Exploring the Northern Florida Adventure Trail: My Overlanding Experience
The Florida Adventure Trail (F.A.T.) is quickly becoming a must-do overlanding route for off-road enthusiasts across the country. Known for its mix of terrains, hidden campsites, and unforgettable views, the F.A.T. offers a true adventure for those looking to explore the Sunshine State’s more rugged side. In my latest overlanding trip, I had the chance to explore a portion of the trail, starting on the northwest side of Florida and making my way east, diving deep into the state’s dense woods.
This blog dives into my trip highlights, the challenges I encountered, and the gear I tested, including new wheels from Anthem Off-Road and 37-inch Kenda Klever MT2 tires. I’ll also give you an overview of the Florida Adventure Trail, how to access maps, and tips for planning your own trip.
What is the Florida Adventure Trail (F.A.T.)?
The Florida Adventure Trail is a 1,000+ mile off-road route that stretches across the state of Florida. Designed for overlanders by Josh Birkmire and the Sunshine State Adventure Co., it connects forests, state parks, coastal areas, and historic towns, showcasing the diverse natural beauty of Florida. From sandy trails and swamps to river crossings and scenic campgrounds, the F.A.T. offers a bit of everything for overlanders, motorcyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or just getting started with overlanding, the trail provides varying levels of difficulty, making it an excellent challenge for adventurers of all kinds.
Where to Find Maps for the Florida Adventure Trail
To plan your trip, you can access detailed F.A.T. maps and GPS coordinates at https://sunshinestateadvco.com. Once you have downloaded the .gpx files, you can load them into your choice of navigation apps including:
1. OnX Offroad App – Perfect for marking campsites, trails, and landmarks during your journey.
2. Gaia GPS – Provides comprehensive route details for the entire Florida Adventure Trail.
Additionally you can join several Florida Overlanding Communities – Online forums and Facebook groups are excellent resources for up-to-date route information and local tips.
These tools are essential for navigating the trail and finding the best hidden spots to camp, refuel, and explore.
My Overlanding Trip: Northern Florida Adventure Trail Highlights
While I couldn’t tackle the entire Florida Adventure Trail on this trip, I made the most of my time by exploring a portion of the northwest region and heading east toward Florida’s coast. My goal was to get a feel for the terrain, mark key locations for future camping trips, and test out new gear on my Jeep.
1. Scenic Wooded Areas
The first thing that struck me was how lush and dense the wooded areas of northern Florida are. These trails offered a mix of sandy roads, clay, and some mild water crossings that kept the drive interesting. I made sure to mark several potential camping spots and landmarks on my OnX Offroad app so I could come back for longer stays.
2. Testing New Gear
This trip wasn’t just about exploring; I also wanted to test a couple of new upgrades to my Jeep Wrangler:
• Wildfinder Rooftop Tent: I tested its durability, ease of use, and comfort during an overnight stop. The setup was quick, and it provided solid warmth for the cooler Florida evening.
• Anthem Off-Road Wheels and 37” Kenda Klever MT2 Tires: Upgrading to 37-inch tires significantly changed the Jeep’s handling. I immediately noticed that the gearing felt off, my speed was impacted, and the steering became noticeably sloppy. These are all things I’ll address before taking on the full trail, but the tires performed exceptionally well on mixed terrain.
3. Landmark Notations
Taking a test run allowed me to pinpoint areas worth revisiting:
• Quiet wooded campsites perfect for overnight stays.
• Trails with diverse terrains, from sand to packed clay.
• Photo-worthy landscapes to capture on future trips.
By marking these spots in real-time, I’ve created a personalized map of go-to areas for the full Florida Adventure Trail experience.
Tips for Overlanding on the Florida Adventure Trail
If you’re considering tackling the F.A.T., here are some tips to ensure a successful trip:
1. Plan in Sections: With over 1,000 miles of trail, it’s best to divide the F.A.T. into manageable portions. Start with one region, like the northwest, and work your way across the state.
2. Use a Navigation App: Tools like OnX Offroad or Gaia GPS are essential for staying on route and locating key waypoints.
3. Test Your Gear: Make sure to test new gear—like rooftop tents, tires, and wheels—on shorter trips before committing to the entire trail.
4. Pack Essentials: Include recovery gear, camping supplies, extra fuel, and water. Florida’s terrain can be unpredictable, so preparation is key.
5. Document Landmarks: Mark campsites, scenic stops, and off-road challenges to revisit or share with fellow overlanders.
Must-See Highlights on the Florida Adventure Trail
While I only explored a small portion of the trail, the F.A.T. offers incredible sights and experiences, including:
• Apalachicola National Forest: A stunning area with rivers, swamps, and wooded trails.
• Ocala National Forest: Known for its sand pine scrub and crystal-clear springs.
• Historic Coastal Towns: Stop by charming towns along the eastern side for food, culture, and beach views.
• Suwannee River Crossings: Experience the beauty of this iconic Florida river.
These highlights make the Florida Adventure Trail more than just an off-road route—it’s an unforgettable journey.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for the Full F.A.T.
This short but productive overlanding trip gave me valuable insights into what to expect when tackling the full Florida Adventure Trail. The mix of terrains, quiet campsites, and opportunity for exploration makes this trail a bucket-list experience for any off-roader.
While I’ll need to address my Jeep’s gearing and steering before attempting the full trail, this test run allowed me to test new gear, discover incredible spots, and get excited for the next big adventure.
Watch the Full Trip Video
Want to see the Florida Adventure Trail in action? Check out my latest YouTube video where I take on the northern section of the F.A.T., test new gear, and mark some must-see locations for my next trip.
If you’re planning your own overlanding adventure or have tips about the F.A.T., let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe to Road Rash Off Road for more overlanding content, gear reviews, and epic trail videos.
