you were to thu hike the Florida trail again would you change anything different from your gear that you used
consider: extra garments is pillow stuffing - save weight by combining a pillow case with extra linen/textiles - worst case is that you dont have much of a pillow sometimes, best case is that you had that extra garment or blanket when you needed it - a pillow case itself is an excellent survival item so bring extra pillow cases too! stuff them into each other! pillowcaseception!
I've heard the biggest dangers in the swamp are often preceded by banjos,
I live in Florida but grew up in Northern Alabama. I am aware of stories, and I am aware of reality. I have accidentally touched water moccasins, once as a child in Alabama near a lake, and again I uncovered a nest next to my pool in Florida. I live near water but most people in Florida probably do. Water moccasins are all over the place and horror stories abound but none ever bit me, my children, or my husband.
However, once in Alabama some friends and my sister drove out a distance, parked, and hiked in to a beautiful beach on Hurricaine Creek. We made the mistake of staying too late and sunset creeped up. We started back hiking down the stream when suddenly we noticed a couple of large water moccasins heading quickly toward us. We had to reverse and go the other direction in the stream as we watched several more large water moccasins join the first ones. These snakes literally lined up in a fully formed V-formation, and chased several of us down the stream for several miles. The darkness was almost completely on us and both sides of the creek were red clay angled straight up. I was scared and tired, so I wasn't hanging around anymore. I began climbing by digging my nails and fingers into the red clay, and digging footholds, then climbing My friends objected but I did not care. Soon my sister and friends saw I could scale the wall of clay on oneside, and they followed me up. I swear the story is true and I check periodically with those that were there to see if they remember what I remember. I had never heard of water moccasins chasing people aggressively or forming a V-formation with other snakes in water, but this story is 100% true.
Once as a kid not to go into the whole story I also had a moccasin chase me.
Just recently camped in Osceola National Forest with my grandson and had gators try to surround us while camping on a “peninsula” reaching out into a swamp lake.
Generally speaking none of these mammals act this way but it can happen so just be safe.
Try NexCare tape instead of moleskin to prevent blisters. It is smooth and spongy, easy to tear into the right shape, and can get wet and stay on. You can buy it at most larger grocery stores and pharmacies.
The Hubs and I were at Juniper Springs on June 11th. It was piping hot outside and I still only got in up to my knees! That water is CHILLY. I saw the Florida Trail marker and had to stop to take a picture because I knew that you had been there not that long ago. Doing a through hike is on my bucket list and your videos have been such an inspiration and education. I will say, around the Juniper Springs area at least, a lot of the boardwalk trails were closed/shelter houses were roped off/trails were poorly marked. Love me some hiking, so I was pretty disappointed in the upkeep, or rather lack thereof, compared to other places I've hiked and being a local to Hoosier National Forest, that's saying something. It seemed like every trail around Juniper Springs was closed off because of lack of maintenance.
I’m from Florida and I highly recommend carrying citronella candles in ocala the mosquitos are so bad you can see multiple trying to get through the big netting i light candles around my tent so when I go pee at night I don’t get TORE UP
This was super informative… I will be doing a lot of backcountry hiking next month and was concerned about gator country!
duct tape is ok on skin, but particularly when the skin and tape are getting wet a lot, Leukotape is much better. It adheres to the skin much better, but is also easier to remove when you intend to. It does a great job of preventing blisters if you apply it to hot spots in time.
Loved watching you 2 on the trail. Thanks for leaving no doubt about not doing it.
Thanks for the kudos on Eglin. Part of the Reservation is only 5 blocks away. I remember helping Eagle Scout build the bridge over Honey Creek.
I went on various difficult hikes, but this route seems incredibly dangerous to me!
Yes. What he said.
Great information about walking with Gators and snakes 😬. I would only do that if I had louds of chain metal on from head to toe 🤣. Really enjoyed watching. Steve from England 🇬🇧
Wow… I think you answered all our questions in one video! You certainly answered my question and so many more. Thank you
Great info! Yeah, alligators really don't want to be around you (like you said there can be exceptions). Some that see humans more often can be less fearful, and some are just curious. I had one follow me and pull up next to me while I was out hiking (I was a safe distance away on shore, she was in the water), but she just sat there and looked. I took a few pics and moved along. I'd just be careful around any deep water, and/or water you can't see to the bottom of.
Also, some of us have sulfur water coming out of our faucets in the house lol. I lived in a place that had it. Terrible smell.
People don't know about the trail - VERY true. I have hiker friends who don't know it is here.
This is the definitive guide out there for the FT. The only thing I would add is that your main wildlife danger is probably from stray dogs. There were a few dog attacks including a bite which resulted in a pack being put to sleep this year. I'd swap Big Cypress and Ocala on the Tier List, other than that, as a SOBO this year I agree with pretty much everything Dixie said.
Hey Hopfrogg congrats on a great SOBO hike. Every year dog bites are a problem. The yellow flies start getting brutal in may.
@@wiltonquattlebaum9405 Thanks Wilt. Staying at Hillcrest was a great time. Swinging by again is a great incentive to do the trail again.
Lived in FL Panhandle my entire life and spend most free time on our local rivers. I am not a hot weather hiker. If you are considering kayaking, Eglin has some amazing creeks to paddle (Turkey Creek is my favorite on Eglin). Also the Suwannee is beautiful. We paddled from Fargo GA to the Gulf of Mexico this past October and it was the most amazing adventure of my life. We had a short time frame to finish it in (6 days) and I would love to go back and take more time in the future but I wouldn't trade that trip for anything.
That sounds amazing! I
At first when i saw you were doing the FT i wasn't overly interested. Although i was aware of it i just felt like it wouldn't have been as interesting to me as your other hikes. I kept seeing your videos in my feed and i enjoy your content so much that i said what the hell and started watching. I enjoyed it very much and realized how entertaining and informative your content is even if it's a trail i'm not interested in. Thank you so much for putting this video together to address people's concerns and questions about the Florida trail. I still don't think i'd want to hike it but enjoyed the series. Here in my part of Texas we have the Lone Star Trail and i've section hiked about 2/3rds of it but the window is short because of the heat/bugs/lack of water sources. Still a beautiful trail. You should definitely consider the Lone Star Trail when you're free but just like the Florida trail you'll want to do it in the winter.
Lol!!! I leave in Florida. EVERY TIME I go out hiking I’m on edge the hole time. It definitely depends on the weather. But I had to walk by multiple ones. And I just wanted to run. They did not care or swim away. I was so excited when I finished.
Gators or snakes?
@@KettiexDnaked men
I want to hike this trail so bad! I worry about chaffing and the bugs the most. Thank you so much for the excellent info, Dixie!!
Ticks are silently the most dangerous thing on this list… stay safe Dixie!
Also instead of pure sugar packs like crystal light for water there are a lot of electrolyte based singles that help keep you hydrated so you need to drink less (pedialyte, liquidIV etc)
God Bless 🙏🏼
Camp Blanding & Goldhead state park has a detour section of the trail. Only section I’ve hiked
there are a couple of filters systems that will filter pesticides, Grayl Geopress and Berky Sport filter are 2 i know of. They also filter heavy metals.
"Heavy" is exactly the keyword, here.
Re. the Florida Panther: there are only a couple of hundred left in Florida. So far, in 2021 at least 14 of them died due to vehicle collisions. IF you see one you can count yourself the luckiest person on the planet.
SUCH a thorough overview! Thank you so so much for so much information
You’re welcome! Thank you for being here :)
I love Florida and have thought about doing this hike many times but it is such a "raw" trail. True survival and hard times on this trail. I haven't seen any fun times on this trail by hikers, just constant obstacles and set backs. I wish there was trail along the beach coasts all the way up the state. I feel like that would be so amazing!
Except for walking in the sand the whole time haha. The wildlife is so worth it on the FT ♥️
Thank you for taking the time to explain to us in detail all the details of the Florida trail.
One thing about water moccasins is that they can be seemingly inquisitive when it comes to small watercraft.
I had one deliberately swim 3 feet away and stay parallel to my little kayak in a canal in the outer banks. It stayed next to me for about 40 yards or so. Scared the hell out of me.
My father had a similar experience in his canoe in the Harpeth River in TN. The cotton mouth swam toward his canoe and then deliberately tracked his paddle, swimming closer to it each time he ended a j-stroke.
My experience happened at night, his during the day. Both of us were fishing at the time which may have had something to do with it.
Just some strange anecdotes. Food for thought.
truly impressed that you hiked the florida trial as the heat was intensifying for a florida summer. i live here and can barely stand more than a few hours in the heat- especially
on those really humid days. props dixie!
If you're ever back down in Florida again, Torreya State Park (2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321) is a fantastic out & back, day hike. That goes for any Florida hikers as well. *Note* It was definitely the most trying hike I'd ever done in Florida.
👍 ! I have a fear of snakes from 30 years ago. Walking fence with my grandfather, blue racer chased him . He shot at the snake and me behind him. Double trauma lol. I'm getting better. Your pretty awesome. Keep up the vids please! 😉
Thank you for using your platform to address the Cottonmouth myth. I've been on that soap box for decades. And thank you for addressing the alligators. They are my FAVORITE animal in the world, I love photographing them, I get in the water with them to do it, I just love them. I loved this video all the way through. Thanks again.
i hadda cottonmouth chase me for 2 miles,, uphill both ways thru a blizzard with 4' of snow..
Ya do believe me dontcha??🐉
I think much of the cotton-mouth lore comes from those who've had one drop in on them while they were boating/canoeing. They do like to climb branches over water and just, literally, hang. Like a turtle on a log, they drop into the water when disturbed, like when a boat suddenly appears right beneath them. From the person's perspective, the damned thing just jumped into the boat and went wild!
That is a damn nightmare!
Skin so soft works for skeeters and ticks. I can't use stuff with deet in it and I think SSS works better anyway plus you get that silky smooth skin. Lived in Florida 62 years and the bugs have been thick this year. A lot of rain so pick a dry part of the trail if you are day or section hiking. Ocala NF is nice and mostly dry.
Another top flight video on a place I've wanted to go for a long time. Thank you!
Fantastic job presenting information about alligators, snakes, and ticks when camping. This will be worth watching and sharing many times in the future. Thank you and happy trails.
Hennessy Jungle Safari (or the Deep Jungle) hammock with Trekking Treez poles.
Thank you, this was very thorough. I showed your FT videos to my boyfriend and he seemed put off by the swamps but maybe one day 😄
I've seen gators in many ditches along roads and in shallow drainage ponds. The rule of thumb should be every large puddle or small ditch is a potential gator refuge. However, most gators will run from you.
I won't be thru hiker the FT but definitely looking at section hikes. Thanks for all the great info!
I wanna hear you talk about the Florida Trail on some of my favorite backpacking podcasts. I don't really have time to watch TH-cam vids in the summer but I can listen to podcasts while I Paycheck work and Homestead work.