Get Outdoors for Greenways and Trails Month!

As October rolls around, a touch of fall can be felt in the air — perfect for getting outdoors!

Florida has more than 1,300 recreational trails located throughout the state, totaling 10,174 miles of hiking, bicycling, equestrian and shared-use trails, and over 5,000 miles of paddling trails. These greenways and trails provide enormous benefits for Florida’s economy, tourism, and the health of visitors and residents.

Long-distance trails in the state include the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, the 1,500-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, and the longest segment of the East Coast Greenway, an ambitious national trail project extending from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Florida. These trails attract paddlers, hikers and cyclists from around the country and world.

In addition, state parks such as the Cross Florida Greenway spans 110 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River, providing numerous opportunities for paddlers, hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. Not surprisingly, the Greenway had the greatest direct economic impact of all state parks last year, generating almost $386 million.

Various trail-related events are being offered at Florida State Parks throughout the month, including fall wildflower and butterfly walks. To find an extended list of activities occurring in an area near you, explore the Florida State Parks events webpage.

And be sure to check out the online Community Trails Calendar on the Office of Greenways and Trails website for more trail offerings.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks continues to strengthen its support of outdoor recreation for public health and fitness across the state. This means going beyond state parks and trails and into communities to inspire people to get active outdoors wherever they may live. Research shows that outdoor recreation is important to the vast majority of residents and visitors.

“When communities invest in greenways and trails, it pays big dividends for the enjoyment and health of residents and visitors, and for local and state economies,” said Samantha Browne, Office of Greenways and Trails bureau chief. “This system is growing, and our mission is to inspire people to head outdoors and enjoy these resources to the fullest. And there is no better time to get started than Greenways and Trails Month!”