My Scariest Solo Hiking Experience: Escaping a Florida Swamp

This was the hardest, most dangerous solo hike I have ever done. I am very proud of this video and all the hard work it took to create and edit so you can all see.
Location: Big Cypress Preserve Southern Florida
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.
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[@societyofrobots]

When you're no longer afraid, that's when they get you. Your guard is down.

[@anhatur]

There are people who act like they’re tough, and then there’s you. Listening to alligator babies calling for their mothers in the night while all you have defend yourself with is a tiny knife, and then having no trouble saying that you like to hug. Wonder what Discovery Channel would have made of that? Congratulations, at any rate. I’d much rather watch you.

[@edwardkenny2356]

You're a better man than I. Not sure if you're very brave, or completely nuts, but either way, congratulations. 👏👏👏👏

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Maybe it’s a little bit of both! 💪😎

[@Fillemexicaine36]

You really take "embracing the suck" to another level, Corey! And your laugh is contagious! :)

[@nirmaleva]

Super proud of you for facing your fears. I can't believe you didn't see an alligator the whole time. I love that your "just in case" last words were "I love you".

[@Rnagy3000]

Way to go! I have always encouraged people to confront their fears. But that's freaking balls!

[@candicemitchell2963]

I am in awe of your resilience and bravery. I live in FL, not far from where you were in this video. (I live in Cape Coral). I was just out hiking locally today, (not in a swamp), and I thought of the Florida Trail and how you have to be super brave to do it. I give you so much credit!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Very cool, my home base is Fort Myers 🤗 Florida trail is only an hour away 💪😎 happy hiking

[@AnnoyingTiger888]

Hi! Can I ask you a few questions about the swamp? I want to include it in a book I'm writing but I've never been there myself so I can only describe what I see in the video or in pictures 😅

[@mmeljac]

Cory -- Did you just realize that you just said you hiked 55 miles like it was a trip to the grocery store? Did you ever imagine that you would be able to pick a trail, grab some food and gear and go 55 miles even a few years ago ;or even that you would have cause to use that number in any sentence not related to highway speed limits. I imagine that if set your mind to accomplishing anything, put a little planning into it that you most definitely would succeed.

[@benjiix184]

I am from Canada and here, the mosquitoes and flies are concentrated in the summer months. I was impressed how you can walk with shorts and a t-shirt in southern Florida without getting eaten alive by them.

[@Dolomite141]

Been following you since Day One of the PCT ... you are a true inspiration, I think you can accomplish almost anything you put your mind to. I'm going to re-watch your PCT adventures cuz it was EPIC !!! Congrats on facing your fears and beating them. Footnote: I think that time you got stuck in a snow storm and did a live chat was probably just as scary, it sure had me scared lol.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Oh yes that was a very scary day! I kinda wanted to forget, trying to cross and ice field was a different kind of fear. The snow storm itself I survived, but that ice field. It was on my sons birthday and almost got myself killed.

[@reecee2941]

I was nervous for you during this entire trail. I’m glad you made it out. You’re terribly brave to take that on!!

[@couleehiker403]

I remember stumbling across your channel when you had just started the PCT. You only had a few hundred followers and were hiking 1-2 miles a day. Here you are now, sloggin through swamps as a battle tested, veteran adventure. I can’t believe the transformation. You inspire with your resolve and internal power. I hope you are very proud of everything you’ve accomplished in your life. Thanks for taking us all along on your adventures. I’ll be sure to stick with you.

[@himcules100]

You one brave hombre. Admiration. Glad you made it.

[@williamsaldanah3554]

I’m a Florida air boater, I know what’s in those swamps. Therefore you are insane my friend, very easy to get bite by a poisonous snake then your not getting medical help. I always keep a XD10mm and a AR15 when I’m out swamping!! Excellent video and I’m happy you survived

[@Frindleeguy]

Man a lot of the Florida Trail is through swamp. I'm with you, it seems crazy.

[@user-mw9yh4cu2i]

Do you believe in skunk apes

[@lanlam2114]

I live in Asia, snakes often run away when they see people, not so worry

[@ciscokid1999]

Keep it up bud, we're rooting for you.....

[@Steven_Falcon]

Now the fun part begins. Before you know it you’ll be in the high & dry pine forests. I wish you well and look forward to watching what the FT has in store for you.

[@ThreeEagles47]

Overcoming fear is a huge accomplishment. You are a great example of someone who has been working on overcoming. We're keeping you in our prayers and hope you can find some hiking friends so life won't feel so empty. Hang in there.

[@cyndymarshall9590]

You go!! Great start to 2021 !! Keep going, looking forward to the rest

[@o_summer]

You are so brave doing that by yourself. So inspirational. You’ve got this. Peace and love from New Mexico. 🙌🏼❤️

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Thank you! Peace and Love back ❤️

[@DaleStAmant]

@@SecondChanceHiker👍👍👍🤗

[@adventureswiththelords9096]

This is amazing! Florida is definitely a WILD place for adventure! Glad you're doing so well with this hike!

[@cappyvas]

This is insane, dude!

[@christinetoevs6641]

Great series of adventure -hiking in gnarly places! Well done & kudos! Thanks for the considerable effort to set-up camera & backtrack ..so we could see you in action! You have came SO FAR ...from the scared greenhorn starting the PCT ...just 2 years ago!

[@USMC-1833]

Congrats on your solo hike, thru Big Cypress South. I did the same solo hike about seven years ago and know exactly what you went through and how spooky it can get at times. Things going "bump in the night", "stuff" moving in the water, not seeing another human being for days... Your positive attitude and sense of humor is what got you to the other side. Again, Congrats and thank you for infectious laughter and positive attitude. You were Awesome and did a Great job.

[@underdogontheappalachiantr9646]

Man that is so right on.. congrats on conquering Big Cypress, solo even.. Thanks for sharing every step..Underdog

[@TheBrendagolden]

Awesome video. I am from the Fakahatchee Strand area and I can 100 percent guarantee you that the gators saw you and so did the snakes and a bear or panther or two. They blend so well! Great job. I am hosting a group hike with 8 women from.Oasis to 75 in Jan. Wish us luck!

[@3o5wasabii]

I’d love to attend any info or links?

[@Frindleeguy]

I know this was 2 years ago, and I have no idea what you're up to now, but watching this all I can think is... You're a badass. This is a very cool story. Thanks for sharing.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Much appreciated!!! I haven’t posted in a long time. 2 years really goes by fast. I am currently on top of a mountain sleeping in Hmong hill tribe village in remote northern Thailand. It’s wild here. Life of crazy adventures!!!

[@tcanwell]

You are The Man. Much love and respect to you. Happy New Year, brother!

[@Jay_A52]

Congratulations again! Great footage and an altogether epic video!

[@paulrevere2379]

Where's Wilson? Wilsuuuunn! 🏐

[@SecondChanceHiker]

I definitely was thinking of Castaway at the fire 🔥 ❤️

[@FSU-xn8em]

One of the most entertaining videos I’ve seen in awhile. You’re a brave dude.

[@annamoneymaker4771]

Mad Respect to you!! AMAZING!!! Just subscribed to your channel. Can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

[@colinsellar8409]

Corey you continue to inspire! Wonderful to see you out on trail. Looking forward to seeing you do some drier hiking!!

[@moyashisoba]

Wohooo, you did it! Congrats Cory, you awesome and brave human.

[@bkf238]

I’d be totally freaking out in that water. I’m so proud of you doing this. And congrats on the weight loss. It really shows. And I love that your last words are ‘I love you’

[@Mtnsunshine]

You are amazing, Cory. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. And I love hearing your voice again. I've been away for awhile, and hearing your voice was like meeting back up with an old friend. Super congrats on getting through The Swamp. I Know I could not have done what you did. You have my utmost respect. 👍

[@SecondChanceHiker]

*Really big virtual hugs*

[@dianal.1279]

Congratulations! You've faced your fears! I think after this, everything will be like a walk in the park for you! 🌞🌻👍🎉

[@mikehamilton3833]

Cory, your mental and physical toughness amazes me. Your determination is immense. No way am I doing what you are doing. Total respect for you. Following from video one, you are the man.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Thank you so much Mike 🤗, much appreciated !!!!

[@annamoneymaker4771]

I enjoy watching your videos. You are an inspiration. Keep it up. Love it. Thank you for sharing!!

[@washingtonmike8296]

What psychological strength you exhibit. I remember your early PCT videos and remember having concern for your success but now you are an experienced adventurer. 🐊

[@robocrip1]

Wohoo 🎉🎉🎉. Thank you for sharing!

[@grinch5x04]

Loving these new videos, cory!! You are looking great. You are an inspiration. I can't imagine how tough that hike was through all that water. Also, major props on hiking alongside alligators. That is terrifying. Especially, since you had a childhood fear of them. 😳

[@SecondChanceHiker]

I love you Robin, Virtual hugs 🤗

[@comfortablynumb5541]

Kudos to you! Great job!

[@vibelife5133]

That was a major accomplishment!👍congrats! Good job!

[@lisamishou6626]

Wow!!! You are the man!!! Lived in Cape Coral for years and NO WAY IN HELL would I go out in that swamp on purpose!! Man!!!!

[@TJStellmach]

In those sections where you can't see the bottom, I recommend swinging from tree to tree like Tarzan.

[@tyrasvensson4021]

Congrats on completing the Black Lagoon section 🥳 You Did it!!!

[@Pineyhunter]

Last words “I love you”, your truly an amazing guy! 😂

[@silvervlogs1438]

Wow very daring! Nice vid :)

[@Emoji-ATTrailangel]

Cory, you da man❣️👍👍👍unbelievable. Thank God you made it through there safely❣️ Your courage has no bounds, amazing brother❣️you not only hiked it, you hiked double to get your camera, over and over. 😎 enjoy the rest of the trail. God bless you, Cory.

[@sonjavanbuiten6727]

I think you're a hero for doing this: walking through knee- and waistdeep water and facing the fear. You're just doing it!

[@ktrpillar]

Great job facing your childhood fears and for being and sharing your authentic self with us as always- so appreciate you living your best life and inspiring me as well as many others to do the same. I discovered your PCT vlogs during the beginning of the pandemic last year. I'm very much looking forward to section hiking the PCT this summer and following your channel has stoked my fire and helped me stay positive and hopeful! Thank you S.C.H.!!!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

We got this! Thank you, much love back 🤗❤️

[@Mark_Jacobson81]

5:25 you’re looking good Corey, keep up the good work buddy! Fit as a fiddle

[@sharonthomas4856]

yeah Cory you did it!! You can do anything.

[@joshuafrick8764]

Nice job navigating the swamp alone. Living in Florida and have hiked/primitive camped in alot of these place....wait until your deep in the green swamp of central florida. It's very pretty but you will here all kinds of noises you can't explain. This area has it all too! Water, snakes, bears, big cats, wild monkeys, gators, wild hogs, huge spiders...think hand size, and last but not least don't forget the florida skunk ape.( And they like to throw rocks and small logs at you!)

[@djg5950]

Ok. I'll bite. What the hell is a skunk ape ? This is about the 4th time someone has mentioned it. I thought it was a fictional animal like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster ? Now go ! with the arguments about Bigfoot being real.

[@annelawson1966]

Yay! You did it! Scary and hard.

[@vince4316]

Well done brother good for you!!

[@steffystrailmix3797]

Yes, that’s a baby alligator calling it’s Mommy! Scary!🐊🐍🐢🦧

[@tim_sallyevangelisti9146]

You are one stellar dude!

[@Lord_Rehgar]

We just moved to Florida and just found your channel. We have been doing a fair bit of day hiking.

[@wisenber]

You're making the Florida Trail look more like a prison escape movie!

[@adventureswiththelords9096]

HAHAHAHAHA!!!

[@beverlywilson9693]

Hahaha, I love when you compared yourself to a gazelle! 🤣🤣

[@kattyswanson872]

🌻 Love to se you on The Journey of Life AND wow, You did this all Solo?! 😱 Thats Coragues!! What a Wow-Factor!!!! Keep hiking And Stay Safe out there!! Hugs Katty

[@LindaWestCellos]

Wow! You just went WAY out of your comfort zone! Facing you fear head on. Looks pretty in a swampy way.

[@andrewut7ya511]

First, great work doing that hike alone. I wouldnt do that with 5 guys with weapons, but anyways. Im thinking its kinda scarier that you didnt see a gator because gators definitly saw you. Theres just no chance that there was no gators along the way, they were just being flat and spooky. Im 2 years late with this comment but i hope you are doing well, rock on

[@juanccastillo1307]

Man I thought i was crazy when I once hiked at night in bear mountain forest in NY. I have a lot of respect for your bravery.👊

[@terrahmama]

Cory you are an amazing human. Don't be so hard on yourself you just went through a break up...give yourself time to heal and know yourself. I have watched you since your first pct start and you have come so far. Keep on hiking and keep on healing! BTW...i am NOT ever doing that hike! I will stick with the bears, cougars over water moccasins, pythons and alligators any day! Thank you very much👍Way to conquer your fears If you are ever in the PNW...give me a shout I will be happy to hiking with you.. In my opinion you seem like you always are a ray of sunshine...you have a beautiful smile and a beautiful heart. Yes you may get down, you may be lonely at times (which is just a mindset) but your inner being radiates love for life and I think all of your fans see that in you!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Awww I wish I could give you a hug ❤️ much love back to you

[@MrPhins]

I thought it was unbelievable and brave/insane and then I saw you're carrying a full-size tripod that probably weighs more than your big 3 combined AND backtracking for shots and I'm just speechless.

[@robertbates6057]

I think the only show where I saw fear in Bear Grylls eyes was the one when he was in the Big Cypress and the sun was going down LOL!

[@twilight_manifesto6636]

I woke up in that campsite just today dude , set up my tarp using that middle tree. Back home now from my 30 mile section hike. Very strenuous trail! Not for beginner hikers. Cheers second chance!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Curious how the water level is now? What percent of the trail is dry those 30 miles?

[@nickischlemmer7052]

That's a big hell nope 😂 I love watching though! 💪 💚

[@geofflewis8144]

Wow awesome woohoo that's FreakN outstanding!!! You the MAN!!!!

[@ddurfee397]

Mad respect for you!!

[@edwarddemedeiros3607]

No one faces their fear better than you do! Peace, my friend!

[@garypeterson3628]

Hey Gator Boy. Great job filming. Congrats on getting out of the swamp. Never mind the Gators. I would worry about going to sleep and have an 18 foot Python come into the tent.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

So true thank you Gary!

[@carageist1214]

You are one hardcore badass! You are also melting away before our eyes- I can't begin to imagine how many calories per hour you must be burning in this purgatory of a hike!

[@CB-ei6ez]

Hey second chance thanks for sharing your journey bro .. this is really good Intel on the Florida trail which is on my radar list to do.... Have you ever considered making a video of the do's and don'ts of the Florida trail? Also what gear did you take with you? I'm very interested to know what kind of water filter are you using to filter the water there? Rock on second Chance Rock on.... One last thing... Being a student of metaphysics. The only way we grow is when we do things that scare us or get out of our comfort zone ...good job of doing exactly that

[@SecondChanceHiker]

I have my gear in the description of my videos but I need to update it for this year. Still love the sawyer for filtering. And yes we grow as humans when we challenge ourselves 100% agree.

[@nomadnarcoleptic]

Epic fire scene 🔥 😊

[@FreddyEnergizer]

Love your fire island. with the star wars sounds.. Got a little sleeping path hack that works very well for me. Just role it up getting the air out and then just fold it in half ( role it wen folded is way more annoying )

[@proudchristian77]

Looks a bit scary to me too ! 🐊

[@paigepurplestone8219]

Congrats on finishing the swamp section. It would make me very, very nervous hearing splashing noises and feeling like something was aware of my presence and in the area. What does an alligators diet consist of, besides the random hiker hiking the Florida Trail. I would think they like to eat fish. So maybe the splashing sound was made by a fish and the thing moving around out there, loves to eat fish. Looking forward to seeing more of your journey.

[@MAGICHORSEMAN]

Daisy just started the florida trail in the panhandle

[@wisenber]

That's a rough choice. Gators, skeeters and heat get much worse once Spring arrives. The dry season in Big Cypress is December to February.

[@juketreks2192]

@@wisenber She is SOBO doing over 30 miles a day and went to FT immediately after completing AT SOBO By spring she will be south of Orlando maybe done then headed to CDT.

[@blazentoo4904]

Looks like you need a new sleep pad judging by the patches...great job the black lagoon is definitely the worst part.. Hopefully lately you have been walking around lake ocke .... With the beautiful weather we have had the last week..keep it up SC

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Sleeping pad has no holes anymore, very comfy. It had a few holes from crazy cowboy camping on past hikes but love it 🤗! Thank you

[@keithtauber4153]

Much respect to you for wading in that water like this. I wouldn't do it. I would only do it in a boat. Looks like a cool place to fish. Remember there are pythons in that area. Sadly but they are there in great numbers. I can't imagine you didn't get tore up by chiggers and mosquitos.

[@ralphdavis4819]

Awesome!!

[@martinwelch5774]

Looks like the blazes are fairly close together. Was it easy to navigate this scary part of the trail? You did it! 💯

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Navigation was easy, I went off trailing some tho because that trail is a death trap of holes

[@christopherneil988]

I would not want to piss the gator off more by poking his nose! lol note to self ( do not hike in Florida swamp) I will just watch you my friend.

[@jonathangriggs477]

Way to go!

[@hanslain9729]

That gator comment... 'new girlfriend' - lol

[@SecondChanceHiker]

😂 lol been out in the wild to long 🙈😜

[@FlyCheeseFry]

I grew up in Florida, too, and I was looking behind my back when you were in that Blackwater swamp with the possible gator. I still have dreams in which I fall into gator-infested water. But in waking life, I actually like them. Don't want to be in their water, though...

[@annehoffmann6250]

Awesome!

[@wlochataSwinka]

Damn man, nature and living free - what a good live u have....

[@JChurchua]

Yep, young gator, likely no issues for you; the gators are all over. bbeautiful trail, keep it up! id love to do this some day.

[@johnpompe2632]

Fight Club for Backpackers.

[@thescrambler6684]

Awesome 😎

[@jameskonzek8892]

Big alligators are harmless, until they bite you.

[@SecondChanceHiker]

Very wise words 🤗

[@ronalvey103]

Who would of thought there are alligators in the Florida swamp??????

[@alysenchristensen3309]

“I made it! That was hard.” 🤣🥰

[@spiketv549]

Cory, just out of curiosity, is this sort of 'real time' (something you are doing currently) or is it from December? Just wondering how much I should worry about you :) It's so interesting how hiking and camping can be quite miserable at times but is worth it anyway. It means we love the outdoors. When ex and I were living in South Carolina (before Florida and then Tennessee) I read a book about Bartram's travels. Ex was interested in William Bartram and I got him a book for his birthday and ended up reading it first. When I see you hiking the trail there it comes to mind. Winter in Florida is so beautiful. Forgot last time commenting about the good times on the water with John. We did a fair amount of kayaking in Florida and that was wonderful, on rivers with springs and such. (Scary whitewater experiences in West Virginia and Tennessee, though some good canoing). You are a fantastic role model for your kids! Yes, for sure keep your guard up!! I feel like it's unlikely you'd be eaten by an alligator, but I understand the fear. I remember John saying something about running perpendicular at them. One of our friends has a cousin who's an alligator wrestler and has scars on his head from being chomped!

[@SecondChanceHiker]

This video leads up to the live I did on January 3rd I believe. Thank you so much 🤗😎❤️

[@milliondollarartist]

Good for fear facing 14:41

[@TheTravlingirl]

Keep moving and making noise- you’ll scare anything off - stay aware Remember they are reptiles so in the cold they are pretty dull. You’re braver than me’