MOST DANGEROUS SECTION OF THE FLORIDA TRAIL: DAY ONE

The First 30 miles of the Florida Trail are among
the toughest miles of wilderness trail in the
United States.
Most of your time will be spent wading in ankle to
waist-deep water among tropical habitats.
Alligators, cottonmouth moccasins, and parasites
are present.
Please always hike with a group and carry a satellite tracking device.
This footage is right before Christmas. I had to end the first attempt after the camera was destroy and set back out after Christmas. Altogether I spent 6 days in the Big Cypress Swamp
My Links:
www.secondchanc...
/ secondchancehiker
/ secondchancehiker
/ secondchancehiker
Gear Links:
What I Film With - amzn.to/35M6U2S
Shoes I Wore - amzn.to/2Mk7ey6
Puffy (4 XL) - amzn.to/2oMyn40
My First Backpack - amzn.to/2C7KnQL
Favorite Backpack - amzn.to/2OTr1q7
Favorite Water Filter- amzn.to/2NcNRry
Long Johns - amzn.to/32dGdBo
SOS Device - amzn.to/2C93dHe
Ice Axe - amzn.to/2WDzdwp
"Butt Pad" - amzn.to/36x1FV4
Portable Charger - amzn.to/2PIpNyk
My Trekking Poles - zpacks.com/pro...
My Tent - zpacks.com/pro...
My Quilt - zpacks.com/pro...
Platypus Water: amzn.to/315vFFg
My Sleeping Pad: amzn.to/32NJtUi
Toilet Trowel: amzn.to/3aVZlsW
My Pillow: amzn.to/2RCT26d
My Rechargeable Lamp: amzn.to/36D3grt
Music by: Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicso...
Disclosure: This description contains affiliate links. I get a small commission if you decide to buy something or use my Amazon link - it's no extra cost to you and every little bit helps support my channel and future adventures!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

This was my first attempt to make it across Big Cypress Preserve. I destroyed my camera equipment luckily I was able to save the footage. All together I spent 6 days crossing these waters. I hope you enjoy. It gets more wild the further I go.

[@MiaMeezy]

Thats awesome thank you for sharing. We too are from Florida, in Colorado now, but moving back in a month or so. Did you stress swamp foot?

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Definitely needed to dry out after being out there for so long, but most stressful thing is the water, is demoralizing on the legs after a few miles, and the holes can be very dangerous.

[@Cgh432]

I give you credit on doing that in leather boots 👍 I wear trail runners so hey drain .

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Really enjoyed the boots, was super comfortable... especially great ankle support for the holes. I have altras but really starting to hate them.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Yes definitely follow instincts, you feel danger I would turn around as well!!!

[@Pineyhunter]

You rock the rainbow knife friend, don’t let anyone take that from you. We all carry things people laugh at.

[@WalshPhoto]

Thanks for all of the extra miles you did just to film yourself hiking.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Thank you Paul!!! 🤗 more exercise 😎

[@bezdroznik]

This is so true ppl can't even imagine :-)

[@cc462462]

I wouldn't say that Big Cypress was the most 'dangerous' part of the FT. Definitely the most challenging, but on my FT thru-hike I personally experienced all of my close brushes with death while walking on roads, almost being hit by passing cars who clearly didn't expect to see me there. Stay safe, dude.

[@edbraunn7720]

humans are the most deadly species!

[@dniemi58]

Big respect for hiking that section, I’ve done parts of the south side of I-75. It’s challenging but fun and exciting at the same time. I have a suggestion, please don’t carry your knife in the open position while you’re hiking. Especially while walking through water on slippery rocks. please 🙏

[@CoderShare]

Did this section in April. 10 miles out and back was absolutely brutal with no water on trail and insane heat. Rock on you badass.🤘

[@kennyobrien]

The KZbin algo suggested this video to me tonight, prolly because I'm obsessed with this section of the Florida Tail. Cory, you were INSTANTLY likeable! What a character. Now I'm going to dig into more of your videos. Cheers!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Thank you! Means a lot!

[@beverlywilson9693]

I am glad you showed your rainbow knife and told us you learned to not worry so much about what people think. I am embarrassed to admit that I carry bear spray when I hike, in Oregon. Even though I have lived in Oregon for over 50 years and never actually saw a bear here, lol.

[@christinetoevs6641]

You have such a joyful soul Cory ...thanks for sharing this amazing swampy trail!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Thank you 😊 ❤️

[@Harken4949]

“This is where I belong” - I feel that so much!

[@PhoenixGenesis]

Florida Trail is high on my list. Love your rainbow knife!!!! Glad to see you are still out there hiking! I’m back on the PCT again this year with low water in desert this year.

[@countchocula5379]

I love your bright and sunny disposition. It’s easy to see you’re an absolute gem. Be careful out there buddy.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Thank you, i appreciate this comment. Others want me to act tougher, but I enjoy my personality 😎

[@andreapitman7683]

It was so much fun seeing you have such joy in what you were doing.

[@misterdaveusa]

Nice camera work. I appreciate the effort and the extra steps you put in to make this video. From the Witch Trail to Croatia to the swamp, Wow, your 2020 was an effort but you made it work. Be safe and healthy, Happy New Year, Happy New Life!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Thank you, glad you realize the extra steps 🤗, happy new year and new beginnings!!!

[@AWatchmanKnightonday365]

God bless you brother been watching you since before your injury on the PCT. Very inspired by you wish I had the funding to hike with you. Till then your in my prayers 🙏 and notifications 💎👑

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Much love back brother 🤗!!! Thank you

[@tammieflemal7871]

I grew up in central Florida -not afraid of alligators as much as I am of water moccasins! So many people think it’s only theme parks and beaches lol swamps are beautiful in their own way. And you’re right- do what makes you happy and stop caring about what someone else might think. Good to see you on the trail

[@fantela01]

Can’t wait for the next episode! I’m living vicariously through you right now. 😃😃

[@Steven_Falcon]

I would’ve been more scared of Cottonmouths than gators. Be of wishes to you on your journey through our great state of Florida.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

You know I didn’t see any snakes until the last day, and walked into a dryer jungle section and wow saw 4 snakes... I was so glad I didn’t camp in that section. Alligator snapping turtle does try to bite me in upcoming videos.

[@BigCypressSwamp]

Bad idea to have the knife out when hiking. I tripped on a cypress knee once and my walking stick branch went into my arm. Good video.

[@mrmoose1997]

You're in my home state and my fa orite trail! I didn't realize you're from fla. Love watching your adventures! And a happy new year to you

[@dixxebell]

Oh I spent some time there camping and birding....really enjoyed it, Take care Corey.

[@TheNoonie50]

Looking great Cory! (the incredible shrinking man)

[@spiketv549]

So glad you are doing this, this time of year. I might have been on some of it, but it would have just been a day hike. My courage is next to zero at the moment and it helps to see you doing something brave.

[@alexmarchica5264]

Heck yeah brother rainbow knife!! Keep living your best life, no regrets. See you on the trail someday!

[@reallyrealraven]

I'm glad you've learned to do you, be you, face your fears, and not worry much about what others think. Yay

[@TJStellmach]

Big appreciation for you lugging that tripod. Those shots really show the trail conditions in a way that the selfie shots struggle to do. (And I'm betting there are conditions out there where it would be impossible to use a low tripod and hard to mount to a tree or something)

[@danielpittman889]

Damn son! I haven't checked in on you in a long time and you're looking GREAT! I remember when you were in SoCal taking two days to walk ten miles or some shit. Wow, you are a changed man!

[@timscott70]

This guy has balls of steel.

[@josephinamariakarseboom5184]

Glad you still have a great sense of humor. I would be really scared there.

[@marycarlson1393]

You are a brave man! A big Nope 👎🏻when it comes to water snakes. I’m sure the sun, and Florida heat makes your trek tough. Would you consider using the hands free backpack umbrella? Thank you for taking us along with you on your journey. Happy trails.

[@Jay_A52]

I'd like to add my thanks for all the shots of you hiking and the extra miles you must of walked to get them. Your videos are really becoming polished. I'll also second that I'd be a lot more afraid of the cottonmouths than the gators. Question though. did you see any signs of the skunk ape?

[@SecondChanceHiker]

I saw some statues by a boating place lol... thank you 😊 extra exercise

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Glad you are out on the trail. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

[@reallyrealraven]

I can relate to your adventurous spirit. Seeking something out. I have this thing for seeing an alligator, too, so these videos really resonated with me

[@austinshields8627]

What's up second chance!? Looking great my dude!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Hey Austin, Doing well, thank you brother 😎🤗

[@tracyazhikes]

That trail big nope for me. I am afraid of snakes, and probably gators. Your brave!

[@thechubbyhiker4142]

Corey, hell to the naw! You have got cahoonas the size of TX!! You’re STILL amazing us! Can’t wait to see the next episode! You rock!!

[@hikewithmike4673]

I would love to hike this trail one day I love swamp hiking I would definitely start it in December like you did or January when the dry season sets in when the cold fronts begin and the reptiles are less active!...I would have taken a nice stout hiking stick to repel any attacks with a bonk on the snout....man I miss the sound of the swoosh in the swamp during hiking!..

[@azrock235]

Sounds like a great plan Hike with Mike!

[@PatriseHenkel]

I’d never be able to hike that without a walking staff. And I’d have everything on a lanyard!

[@guzmanverde6702]

As someone that grew up around big cypress,dude is crazy to hike without a firearm..all kinds 4 legs and 2 legs of creatures that with kill your ass in there,plus skunk ape..

[@martinwelch5774]

SCH rocks the Florida Trail 💯

[@Emoji-ATTrailangel]

I love it❣️I wouldn’t do it, you are way braver than I. But I will love watching every step you take and minute you share. You are the man, my friend❣️👍👍 I lived in FL for years, in the Ocala national Forrest, in Silver Springs. I canoed many lakes and spring runs, saw some awesome natural beauty, but that as far as I would go to see it. Happy trails, Cory❣️😎

[@experimentaltreat]

Love your energy keep it 💯

[@brianphillips3541]

Now that you went thru that section, if you had to do it again, would you have used trecking poles through the water?

[@bruceleez5292]

Yes as an experienced big Cypress hiker those solution holes can hurt. I recommend trekking poles.

[@MyraHart1943]

I love the rainbow knife!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Wait until I get my extra extra rainbowy knife that the handle is rainbow as well 🤗

[@chrissugg6781]

Six days! Wish I had that kinda time. I completed it this past weekend. 1/8/21 17miles first day 1/9/21 10 miles 1/10/21 3.8 miles to finish by 11am. Amazing experience. Love my natural Florida. Solo as well!

[@tyrasvensson4021]

🐊 😮 I would've been super scared ALL the time out there. You just did the dangerous part and it was some really nice footage. I can't wait to see more from your adventure on FT 🤩❤

[@turtlemcturtleson]

my second time ever being in florida, I accidentally stumbled across a HUGE aligator, there's no way I'd travel in that lol

[@Oldsparkey]

Just make sure that log you plan on stepping is is a LOG.

[@turtlemcturtleson]

@@Oldsparkey lol

[@brandonweeks2662]

Love the video! And love the rainbow knife keep it up would love to go for a hike with you sometime but I live in North Florida

[@kelliyoung5320]

Always a pleasure to share your adventures!

[@GoldCoinBryce]

You have become a stud!

[@Oldsparkey]

You make it sound hard when in reality it's only wet and muddy. You will find most of the trail ( except the sand hills ) are wet and muddy during the rainy seasons. Personally I think the up and downs on the AT are a lot worse , I hate hills being a Florida flat lander. Alligators , Moccasins and the rest of the critter's normally leave you alone. The Mosquitos , Yellow Fly's and ticks , the Brown Dog tick and the Deer tick ( Lyme Disease ) seem to hunt you. Only state where I got Lyme disease is here in Florida and it's been two times.

[@dianal.1279]

Cory! You look amazing! You've lost so much weight! Wow! 🌻🎉🎉 The video is nice! What an interesting trail! Thank you for sharing!🌻👍

[@michelebrown158]

Lol. cottonmouth moccasins 😂😂 water moccasin and cottonmouth are one in the same...

[@juketreks2192]

I live in Florida and I think the most dangerous thing about that crossing is falling and drowning because you can’t get back up. However, the Sierras on the PCT. Well that’s what I call dangerous. Freezing to death and falling to my death on shake rock. I’ve been in the outdoors for 58 years and been bit by a snake once and that’s because I kicked it. And alligators are more scared of us.

[@InventorGadget]

Dude you rock, going in the swamp in shorts?! Keep that blade sharp, no matter the colors ;)

[@thatlarryguy6841]

With all those walk-by's you will be hiking some sections of the trail three times. Is that a sign of Dawinonthetrailism? The natural selection of the hardest working vloggers. You are looking healthy and happy. Great to see you on a trail again.

[@SinMore]

wow, I know why I'm a high desert woman. This trail is my worst nightmare. LOL, Very cool video!

[@blazentoo4904]

Rough section cory your the man for doing it several times..nothing can stop u now!

[@PFAM5]

Very entertaining. Looking forward to more videos!

[@KatWoman_]

perfect music.

[@ToxicGamer86454]

Is there a long section of the trail(100+ miles) that doesn't have bogs. I would prefer to stay dry(ish)

[@danmatherlee1311]

Does the rainbowing make the knife more effective? Personally I would have choose a machete, in any color(s).

[@cjsoutdoors4412]

Enjoyed your hiking adventure, crazy water trail! lol.. May I ask the song at the end of the video? Liked it!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Blood in the water, by layup... I tend to use a lot of their songs but a few fans said I can never ever use “every mile” again hahaha which I agree.

[@edbraunn7720]

i havnt deen gators in that part of trail but theres alot of snakes poisonous moccasins, maybe even more dangerous the gators u usually see and keep distance

[@MiaMeezy]

Be doing the FT this year 😀 good on you Cory

[@mindybluephotography]

When you're wading through water, how do you keep the trail. How do you know where to come out? I'm pretty adventurous, but I would NOT do this alone. and sleeping there? no way on earth! MAYBE, maybe with 4 or 5 other people. You are brave, Cory.

[@emrags15]

Looks like there are orange blazes.

[@texmexia49]

You go brave man! I’m from Texas and the rattlers and copperheads are “plentiful “ in my neck of the woods. I have shot more than I can count around my house and around my barn. One struck at me when I jumped out of my truck in my driveway. I’ll take that any day over walking thru that water. Not happening for this Texas girl!!

[@lynlandham3779]

I would make waders that come up to my chest part of my gear. I know they weigh about fifty pounds, but there is no way I could walk in that water!

[@rembrandtshadows]

Animals have nothing to do with travelling with another person, its more likely IF YOU GET INJURED. Like on a certain snowy slope . . . walking through opaque water, you can't see the bottom and you could easily go down on a root or fall in a gator hole.

[@HikeRx]

Swamp hiking is not appealing to me. You're a brave man. I'd be terrified of alligators.

[@adventurebythemile]

Excellent!!~former Rogue Life

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Oh good to see you!!! 🤗

[@edbraunn7720]

is that off 8st tamiami trail the oasis ranger station? i did like a 5 hour hike there, saw 3 snakes blocking trail and went off trail and got lost i had to climb a tree to c if i seen anyt civilization luckily i saw some antenna tower in distance and got back to main trail, if i wudve been farther in i wudve been totally lost once u go off main trail it all looks the same easy to get lost, i was able to get back by dusk a few more hours and i wuda spent the nite clinging to a treetop!

[@donnagraves381]

Anything new with second chance? Haven't seen anything in a couple weeks

[@Carma_1]

Wild! Too bad about the equipment. Well done Cory! ✌💌

[@bkf238]

I’m not sure that little rainbow knife will protect you from them gators. You are a brave man! And that is a pretty cool knife.

[@solchapeau6343]

People are just as crazy in every state. Florida is the only state that makes charges public before conviction.

[@markl1221]

You got guts.

[@trailninja6046]

That rainbow knife is Ranger Approved! Sorry about your camera.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Aww every time I see your face I smile Ranger 🤗 miss you

[@trailninja6046]

@@SecondChanceHiker you too buddy. Maybe we'll get a chance to share some trail this year.

[@bjackson30303]

Hammock would seem to be very desirable vs. tent on the ground?

[@SecondChanceHiker]

I am always scared the tree will fall back on me 🙈

[@nickischlemmer7052]

You constantly amaze me with your bravery, determination & positive attitude! Keep it up! 💪Your awesome! Much love from St.Louis! 💗

[@GeckoHiker]

I plan to hike the Florida Trail as soon as they put in the swamp bridge walkways. Jest sayin'...

[@dougeisen1503]

I have been on my own weight loss journey. Down 65LBS but then back up 10 over the holidays. Very depressing. But I am back at it and looking forward. Someone asked me today what they should do to get motivated to lose weight and get healthy. I told them to check out Second Chance Hiker on YT.

[@Jonistired]

You’ve done nothing to improve my opinion of Florida but good for you.

[@justnikki8225]

Extra rainbowy

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Extra extra rainbowy 🌈 now you know what I need for my birthday 🥳 😉 lol

[@cwenterprizewells1104]

Is that the limestone of the aquifer your walking in

[@SecondChanceHiker]

The rock felt like limestone and dangerous all those holes.

[@maryleonard6381]

Okay so maybe an airboat or canoe would be better on these “trails” that can’t really be a trail when you can’t see it , its under water. It’s more like a scene from the Steve McQueen movie Nevada Smith!

[@markstanton2362]

Whats the elevation gain? LOL! Good to see you back on the trail.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

😂😂😂

[@roguetuber4377]

Sea level

[@mikepreslar8686]

I hunted that area for many years. That Airstrip used to be a favorite among Drug Smugglers.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

So curious what did you hunt? Was it hard? Night hunting?

[@mikepreslar8686]

@@SecondChanceHiker Deer and Turkey. Usually in drier times.

[@thescrambler6684]

I didn’t know you lived in Florida, I’ll have to see if I can find you and shed a few pounds on a hike with you 💪

[@sarahspencer9545]

Oh wow scary!

[@purplehaze5979]

What’s the trail called

[@pismorichy]

I only learned this factoid when I saw Anderson Cooper scuba diving with massive gators in the Everglades! All those critters you spoke of Gators, Venomous Snakes, Etc. are in States of "Hibernation" right now and as a Native Floridian I would like to think you know this? So, your timing is safe from all those critters as I am safe here in the desert from Africanized Bees, Rattlesnakes, Etc.. Hike On!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Yeah we shouldn’t fear them at all. However I learned being alone in the wild those fears come back. They are out basking in the sun mostly, you are correct about them not wanting to eat when the water is below 73 degrees. A woman was still attacked in January of 2020 while hiking with her class in Florida. I think almost no attacks tho.

[@thatlarryguy6841]

@@SecondChanceHiker They like bite sized snacks. Small dogs, etc. etc.

[@brib9716]

Where does one train in alligator knife fighting?

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Lol I did speak to an alligator wrestler before hiking, knife won’t do much good... day one it just gave me peace lol... it was freaky being alone in those waters

[@cyberdolfan]

You mean about to "FEED" the gators. Lol

[@youngheart1065]

First and I’m so excited!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

YAY Larry, much love my friend!!!!

[@youngheart1065]

@@SecondChanceHiker Great shots! Love to see that sunshine too!

[@Juno_Beach]

them cotton moccasins

[@restman79]

How did your feet fare? Prepare for the normal wear and tear or does the water exacerbate things? Thanks!

[@laurenbouchie2394]

Fun times they said! lol...

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Lol right 🤗

[@juketreks2192]

Not sure what the rest of Florida is like but trail maintenance is non existent around Aucilla St Marks area. Avoid the primitive trail hikes in that area. Bridges are out and it’s very wet. Bridges have been out over a year.

[@johnganshow5536]

I think I would hike it hip boots or chest waders...

[@steves3760]

Evidently you never experienced South Florida. You would be hot, miserable and soaking wet with sweat.

[@johnganshow5536]

@@steves3760 Right, If it's flat & humid with no mountains, I wouldn't be interested in going there...I grew up in a humid state, never again..

[@steves3760]

@@johnganshow5536 Florida is very diverse. Especially the Everglades. We have beautiful winters which makes for the best camping. However, I do wish I was back in Minnesota. Minnesota gets hotter than Naples, but it doesn't last as long. And I'm not camping in 90° heat with loads of humidity.

[@johnganshow5536]

@@steves3760 I've always wanted to canoe the Boundary canoe area up by Ely Minnesota, looks very cool!!!

[@steves3760]

@@johnganshow5536 Spent a lot of summers on Lake Kabetogama in the BWCA growing up. Absolutely fantastic until the Minnesota government effed up the camping there. I get back to MN twice a year, one to walleye fish and one for deer hunting.