Alderman’s Ford Park in Lithia, Florida, is one of the most accessible parks in the state. The Alderman’s Ford Park has an easy loop through a heavily wooded area. Enjoy the cypresses, oaks, and sand-bottomed streams. The loop is only 0.3 miles, which isn’t much for the serious hiker, but is perfect for those with minimal experience. Keep in mind that there is a $2 entrance fee.
The largest national forest in Florida, Apalachicola covers more than 600,000 acres of land and is perfect for the journeyman backpack hiker. Gander at the blooming pitcher plants each spring and venture into the Bradwell Bay Wilderness. The fees are generally $3 per vehicle, with additional camping fees at sites along the various trails.
Alligator Lake provides one of the nicest day hikes in the state. Hiking is the park’s primary focus, with picnic areas, playgrounds, canoe launchings, and hiking trails sprinkled throughout. Take the Montgomery Trail for the longest loop around the lake, which is about three miles in length. At around the mile and a half mark, you’ll likely start to see alligators in the lake. Follow the dike to avoid a face-to-face. Check the website for a mile-marker breakdown.
Bear Lake Trail is part of Blackwater River State Forest near Munson, Florida, and offers the perfect dog-friendly hike. The trail is a four-mile loop around a reservoir. Many visitors bring their pets. You might see alligators along the trail, but it’s more common to see various types of birds and anglers trying their luck on the water.
One of the best, quick, four-mile-long nature trails is through the Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area near Ocklawaha, Florida. If you follow the Fox Trot Loop to Lemon Point, you’ll find panoramic views of Lake Weir. Wildlife lovers will enjoy spotting deer, fox squirrels, birds, and more. Keep in mind that there is a $5 fee to enter the park.
]]>Embark on a nature walk beneath the majestic 400+ year old Fairchild oak tree. Here, you and your pup will have the chance to explore an ecologically diverse area, home to a variety of wildlife.
Take in breathtaking views of Turkey Creek from the boardwalk. Enjoy the fresh air and the peaceful atmosphere of this park. Soak in the sun with your pup and explore the abundance of wildlife.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along a 3-mile trail system through the shaded oak hammock and a cabbage palm forest. Complete the short Mini-Adventure trail for a more wilderness experience with your four legged friend.
Bring your pup and explore the rare ecosystems of this 187-acre property. Enjoy activities such as hiking, canoeing, horseback riding and camping with your furry friend!
This 1,500-acre natural area is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Explore the hydric hammock, floodplain forest and sandy terrain with your pup, and enjoy a day of nature at its best. Have a day all terrain expedition with your furry friend and see what you discover!
Take a break and have a picnic at one of the three tables in this small nature park. Enjoy the fresh air and the sights of the area with your pup. Take in the flora and fauna of Winter Springs.
This 240-acre property lies on the Seminole/Orange County line and boasts an array of activities such as hiking, canoeing and horseback riding. Find out more about this Oviedo oasis with your pup, it might just be your new favorite place to explore.
Explore this 1600-acre property with your pup and observe various species of wildlife, including the White-tailed deer and the Florida Black Bear. The floodplain of the St Johns River is breathtaking.
Enjoy some outdoor fun with your pup at this 8-acre nature preserve. Take a walk along the boardwalk and fishing pier, or explore the trails with your pup.
Featuring a mostly flat terrain, this trail offers a great opportunity for cycling, running, walking and skating with your pup. With multiple access points, you and your pup can explore this trail to your heart's content.
]]>The Everglades are known as the most iconic natural feature in the Sunshine State for good reason. Teaming with wildlife that is unique to the area, the Shark Valley is one of the most popular for those hoping to get a glimpse of this infamous swampland. Prepare to be amazed by the birds, gators, and other wildlife you might see as you walk or bike the trail. Going to the Observation Tower at the midway point is a must—the panoramic views you’ll see here are magnificent!
Hoping to see Florida’s very own sea cow, also know as the manatee, in it’s natural habitat? Then head over to Blue Spring State Park and walk the 1.3-mile boardwalk trail. This short, easy trail is perfect to bring the kids along to, as there are many viewing platforms to use to view the majestic manatees as they swim and drift. Here you won’t run in to just one or two of these creatures, but rather a few hundred if you come on a good day!
Known as the only state park in Florida to offer cave tours to the public, the Florida Caverns State Park amazes hikers with its limestone stalagmites, flowstones, and draperies. The Caverns Trails System is actually a group of intersected trails that surround Tunnel Cave and the outer loop is approximately 1.5 miles. This is the only trail in the state where you hike through a cave! Pay the extra few dollars to do the cave tour (you won’t be sorry) and then begin at the Floodplain Trail. Don’t forget to pack a flashlight—cutting through Tunnel Cave can be a little eerie without one.
This 2.5-mile trail is a boardwalk, meaning it’s easy to navigate. At Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, you’ll trek through an old-growth cypress forest as you view trees that are up to 600 years-old! Make your way to the Observation Deck for some beautiful views and great opportunities to see the striking birds that are native to the area. Make sure to check out the “Recent Wildlife Sightings” board before you begin—you never know what you might see!
The Blackrock Trail on Big Talbot Island is a great outdoor adventure for those who love to be by the sea. Situated between Amelia Island and Little Talbot Island, this spot’s rare rocky shoreline is unlike any of the other beaches in the state. The dark rocks and large pieces of driftwood scattered around the shore will have you feeling as if you’re stepping onto a West Coast beach! This mile-long hike is very popular, so get here early to check out a more remote look at this unusual spot.
]]>Nestled in Wekiwa Springs State Park, this moderate to difficult trail is excellent for trail runners. At 10.2 miles, trail traffic is typically light, giving you free and clear access. Throughout your run you’ll be encircled by some of Florida’s best natural scenery, with wildlife sightings a very high possibility. The trail travels over a variety of terrain, everything from palm scrub to boardwalks to pine tree terrain.
This trail inside Shingle Creek is the perfect spot to glimpse the headwaters of the Everglades. Though short and sweet, this trail provides beautiful scenery and easy terrain for a refreshing run. Shingle Creek flows alongside the trail for the most part, which means you have a high chance of seeing some of Florida’s wildlife while you’re here. Best of all, the trail gives off a secluded, tucked-away feeling that can make your run as relaxing as it is energizing.
If you’ve ever wanted to travel through the Everglades, the Shark Valley Tram Road is your prime opportunity. In addition, the trail offers an excellent workout as you enjoy all the sights and sounds of the beautiful ecosystem here. The trail itself is easy enough, however, if you plan to enjoy the trail in its entirety, you should know you’re in for a good 15-mile trip. Along the first half of the loop, you’ll have ample opportunity to glimpse alligators and native birds as you’re rushing by. Many trail runners opt to turn around at the midway observation tower, as the second half of the loop isn’t nearly as scenic.
Easy and simple is the beauty of the two miles of trails at Jacksonville Arboretum. Here you’ll pass by some of the most beautiful sights in the arboretum and gardens, including a lake and wooded areas. Known to locals as one of the most beautiful places to hike in the area, the various terrain is also a perfect opportunity for trail running. Some sections of the trails remain flat, while one quarter-mile stretch features 25 feet of elevation changes. It’s not a difficult or long run, which makes this an attractive spot for beginner trail runners.
You’ll want to use caution on this trail, as runners have reported numerous sightings of Pygmy rattlesnakes. Despite the potential wildlife dangers, this trail makes an awesome opportunity for runners to experience the Estuarine Research Reservation. The 9.2-mile loop is divided into various sections, so you can make your run as lengthy as you can handle. The trail itself is relatively flat throughout, and it takes you along boardwalks over marshes, alongside waterfronts, and through some of the state’s most beautiful nature scenes. This is one trail you’ll want to visit again and again.
]]>Adults aren’t the only ones who love the thrill of the ride, which is why Croom ATV Rental offers tracks dedicated exclusively to young riders. In fact, they’re the only ATV rental place around that lets kids drive their very own vehicle. Of course, there’s also plenty of fun for adults too, with over 2,600 acres of riding areas, including a sand bowl, groomed trails, and hills galore.
For service and sales, you can’t do better than Solano Cycle. Though largely specializing in two-wheeled powersports, they also carry the highly-acclaimed Trail Master line of ATVs, UTVs, and go karts to help you find the off-roading vehicle of your dreams. They feature four locations in Florida to help riders near and far enjoy the excitement of the off-roading experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting to find your passion, you can learn more in a day at Revolution Off Road than you could on your own. Book a tour on an ATV, buggy, or Mucky Duck, which includes your vehicle and safety gear for an epic adventure. All tours have official guides to help you learn the basics in a safe environment.
If you’ve ever ridden an ATV or dirt bike, you know this shop’s name doesn’t lie. They’re fully loaded with high-quality new and used motorsport machines to give you your next adrenaline rush. Manufacturers like Textron Off Road, Suzuki, and Intimidator are just a few of the lines you’ll find here. They also offer owner financing so that nothing can stand in your way of pursuing your passion for all things off-roading.
Polaris and Kawasaki dominate the motorsport vehicle selection at Kissimmee Motorsports. This is your one-stop shop for supplies, parts, and service to keep your purchase running like new.
This family-owned business near Tampa is just as dedicated to the ride as the customers they serve, which is why you can expect nothing but a fun experience here. They rent ATVs for you to use at three area ATV parks: Croom and Peace River Campground, among others. They’ll even deliver your ATV to the park for a small delivery fee!
Bring your own vehicle, or choose one from their fleet—either way, you’ll love the ambitious trail system at Florida Tracks & Trails. Florida’s largest outdoor adventure park features 1,000 acres of twists, turns, mud tracks, wooded areas, and plenty of scenery to make every visit unique. When you’re had your fill of riding, you can join in on a game of paintball or enjoy live music and other occasional events.
]]>Myakka River State Park features over 38 miles of looped trails with plenty of crossovers that help you make your hike as long or short as you like. The trail system offers a variety of terrain, everything from dry prairie to marshes to heavily-wooded areas. Late fall is the perfect opportunity to traverse the area as summer heat here can be extremely hot, especially in the prairie lands. For an invigorating hike, start at the trailhead just off North Road (on the left if you’re coming from the North Gate). Here you can embark on a hikers-only trail that can take you deep into the park. Beware the alligators!
Located in Lake Kissimmee State Park, this seven-mile trail takes you deep through some of Florida’s most beautiful wonders. Full of wet prairies, oak hammocks, and pine flatwoods, hikers will marvel at the variety of habitats and terrain along the way, including the abundance of deer in the area. The trail itself isn’t especially difficult, but its length signals you should be in decent shape if you want to make it from start to finish.
Just east of Tampa lies one of Florida’s most surprising, best kept secrets: whitewater. Take the Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve Trail to see it for yourself. This trail winds over three miles through the 10,000-acre preserve, showing you glimpses of the Alafia River as it crashes over limestone boulders and shows you a side of the Sunshine State you may have thought you’d only find in the mountains.
Take your pick between the four-mile loop or its shorter 2.2-mile counterpart here—they’re both equally scenic and enjoyable. The trailhead begins in the midst of Babcock Ranch, so you’re likely to see cattle roaming free. In fact, these free-range cattle are what make this trail so interesting (in addition to other wildlife, such as deer and raccoon). You may even see real cowboys wrangling them as you traverse the area, giving you entertainment as you enjoy your fairly moderate hike.
This hike could go on for over eight miles if you wanted it to, but it’s been divided into two separate trails because of a land dispute. If you prefer a shorter hike, the down-and-back trail provides a total of nearly six miles of Florida beauty. As one of the most scenic hikes in the northern part of the state, this trail parallels the glistening Withlacoochee River at certain points and takes you through the ghost town of Ellaville. If you’re looking for them, you’ll also see remnants of other historic structures along the way, including the Drew Mansion Ruins.
]]>Spanning over 2,600 acres, Blue Spring State Park is home to the largest natural spring on the St Johns River. Tourists and locals alike love gathering here during manatee season (November-March) to watch these amazing animals. During the rest of the year, the park offers swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, boating, and river boat tours. There’s also no shortage of “dry” activities for kids and adults alike, especially since you can camp within the park and not have to leave until your vacation is over.
Just a seven-minute drive from the park lies Family Fun Town, a high-energy indoor/outdoor fun center that offers activities for every age. Go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, and an arcade will keep you and your family entertained for hours. It’s the perfect spot to remedy “cabin fever” during your stay at Blue Spring State Park, especially on rainy days or during manatee season where watersports are off limits.
Eat in, or take it back to your cabin at Blue Spring State Park—either way, you’ll want to grab a meal from Lelo’s BBQ. This Puerto Rican barbecue joint is serving up authentic flavors you can’t find just anywhere. They feature daily specials as well as menu chock full of chicken, pork, ribs, seafood, soup, and plenty of fixings to complement your meal.
If barbecue isn’t your favorite fare, grab a seat at Fire on the Bayou. This Cajun-focused eatery is dishing out some of the best low country boil and other fiery favorites. They have a large variety of food to choose from, so you’re likely to suit even the pickiest eater in your party.
About a half-hour’s drive south from the state park is Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Visitors can expect to see a giraffe, cheetah, rhino, leopard, llama, tamarin, cougar, and fossa, among other mammals, as well as a host of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Admission to the zoo also grants you access to the lush botanical gardens. A train, carousel, ropes course, splash park, giraffe feeding, and rhino “petting” completes the experience—it’s more than worth the drive.
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Drive 15 minutes north of the state park and experience the Museum of Art in DeLand. This art museum features work from Florida artists and well-known artists, with both permanent and evolving exhibits. The museum now features two galleries in DeLand, each offering a unique experience—you’ll want to visit them both.
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Nova is situated on 20 acres of rustic land, providing the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. On the campground, you’ll find basic tent sites, full RV hookups, and fully-equipped cabins. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a heated pool and tanning deck, a lending library, laundry facilities, barbecue grills, and more! The best part? You’re less than five miles away from the shores of Daytona Beach.
The glistening Ichetucknee River is the main attraction at this campground. If you’re there during May-early September, you can tube down the river with all the other guests for a relaxing experience. Picnicking, snorkeling, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and excellent wildlife viewing are all available here. You might even catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer, wild turkey, or blue heron. The grounds offer primitive sites as well as RV sites, and each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Be sure to call and make a reservation!
This 1,962-acre island park features 60 campsites with electricity, water hookups, and a dump station. St. George Island’s campgrounds are situated near historic dunes and pine flatwoods, just a quarter mile from the beach and the breathtaking Gulf. You’ll never want to leave once you see St. George Island.
Paradise. Absolute paradise. That is the best way to describe this awe-inspiring state park. Located in Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda is an excellent escape. Retreat to the beauteous wonder of the beach and camp to the sounds of rolling waves. There are three camping areas available and a total of 80 sites. At Bahia Honda, you’ll find cabins, RV and tent areas, and tent-only sites.
“A tranquil wonderland of natural beauty”—Frog Creek’s website said it best. This RV resort and campground offers a heated pool, a kayak and canoe launch, as well as full hookups. They also allow pets on-site, so bring along your four-legged friend. This area feels secluded but also convenient, so it’s ideal for families with young children. Keep up with Frog Creek’s events calendar to see what’s going on during your stay!
]]>Camp Gulf in Destin, Florida, styles themselves as “the destination RV Park of Northwest Florida.” With beaches, fishing, boating, shopping, dining, and more available on-site or within walking distance we’re inclined to agree (joining TravelChannel.com in heaping on praise). The U.S. News & World Report named Camp Gulf one of the Top 11 Family Campgrounds in the U.S. Bring your RV, rent a luxury cabin, or stay on a beach home—the choice is yours, and you can’t make a wrong decision. For a full list of amenities and rates, check the website.
North Beach Camp Resort is one of the most prominent RV Parks in Northern Florida. The park includes RV setup, tent campground, cabin rentals, swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and more. Rates differ between types of accommodation, with riverfront hook-ups going for slightly more than others. As a two-time TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner, you know you’re in good hands at North Beach Camp Resort.
While technically in Clermont, Florida, the Orlando RV Resort is close enough to Orlando that you won’t notice much of a difference. For a centrally located RV park with incredible amenities, you could hardly do better. Amenities include a clubhouse, shuffleboard, whirlpool, your choice of natural frontage, RV storage, mini golf, boat ramp, tennis court, fishing, biking trails, and much more. Stop by this TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner for a fun-filled family time.
Siesta Bay RV Resort in Fort Myers is part of the greater Sun Resorts corporation. Here, you can always expect high-quality customer service. You’ll enjoy the swimming pool, regularly planned activities, tennis, and more. Check their website for special rates and sales.
For an all-around excellent RV camping experience, make sure to check out Carrabelle Beach RV Resort. Amenities include horseshoes, fitness equipment, playground, pool, convenience store, and camping in nature. Stop by the nearby attractions, including the St. George Island Lighthouse, Crooked River Lighthouse, Tate’s Hell State Park, St. George Island, and St. Vincent Island, among many more.
]]>Acres upon acres of trails beckon drivers of all skill levels to take a ride on the wild side. This off-roading destination features a variety of trails and obstacles to sate your cravings for adventure and give you plenty of reason to return. They’re open every first and third Saturday of the month until dark.
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Off roading works up an appetite, and there’s no better place in town to refuel than at Hog Pound BBQ. This cozy little barbecue nook is dishing out true southern flavors and all the fixins to calm your hangry stomach. Eat in or get it to go so you can get back to the trails.
This exquisite nature preserve has everything to offer the outdoor adventure. For starters, they offer a guided nature walk every Sunday morning starting at 11. They also have several hiking trails and nature exhibits, plus the best fall bird watching in the area (warblers, hawks, and falcons are frequent visitors).
Known for their shared passion of the great outdoors, the Adventure Club of Gainesville features several hiking trips throughout the year in Central Florida. Favorite areas include Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park, Newnan’s Lake, and O’Leno State Park, but they’ve been known venture as far as the Panhandle and host overnight trips. Whether you prefer short jaunts or miles-long day hikes, you’ll want to join this passionate group of hikers this fall.
If you plan on spending some time with the Adventure Club or anywhere on the hiking trails this fall, grab some new gear at Lloyd Clarke Sports. They have tons for the outdoorsman, including apparel, hammocks, poles, backpacks, and hiking boots. You won’t find a better local selection anywhere else.
Ever wanted to see a sea turtle? Coastal Wildlife Club uses volunteers in their Sea Turtle Patrol to walk sections of the beach searching for turtle activity and protect nests. You can become a volunteer with the club and record data on active nests to help protect these amazing creatures.
Another Gulf Coast wonder not to be missed is Stump Pass Beach State Park, where shells and shark teeth abound on the sandy shores. Swimming and sunbathing are year-round activities here, plus there are numerous hiking trails winding their way through natural areas. Stay on land or set off in a kayak to discover local wildlife like egrets, manatees, and gopher tortoises.
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Fall weather is great for kayaking and canoeing in Florida’s oldest nature preserves. Eco tours offer rare glimpses of Florida wildlife, including gators, ospreys, and bald eagles, along with native flora. Tours usually last two hours and give you a satisfying balance of history and scenery.
A day of exploring outdoors calls for a chance to explore other life’s wonders, too. Take a trip to Olga Mall, where you can fill up on a home-cooked meal and take a gander at a collection of unique oddities and handmade items throughout. It’s like being at Grandma’s house with treasures in every nook and cranny, along with downhome service that makes you feel like family.
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Lake Okeechobee serves as the headwaters of the Everglades and remains one of the most popular fall birdwatching destinations in Florida. Sandpipers are popular denizens around this time, as are long-billed dowitchers, yellowlegs, and the elusive Everglades Snail Kite. The lake is home to an abundance of other wildlife, too.
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Originally created to protect migratory birds, this refuge plays home to much more than feathered friends. Hosting a diverse population of more than 350 bird species, visitors can expect to spot birds of prey, shore and wading birds, waterfowl, and migratory birds. Bald eagles have been known to make their appearance here, as well as hawks, herons, egrets, warblers, blue jays, and others. One of its mainstays is the threatened Florida scrub-jay. The refuge holds one of the state's three stronghold populations of this species, whose habitat is under constant threat.
Free and open to the public, this former wastewater property is now dedicated to fostering nesting and roosting. Visitors can enjoy the .75-mile boardwalk that winds over water and near islands that play home to over 175 bird species. This spot is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, and offers prime viewing of birds in their natural habitat. Wading birds are in abundance here, as well as plenty of birdsong to accompany you on your stroll around the park.
This particular park focuses on the treatment, rehabilitation, and needs of raptors. Here you can get up close and personal with bald eagles, owls, ospreys, kites, and falcons. The park offers a boardwalk that takes you to the nearby lake for more bird and wildlife spotting opportunities. The center here offers a chance for citizens to become part of a bald eagle monitoring program, where participants can find, monitor, and report on nests in the wild. Or, you can visit the Magic of Flight barn that gives you a first-hand look into the rehabilitation efforts of these magnificent birds.
Given the abundance of wildlife in this area and its system of trails and observation areas, it’s no wonder that Tree Tops Park has established itself as a must-visit for birdwatchers. There are three trails in the park, one of which leads to a 28-foot-high observation tower that offers magnificent birding views. In addition, the park’s varied marshes, lake, and wooded area make it attractive for many different bird species. Wading birds, waterfowl, raptors, and woodpeckers have all been known to frequent the area, especially in and around the Pine Island Ridge portion of the park.
Explored by none other than William Bartram himself, this magnificent park is one of Florida’s premiere sites for birdwatching. Combing marshes, wetlands, hardwood hammocks, flatlands, and swamps into a single experience, birdwatchers can count on seeing one of the most diverse bird populations in the state. Sandhill cranes are viewable year-round, but fall through spring bring the most variety: winter sparrow, waterfowl, hawks, warblers, and other species frequent the area during migration. In total, there are about 270 bird species throughout the year, along with other wildlife to keep you company.
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Hot Spots To Fish: Deservedly, Montauk, NY at the eastern end of Long Island is considered a storied mecca for striped bass fishermen. If you’re not going surf fishing on the beach or fishing from a jetty, Gone Fishing Marina (631-668-3232, gonefishingmarina78.com) can set up a charter trip for you. If it’s booked up, try Star Island Yacht Club (631-668-5052, starislandyc.com) or Montauk Marine Basin (631-668-5900, marinebasin.com).
Find the best fishing spots near you:
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
Down south, talk to the folks at Captain Hogg’s Charter Service (757-876-1590, captainhoggscharters.com) about fishing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Overdrawn Charters (252-202-4623, overdrawncharters.com) in Manteo, N.C. can help as well.
Tackle You’ll Need: Stick with 30- to 50-pound braid or monofilament and a 60-pound-test shock leader of fluorocarbon, with saltwater-ready spinning tackle heavy enough to handle 10- to 14-foot rods. Penn, Quantum and Okuma specialize in fairly inexpensive surf-fishing rods, and reels to match. If you have a reel, but no rod yet, the new Black Inshore Rods from Lamiglas are up to the task. The five spinning and five casting models range from a 6-foot, 10-inch light finesse spinning rod to a 7 ½-foot casting rod rated for lures from 3 to 12 ounces in weight.
Quick tip: The most successful anglers are those who spot gulls or other wheeling seabirds feeding on baitfish driven to the top by stripers and who then cast into the melee without dispersing the bass. From a boat, the trick is to approach schools carefully and take advantage of wind or tide to drift to within casting range. The stripers will stay up as long as the baitfish are hemmed against the surface.
Best Lures/Baits: The 4 1/2-inch Acme Kastmater XL spoon, the 1 ½-ounce Odin Popper, and the 5-inch pencil popper from Tsunami are popular artificials up and down the Atlantic seaboard. Other popular options include the 6- or 7-inch Savage Gear Sandeel Swimbait, 9-inch Sassy Shad swimbait and the 6-inch Rapala X-Rap SubWalk.
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
For anglers who’d rather soak baits from a boat or in the surf, live or cut bait, such as Atlantic menhaden (peanut bunker), herring, porgies, eels, bloodworms, anchovies and mullet, can flip the switch on chaotic striper blitzes.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
Likewise, bass fishing is starting to pick up again as the weather begins to cool. Huge schools of threadfin shad are starting to filter away from open-water ledges into bays and tributaries where feeding conditions and water temperatures are more optimum.
Bass follow the food, first setting up on ledges at the mouths of inlets and creeks to waylay shad, then migrating back toward shallower water to keep up with their quarry.
Fall Script for Southern Bass
Bass rule in Dixie and cooler weather brings out an army of anglers who go after them. Whether largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass, they’re available in most waters and sometimes all three varieties are present in a fishery, ready to aggravate or gratify those who seek them.
Hot Spots To Fish: When it comes to the South’s best lakes for fall fishing, the big TVA impoundments fit the bill. Because this is bass tournament country, dozens of YouTube videos and Facebook sites of pro anglers offer useful advice on where and how to catch autumn largemouths. Likewise, guide services are plentiful; just Google “fishing guides” for the lake you’re visiting or type in the town nearest the lake you wish to fish on the interactive map on this page.
Tackle You’ll Need: A 7-foot medium/heavy rod such as the St. Croix Premier Cranking, a baitcasting reel like the Abu Garcia Revo Winch and 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament makes a good combination to fish downsized lures.
Quick tip: This is strictly a match-the-hatch deal. Use lures that are about the same size as wandering shad. If young-of-the-year threadfins are on the bass menu, try small swim baits fished on drop-shot rigs.
Best Lures/Baits: Shad-colored, shallow- and medium-diving square-billed or coffin-billed crankbaits are autumn standouts. Popular lures include the Strike King 6XD, Bandit 100 or 200, Duo Realis M65, Livetarget Magnum Shad BaitBall Squarebill, Megabass S-Crank, Lucky Craft Squarebill 2.5, Storm Arashi and Rapala Shad Rap.
Fish them around shoreline cover and on the flats between creek drop-offs and the bank. Other fallback baits include spinnerbaits like the Booyah Super Shad, Stanley Vibrashaft and Nichols Pulsator. Good buzzbait options can be found from Lunker Lure, Damiki, Santone and Dirty Jigs.
Find the best fishing spots near you:
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
Rendezvous With Redfish
Along the northern Gulf Coast from Carrabelle, FL, to Grand Isle, LA, the redfish season begins in late September and continues in stages through December. Some anglers fish in the surf with cut bait, while others station themselves on area piers or in boats on relatively shallow flats near channel cuts.
Hot Spots To Fish: For boating anglers, a couple of spots stick out. Pensacola Bay Pass is a must-fish for boaters. Anchor up on the broad flat between old Fort Pickens and the channel, set out lines as the tide changes to incoming, and hang on. Need more help? Redfish University Pensacola Fishing Charters (850-748-4368, redfishuniversity.com) specializes in the big drum.
At Grand Isle, LA, book a trip with Gotta Go Fishing Charters (225-921-3642, gottagofishingcharters.com). The marshes and inshore waters around Venice, LA, are primo redfish haunts as well. Captain Mike Frenette (504-782-0924, laredfish.com or ([email protected]) is a top guide here.
Tackle You’ll Need: “Rat” reds of 3 pounds and up, or real bruisers weighing in excess of 20 pounds require a range of tackle options. Bass fishing tackle – whether spinning or baitcasting – is perfect for handling smaller fish and for casting jigs or swimbaits that weigh less than an ounce. A Shimano Stradic spinning reel and 7-foot medium-action Shimano Compre rod with 14-pound-test monofilament.
For bigger fish, consider a Penn Battle II BTLII5000 with 20-pound-test monofilament or 40-pound-test braid, and a 30-pound-test fluorocarbon leader. A 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod (such as the Penn Battalion BATIN1220S70) should handle any bait rigs or lures and wear down a bull redfish in short order.
Quick Tip: Incoming tides in late evening or at night are primo times for reds as the fish free-spawn then in the mouths of coastal bays and estuaries. If you can’t fish any other time, make sure you fish the incoming tides.
Best Lures/Baits: Redfish aren’t particular about their dietary requirements and will eat anything from blue crabs to halved mullet. Swimming spoons such as the Johnson Sprite (johnsonfishing.com), swimbaits and jigs or even topwater poppers, such as the Heddon Saltwater Spook, will elicit strikes.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
Situated on 9,000 acres of cypress swamps and flatwoods, this park has been delighting visitors for over 86 years. If you’re looking for Florida wildlife, you’ll most likely see it here—visitors report seeing black bear, Florida panther, alligators, deer, turtles, and myriad birds throughout the year. The park features activities for all ages, including boardwalks, tram tour, picnic pavilion, hiking, camping, and recreational rental areas. There’s no park in Florida quite like it.
Eight out of nine of the park’s hiking trails are accessible via the loop drive, enabling trekkers to extend or shorten their walk as they wish via connecting and inter-looping pathways. Trails travel through multiple swamps and flatwoods areas that offer plenty of shade and solitude. However, don’t think you’re ever truly alone—wild eyes are often nearby, and hiking this trail gives you your best chance at spotting them in their natural habitats.
Hop aboard the tram that takes you to places you’d never see on foot. Guided tours take you through the cypress swamps and into restricted areas, giving you all-around views of the park. Along the way, you’ll see some of the park’s residents, such as alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife. The tour lasts about an hour and 15 minutes, and costs just $5 for adults and $3 for children ages six to 12.
Highlands Hammocks is a popular camping destination for good reason: They offer just about every type of camping for every type of camper. Choose between primitive campsites or equestrian camping, or bring the RV and avoid sacrificing your modern conveniences. The campground here is family friendly, and features restrooms, showers, dishwashing area, and free Wi-Fi.
Whether you’re an artist yourself or simply appreciate the works of others, you’ll want to check out the Highlands Museum of the Arts. Exhibits change regularly, and have often included a variety of media, such as painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and projection. You might even stumble upon a class or art show while you’re there.
Cowpoke’s makes for a truly glorious spot to fill up your belly after a long day. You’ll love the food. You’ll love the décor. You’ll love the atmosphere. At Cowpoke’s, you’ll find a unique tiki bar, live music, and enough space for almost 300 people. The menu consists of lobster tails, mahi mahi, tuna, mussels, oysters, scallops, catfish, shrimp, and even frog legs! Their cuts of steak are absolutely to die for.
A 1926 railroad depot plays home to this railroad museum. One of the top attractions of the museum is their beloved dining car, which is available for scheduled events and luncheons. The museum also features a variety of exhibits depicting all things railroad and the growth and prosperity of Avon Park.
If you’re not planning to camp in Highlands Hammock State Park, consider resting your head at the Jacaranda, a true Florida original and charming piece of history. This once booming inn was built in Avon Park’s heyday, before the rise of interstate system rendered the town an off-the-beaten-path stop. However, the Jacaranda never lost its appeal, and its grandiose statement still inspires in small-town Avon Park. The hotel owners have preserved its rich history, offering a pleasant, unique experience to its guests.
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Florida isn’t exactly known for its crags and mountains—truthfully, it doesn’t really have any. Which is why Floridians had to get creative when crafting their rock climbing experiences. The rice cake-style Lawyer Up! boulder behind the Ft. Lauderdale courthouse is a favorite among Florida climbers. The boulder has a continual spotlight on it, which makes it ideal for a night climb.
Quite possibly the only freestanding boulder in the Sunshine State, climbers have touted the back side of this rock as the best problem in West Florida. Standing at just over nine feet-tall, it won’t take you long to reach the top. While you’re here, you can enjoy an airboat ride or nature walk through the breezy canopy.
What Florida lacks in mountains it makes up for in limestone. Inside of this beautiful nature preserve you’ll find limestone cliffs that are begging for a climb. Be warned, though: You’ll want to start you climb quickly to avoid the crashing waves. You’ll also want to be prepared for some finger cuts, as many sections of the cliff have sharp holes and grips. It’s a small price to pay for the beautiful views that await you. The best time to climb here is during low tide, so check your calendar before you head out.
If you’re looking for an all-day adventure, set your sights on Egmont Key. You’ll start your day with a boat or ferry ride to the island—it’s the only way. From there, you can enjoy the wildlife refuge and explore the ruins of the old fort—which is where your climbing journey begins. It’s an easy bouldering experience on this cluster of historical remnants. However, make sure you pack your own food and drinking water—there is none to be found on the island.
Adjacent to the Wellington Skate Park, this man-made boulder sits in the midst of Village Park. Climbers have a few V2-V3 options and can make their way around the entire boulder. It’s not going to take up your entire day, but it’s a good climbing experience in a state that’s better known for its beaches and flatlands.
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