When most folks picture Florida, they think of beaches, theme parks, or spring training. But for the overlander, the Sunshine State is a canvas of sandy two-tracks, subtropical swamps, hidden springs, and pine flatwoods. Adventure here isn’t measured in elevation gain — it’s found in the challenge of sand, water crossings, and heat.
At the center of it all lies the Florida Adventure Trail (F.A.T.), a 1,000+ mile overland route linking the state’s wildest corners. And if that’s not enough, the Southern Florida Adventure Trail (S.O.F.A.T.) pushes the journey even further south, all the way to Key West. Together, these routes form a Florida overland universe, with enough terrain to keep any Jeep, truck, or ADV bike honest.
“Florida’s overland routes are where the pine forests meet the swamp, and the sand keeps you honest.”
The Florida Adventure Trail (F.A.T.)
The Florida Adventure Trail was mapped by Josh Birkmire of Sunshine State Adventure Co. and covers over 1,000 miles of dirt, gravel, and backroads across the state.
- Highlights: Apalachicola National Forest, Ocala National Forest, Osceola National Forest, Suwannee River crossings, and stretches through rural small towns.
- Terrain: sandy tracks, clay sections, mild water crossings, swampy bottoms.
- Navigation: Best tackled with OnX Offroad or Gaia GPS.
- Trip style: Run the loop in one epic 7–10 day push, or break it into segments for long weekends.
The F.A.T. is where most Florida overlanders start — it’s diverse, well-documented, and accessible whether you’re running a lifted rig or a modest stock 4×4 with good tires.
Introducing the Southern Florida Adventure Trail (S.O.F.A.T.)
Think of S.O.F.A.T. as the expansion pack for Florida overlanding. Built by the same team, the Southern Florida Adventure Trail connects directly to the F.A.T. and drives south toward the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
- Length: Hundreds of miles, extending the F.A.T. into southern Florida.
- Surface mix: ~40% dirt, 60% rural pavement and scenic backroads.
- Highlights: Big Cypress National Preserve, mangrove corridors, island bridges, and Key West itself.
- Flexibility: Run it standalone or add it to your F.A.T. loop for the ultimate 10–14 day adventure.
Where the F.A.T. is about forests and rivers, S.O.F.A.T. adds coastal, mangrove, and island flavor. You’ll drive the Overseas Highway, skirt subtropical wetlands, and end your trip at the southernmost point in the continental U.S.
Top Destinations Along the F.A.T. & S.O.F.A.T.
- Ocala National Forest — sandy trails, springs, and classic Florida overlanding.
- Osceola National Forest — pine flatwoods, swampy patches, and Ocean Pond camping.
- Apalachicola National Forest — Florida’s largest NF with remote sandy trails and cypress wetlands.
- Big Cypress National Preserve — subtropical swamp tracks and the legendary Loop Road.
- Blackwater River State Forest — sandy forest roads, riverside camping, and kayaking.
- Gulf Islands National Seashore — barrier island drives and beachfront adventure camping.
- Citrus Wildlife Management Area — rugged limestone terrain and forest roads.
- Goethe State Forest — quiet dispersed camping and sandy routes.
- Eglin Air Force Base Range Roads — remote sandy tracks (permit required).
Hidden Gems Worth Exploring
- Citrus Wildlife Management Area — Central Florida’s rugged limestone challenge.
- Goethe State Forest — quiet forest roads with dispersed camping options.
- Eglin Air Force Base Range Roads — vast sandy training grounds with recreation permits.
Florida Overlanding Resources
Official Maps & Visitor Info
- Ocala National Forest – USDA Forest Service
- Osceola National Forest – USDA Forest Service
- Apalachicola National Forest – USDA Forest Service
- Big Cypress National Preserve – NPS
- Blackwater River State Forest – Florida Forest Service
- Gulf Islands National Seashore – NPS
- Citrus WMA – Florida Fish & Wildlife
- Goethe State Forest – Florida Forest Service
Permits & Access
Navigation Apps
Plan Your Florida Adventure
Ready to hit the road? Whether you’re tackling a weekend section or running the full loop, the trail starts with a map in hand.
- Florida Adventure Trail (F.A.T.) GPX Files – Road Rash Offroad
- Southern Florida Adventure Trail (S.O.F.A.T.) GPX Files – Sunshine State Adventure Co.
Pair your GPX with OnX Offroad or Gaia GPS for real-time navigation.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t plan it all at once. Break the F.A.T. into sections, and save the S.O.F.A.T. extension for cooler months when mosquito season has eased up.
Gear & Rig Tips for Florida Terrain
Florida is a test of preparation more than altitude. Pack accordingly:
- Tires & Airing Down: Sand demands dropping PSI. Bring a compressor.
- Recovery Gear: Straps, traction boards, and a shovel are essential.
- Bug Defense: Mosquitoes and gnats will test your sanity.
- Hybrid Adventure: Consider a kayak or paddleboard to explore springs and rivers along the way.
When to Go
- Fall & Winter: Best weather — cool, dry, and fewer bugs.
- Summer: Expect oppressive heat, storms, and swarms of mosquitoes.
- Hurricane Season: Always have an exit plan.
Bottom Line
Overlanding in Florida isn’t about climbing peaks or chasing alpine passes. It’s about navigating sand, skirting swamp, and finding hidden camps under subtropical skies.
The Florida Adventure Trail gives you a sweeping sampler of the state’s wild interior, while the Southern Florida Adventure Trail lets you take it all the way down to Key West. Whether you run a section or the full loop, Florida overlanding will surprise you — and challenge your rig in ways mountain trails never could.
Here’s to the road unpaved! – Doug
⚠️ Trail & Travel Disclaimer
All content, routes, GPX files, and trip ideas shared on GladiatorUp.com are for informational and entertainment purposes only. Overlanding, off-road driving, and outdoor recreation carry inherent risks.
- Always verify current maps, land access rules, and permit requirements before your trip.
- Conditions can change quickly due to weather, flooding, fire, or closures.
- You are responsible for your own safety, vehicle recovery, and preparedness.
👉 Travel smart. Respect the land. Tread lightly.