Summertime fun getting underway in Florida

Warm June weather signals the start of summertime fun in Florida. Whether it’s swimming in a clear blue spring, hiking a scenic trail, kayaking down a pristine river or simply digging your toes into sugar-white sand, there’s an outdoor activity for everyone in every part of the state. Saturday, June 2 is National Trails Day. Grab your hiking boots and hit the trail at Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. The underground caverns in this part of the state create a uniquely beautiful terrain. Your bicycle and helmet will come in handy at Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont or Fort Pierce Inlet State Park just north of West Palm Beach. Equestrians can ride the Carter Camp trail along the high bluffs of the Suwannee at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Friday, June 15 is Nature Photography Day. Florida’s state parks offer wonderful opportunities for this fast-growing hobby. Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey is a great place to capture a photo of the elusive Florida Scrub Jay, but it requires patience. The best wildlife photos generally happen early in the day or late afternoon. A bonus: enter your photos in the monthly online photo contest for a chance to win a Passport to journal your state park visits. If you’re looking to beat the heat, cool off by swimming – at the beach, freshwater spring, lake or river. This year, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, AKA Dr. Beach, has announced that two of Florida’s state park beaches made the Top 10 in America list. The beach at St. George Island State Park in the panhandle was ranked #4 and the beach at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne was ranked #8. If freshwater swimming is more to your liking, head to one of Florida’s many springs. The chilly 72 degree water will make it seem like a fountain of youth. Try Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland or Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon. Many more fun recreational activities are available in state parks in all areas of Florida. Just remember to protect yourself from the heat and the sun and stay hydrated while enjoying the great outdoors.