My friend and I are looking to do a 3-day hike on the Florida Trail on one of the segments that follow the Suwannee River. As children, we did a canoe trip along the Suwannee River and would like to hike around the same familiar area.

We are both experienced at camping and have some backpacking experience and are looking to do between 6-10 miles a day.

I'd like to do as little road walking as possible. The section leaving from Gibson Park seems nice but my guide book makes it sound like the first 4 miles or so heading away from Gibson Park are road walking.

Any suggestions?

That's true, heading west. You go straight into roadwalk from Holton Creek WMA west and while it is backroads, it's still roadwalk. I'd suggest Holton Creek east to White Springs. Wendell Hannum at American Canoe Adventures (ACA1.com) will do shuttles; leave your car with him in White Springs and have him drop you at Holton Creek WMA. It was 1 day backpacking for me and my friends between US 129 and Holton Creek; another day to get to Camp Branch, 10 miles more to White Springs. That would give you a nice 3 long days. It's a beautiful hike...enjoy!

Sandra, would I just need the Suwannee area map for this hike, or would I need to purchase the Osceola area map also?