New Year’s Day has become a popular time to go hiking to set your course for the next year.
If you want to hike with a group and a guide, there are three options.
Florida Trail Association is planning a hike at The Nature Conservancy’s Tiger Creek Preserve near Babson Park.
Colt Creek State Park and Lake Kissimmee State Park will host ranger-led hikes.
If you’d like to head out into the woods away from the crowds, there are plenty of options.
If you live in Polk County, you might consider Polk County Environmental Lands’ Sumica , North Walkinwater or Gator Creek sites, FWC’s Wildlife Management Area, the Florida National Scenic Trail in the Green Swamp , Catfish Creek Preserve or Lake Wales Ridge State Forest’s Arbuckle, Walkinwater and Hesperides units.
There are more to explore in surrounding counties that include Withlacoochee State Forest, FWC’s Wildlife Environmental Areas, SFWMD’s complex of trails on conservation lands around the Kissimmee River.
Wherever you go get outside and have fun.