Thursday, November 17, 2016

Oz's 5 Favorite Trails to Hike in the Southeast

Today, November 17, is the American Hiking Society’s Take a Hike Day. It is a day to find a trail near you and get outside to explore nature on foot.

Oz's 5 favorite trails to hike in the southeast united states

Founded in 1976, the American Hiking Society believes that foot trails and hiking are essential to connect people with nature, conserve open space and provide biological corridors for diverse plants and wildlife. They also believe the preservation of hiking trails and their environments is an important and worthwhile legacy to leave future generations.

We believe that too and are always looking for new, beautiful places to hike near where we live. We have not walked or hiked even half of the trails near us but of the ones we have, we have our favorites. Of course, favorite trails change the more trails you find so for now, here are 5 of Oz’s favorite places and trails to hike in the southeast U.S.

1. Tallulah Gorge State Park’s North & South Rim Trails
Tallulah Falls, Georgia

tallulah gorge state park view from north rim trail

Why we love this hike: the amazing views of the gorge and its six waterfalls. The North and South Rim trails weave through dense forests and offer a combined ten overlooks to view the deep canyon. In autumn, the colors are spectacular and the weather is perfect for hiking. Oh, and let’s not forget that scenes from the movie Deliverance were filmed here too.

2. High Falls State Park’s The Falls Trail
Jackson, Georgia

high falls state park waterfall views from falls trail

Why we love this hike: another waterfall! The Falls Trail loops through hilly forests and along the river’s edge where there are several fantastic spots to stop and enjoy the sights and sounds of the falls. This trail is also a Tails on Trails hike so you know your furry friend will love it as well.

3. Blackwater River Juniper Lake Trail
Holt, Florida

oz view of white sand beach of blackwater river

Why we love this hike: the beautiful white sand beach of the Blackwater River. This fun trail wanders through what looks like “the haunted forest” leading you to the beach along the river where you can see people canoeing, kayaking and even wading into the tannin-stained waters.

4. Highlands Hammock Wild Orange Grove Trail
Sebring, Florida

wild oranges grow on highlands hammock grove trail

Why we love this hike: the search for wild growing Florida oranges and grapefruits! This trail is one where you need to look down to watch your step but where you must look up once in a while to find the fruits that Florida is known for. Though wild grown oranges and grapefruits aren’t as big or as sweet, they are still delicious.

5. Myakka River Canopy Walkway
Sarasota, Florida

view of oak/palm hammock from myakka river canopy trail

Why we love this hike: the 76-foot observation tower, walkway and platform. While not dog-friendly, the tower provides a treetop view of the oak/palm hammock, wetlands and the main species who call these habitats home. This park also includes over 38 miles of hiking trails many of which are dog-friendly.
Read Oz’s Myakka River Adventure

Where are your favorite hiking trails?




13 comments:

  1. oh the mama would love to walk that orange trail... she probably would eat her way through your state if she could BOL

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  2. Oh I WANT to do all of them!!!!!
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  3. I'd rather fly than hike.

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  4. WE love the picture of YOU with the FALLING WATERS behind you.

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  5. You sure do have som beautiful trails you picked. Mom has a few but for us, we are not big walkers. We like our park with the lake
    Lily & Edward

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  6. That's a great choice of paths. We tend to go to the same places....we just love anywhere we go!

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  7. Oz you, your Mom and Dog Daddy find the most gorgeous places to hike
    Hugs madi your bfff

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  8. What beautiful places to explore! I love waterfalls especially. ♥

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  9. Looks like some great places to hike!

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  10. I didn't even know about this special hiking day! I love your travel adventure posts!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  11. I didn't even know about this special hiking day! I love your travel adventure posts!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  12. Those sound like fabulous hikes.

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Cairn cuddles,
Oz the Terrier