Florida Trail / Ocala NF
Saturday, January 10, 2026 -
Saturday, January 17, 2026 --
$1900
★
Kick off the New Year with a transformative backpacking adventure through the heart of Florida’s wild backcountry. This guided trip explores the Ocala National Forest section of the 1,400-mile
Florida National Scenic Trail
—an area rich in biodiversity, natural beauty, and historical significance. As the first segment of the Florida Trail ever protected and developed (since 1966), this route offers a unique blend of wilderness solitude and beginner-friendly terrain.
This experience is designed for those looking to reconnect with nature, improve their fitness, and escape the cold winter months. The flat terrain and moderate daily mileage make it an ideal trip for beginner backpackers or anyone looking to ease back into trail life. Along the way, participants may encounter an incredible variety of Florida wildlife, including black bears, wild hogs, deer, sand hill cranes, bald eagles, alligators, and great blue herons.
January in central Florida offers a mild, pleasant climate—perfect for hiking and camping. This trip is a great opportunity to start the year with purpose by focusing on wellness, building healthy habits, and enjoying the simple rhythm of life on the trail. With experienced guides leading the way, you'll gain confidence, learn valuable backpacking skills, and experience the unique beauty of Florida’s wild interior.
Participants will travel through diverse habitats, from pine Flatwoods and cypress swamps to open prairies and spring-fed streams. Nights are spent under the stars at scenic campsites, with time for reflection, connection, and learning.
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See Topo map
Weather
Weather is always an important factor when planning a backpacking trip, and fortunately, January is one of the most favorable times to hike in Florida. Daytime temperatures are generally mild and comfortable for hiking, while nights can range from cool to quite cold, especially in low-lying or open areas.
While insects are always a possibility in Florida, January typically brings only a few stragglers—far less than the swarms common in warmer, wetter months. That said, hikers should come prepared for a range of conditions. Though rare, extremes are possible. For example, midday temperatures during the January 2007 trip briefly reached the 90s, while the 2014 trip saw overnight freezes. These conditions are atypical, but they underscore the importance of bringing layers and rain protection.
In short: expect mostly pleasant weather, but be ready for occasional rain, chilly nights, and the possibility of unexpected heat.
Probable Trip Leaders
Julie Quibodeaux
Bruce Cannon
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Cost
$1900 per person double occupancy. Here,
double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another
trip participant. Single room accommodations are available for
purchase. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from
Orlando, FL (MCO) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals
(typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides. You may also
be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel
all week if you drive.
Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, storage fees, 6 days of trail
meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the
National Forest, park permits, park entrance fees. frontcountry campground
fees and awesome guides.
Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to)
other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve.
Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make
up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important
part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the
trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally
account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the
greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted
to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing
exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well,
please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles
of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small
holes they've dug.
Important Notes about this trip
This section of the Florida Trail is nearly flat, with only a
few gentle hills, making it accessible to most hikers regardless
of experience level. Daily mileage will be kept short to moderate,
making this an excellent option for beginners or those easing
into backpacking.
Water availability is generally reliable, with either surface
water or tap access most days. However, please note that on
Day 3, participants will need to carry extra water due to
limited sources along that portion of the trail. Trip leaders
will provide guidance and preparation to ensure everyone is
equipped accordingly.
Wildfire is a natural part of Florida’s ecosystem, and this
area may experience either wildfires or prescribed burns. While
these events are uncommon and closely monitored, we have
contingency plans in place and will adjust the itinerary if
necessary to ensure safety and trip continuity.
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