Donald V. Forgione, Director of the Florida Park Service

Nestled between the summer crowds and the holiday rush, the fall is one of my favorite times of year to visit a state park, historic site or trail.  The Florida Park Service is known for our incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable rangers, and for our unparalleled nature-based recreation opportunities.  

Birding is an excellent fall activity to share with family and friends. I love to take my family to our Florida Keys State Parks to look out for and count thousands of birds on the final continental U.S. stop of their southbound migration route. 

Our campgrounds make an excellent alternative to hotel stays for professional and collegiate football fans. There is no place better to celebrate my team’s win or commiserate over a loss, than around a campfire while roasting marshmallows with family and friends. From primitive and RV camping to cabins, our state park and trail overnight accommodations offer a variety of experiences for all visitors.

You may have heard differently, but Florida does have seasons. If you long to see the leaves change colors, head up to North Florida in late fall. Torreya State Park in Bristol is a great place to visit and witness the beauty of nature on the banks of the mighty Apalachicola River.  If flowers are more your style, visit Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in Okeechobee and Wekiwa Springs in Apopka where prescribed burning took place this spring and summer. You’ll see the woods come alive with wildflowers and butterflies.

Now that school is in full swing, help bring your student’s education to life by visiting a state park for hands-on experience from ranger-led programs focusing on science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. Bring the younger children who are not yet in school and get them started early on a passion for Florida’s environment. They are our future leaders and environmental stewards.  You may be surprised how children are naturally amazed and eager to learn outside.

Fall is here - and with nearly 800,000 acres to explore, I invite all Florida residents and visitors to enjoy the cooler weather and seasonal celebrations at a state park, historic site or trail.

Sincerely,

Donald V. Forgione
Director, Florida Park Service
Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Hikers walk along the Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway.

As the temperature begins to cool, Floridians can enjoy the outdoors more. October is the perfect time to observe Greenways and Trails Month.

Florida’s extensive network of greenways and trails cover more than 10,000 miles of land and water. These trails allow visitors to catch a glimpse of Florida’s natural treasures and experience the same sights, sounds and sensations as the region’s earliest inhabitants. Trails also provide benefits for current residents and communities, boosting the economies of smaller rural and suburban towns in which many trailheads and outposts are located.

Walking, hiking, bicycling, paddling and horseback riding are among the most popular trail activities and are allowed at most Florida Greenways and Trails where appropriate. Check to make sure your family’s activity of choice is allowed before traveling to a particular trail.

Explore a trail you haven’t visited yet or haven’t visited recently, such as: 

• The Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail – Ideal for walking, bicycling or skating, the paved trail stretches 16 miles from Tallahassee to the town of St. Marks. An unpaved equestrian trail is located adjacent to the trail. Parents and children will enjoy the Boundless Playground ® at the Wakulla Station trailhead.

• General James A. Van Fleet State Trail – Canoeing or kayaking, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding are all possible along this trail that winds through the Green Swamp. With only two curves through its entire 29.2-mile length, you can travel slow or pick up the pace.

This October, take advantage of the opportunity to spend quality time outdoors with your family and friends on one of Florida’s beautiful greenways and trails.

For a comprehensive look at trails around, take a look at VISIT FLORIDA’s trail website or find the state’s designated trails, state parks trails and paddling trails online.

Prescribed fire at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound.

In October, Florida’s state parks will offer a variety of fall festivals and fun family events. From spooky and fun Halloween alternatives to seasonal celebrations, there will be actvities that each member of the family can enjoy, such as haunted trail hikes and spooky stories to coloring contests and wildflowers. 

A few of the upcoming fall festivities include:

• Saturday, Oct. 13 - Ghost Walk and History Tour at Camp Helen State Park, Panama City Beach, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy spooky stories of the long and varied history of Camp Helen. Refreshments available. $5 donation per adult, $3 for children.

• Friday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 20 – 20th Annual Haunted Woods Event at Hillsborough River State Park (north of Tampa), 6 to 10 p.m., Enjoy a haunted trail, tram rides, spooky displays and a children’s coloring contest. $5 per person donation.

• Friday, Oct 19 and Saturday, Oct. 20 – 4th Annual Howling Hammock Adventure at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale. Spooky and educations stations such as “Giant Bugs” and the two-mile Carriage Ride Adventure. Fun for all ages. $7 for adults and $5 for children.

• Saturday, Oct. 20 – Incredible Autumn Wildflowers at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White, 9 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a ranger-led hike through a slice of autumn’s colorful splendor. $6 per vehicle, up to eight people.

• Saturday, Oct. 20 – Fire Fest at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound, 1 to 9 p.m. Learn about prescribed fires and enjoy outdoor recreation. The afternoon will be filled with fire demonstrations, hands-on activities, a spooky trail, hayride, swamp buggy and horse buggy tours and more. Free park admission but activity fees apply.

• Saturday, Oct. 20, Enchanted Ravines at Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka, 3 to 6 p.m. The ravine will be transformed into a world of fairies, imaginary and real princesses, pirates and more. Enjoy a wagon tour, children’s games, moon walk and hands-on crafts. $3 per person.

Find more events.

A mentee helps paint a wall at last year’s Mentoring Day.

On October 17, members of the Florida State Parks AmeriCorps team will have an opportunity to mentor several special guests. The occasion is Disability Mentoring Day. The Able Trust is working to match mentees interested in environmental jobs with our AmeriCorps program.

Once on the job, the mentees will get a look at what it means to be an AmeriCorps member. Members will host one or two mentees and take them through a typical day on the job.

The goal is fun for all and learning will come naturally. Some of the planned activities include removing invasive exotic plants, conducting trail maintenance and delivering an interpretive program to park visitors.

If you are interested in Disability Mentoring Day, learn more at The Able Trust. Applications for the 2013 Florida State Parks AmeriCorps team are being accepted now.