I like mountains, I like to hike, I'm in tampa, what do I do? (Ocala: camping, live in)

[biggoose9000]

Hello,

I live in Tampa.
What do i do if i want to go hiking.

Thanks.

[Alphaman]

Originally Posted by biggoose9000

Hello,

I live in Tampa.
What do i do if i want to go hiking.

Thanks.

You will have to drive to Georgia, North Carolina, or Tennessee if you want mountains.

[Mozart271]

Well, there are hiking trails here, but if I were you, I would wait till it cools off (like November!) before doing much hiking. You might check out some state parks. I like biking, and there are quite a few bike trails all over Florida.

By the way, does your name come from Big Goose Creek in Wyoming?

[rich67]

LOL...you're out of luck! Take up a new hobby that is water related! I jetski and go boating, so I am kept pretty happy.
I lived out in Cali and loved hiking and camping and all that "mountainy" stuff. I miss it...A LOT. I am mountain biking now, and there are some good spots for that (Ocala and others), but there is no such thing as "singletrack downhills" here. Northern Georgia and N. Carolina will help you get your fill. Otherwise, start counting down your days to retirement and move back out west! That's what my plan is.

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by biggoose9000

I like mountains, I like to hike, I'm in tampa, what do I do?

Move immediately.

I live 5 min from an REI between 2 mountain ranges...does it hurt?
Sorry had to do it, I lived in Tampa for 3 years so I know how you feel.

!

[tampaguy03]

Originally Posted by biggoose9000

Hello,

I live in Tampa.
What do i do if i want to go hiking.

Thanks.

IN the Tampa area the biggest "hills" I have found hiking and biking have been at the Alafia River State Park in Hillsborough County..you would never think you were in Florida riding down some of this terrain(Its an old Phophate mine that has been closed for decades and very lush and overgrown with rivers and streams..lots of foliage.)

[rich67]

Alafia has some nice MTB trails for sure...but when I think of hiking and riding, I can't help but think back to all the hikes I did in the Sierra Nevadas, Yosemite, and heck, even out in Arizona/Utah at Lake Powell and Moab! Those are REAL mountains...not the rolling hills out here. Even the Blue Ridge and Smokeys can't compare to the Sierras out west. I can't wait to retire and head back out there- I am counting down the years....

[Sunnydee]

Originally Posted by rich67

Alafia has some nice MTB trails for sure...but when I think of hiking and riding, I can't help but think back to all the hikes I did in the Sierra Nevadas, Yosemite, and heck, even out in Arizona/Utah at Lake Powell and Moab! Those are REAL mountains...not the rolling hills out here. Even the Blue Ridge and Smokeys can't compare to the Sierras out west. I can't wait to retire and head back out there- I am counting down the years....

I know exactly how you feel. I love the beach and sunshine and I'm in Cincinnati.
It's hard to be in a geographically unsuitable place. All I can tell you is travel to the places you love at every opportunity and plan to retire where you love if you can't relocate sooner.

[rich67]

^+1000...you said it right there. I am heading out west next year on a mountain biking excursion; I can't wait. Will be retiring in either Page AZ or Prescott AZ as well...closer to the mountains and Vegas than I am now!

[kristyh]

well i know if you want to head to the ozarks in Ar for vacation there are plenty of mountains here!!