I Did the 7 BEST HIKES in FLORIDA in 7 DAYS!! | Miranda in the Wild

I hiked 7 of the BEST DAY HIKES in Florida in 7 days! This is the biggest road trip the Miranda in the Wild crew has ever done covering the whole state of Florida! And our longest video yet! I know the Florida Trail is the hiking superstar of the state, but I wanted to see as much of Florida as possible in just one week. When I found a list of the seven best day hikes in Florida on the REI website, I decided to do them all as a one week Florida speedrun! What better way to explore Florida than by doing a hiking road trip adventure? Plus the sunny weather was a great break from cold, rainy PNW winter hiking.
What do you think, are these the best day hikes in Florida? Did I miss your favorite day hike? Watch the whole video to see how it went. Watch until the end! The last hike in the Everglades was brutal.
The 7 Best Hikes in Florida -
1. Naval Live Oaks Preserve: 0:54
2. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park: 4:29
3. O'Leno State Park: 8:58
4. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: 17:06
The only burp in this video: 19:38
5. Devil's Millhopper State Park: 22:22
6. Snake Bight Trail/Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park: 26:44
7. Coastal Prairie Trail, Everglades National Park: 32:43
Gear in this video -
Day Pack: www.rei.com/product/145661/gr...
Joggers: www.rei.com/product/187025/at...
Hiking Tights: www.rei.com/product/196274/at...
Shorts: www.rei.com/product/185823/th...
Bandana: www.rei.com/product/132207/th...
Jacket: www.rei.com/product/192362/re...
SUBSCRIBE to the Miranda in the Wild Channel:
/ @mirandagoesoutside
Thank you to Ryan W for writing the article that inspired it all!
Read it here: www.rei.com/blog/hike/best-hi...
Shop my gear: www.rei.com/mirandas-gear
Become an REI member: www.rei.com/membership
Miranda in the Wild is an REI Co-op Studios production!
Producer: Rainer Golden
Producer: Miranda Webster
Editor/Camera: Abby Hagan
Editor/Camera: Chelsea Newton
Follow Miranda on IG @MirandaGoesOutside: / mirandagoesoutside
Follow REI on IG: / rei
Like REI on Facebook: / rei
Subscribe to REI on KZbin: / rei​​​
Like, Subscribe, Comment, and tune in every Sunday for more Miranda in the Wild!
#florida #naturelovers #travel #adventure #miami #explore #winter #nature #rei #speedrun

[@andrewgoodman3706]

I can't express how much I appreciate the portion where Miranda gets frustrated at the end being left in the video. Too many creators attempt to show nothing but good and none of the bad.

[@cthom5uy]

Came here to say the same! Thanks, Miranda and crew for keeping it real! 👍💪 S*** happens, and it’s okay to have all the feelings 🙂

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

Yes!! I encounter the same thing with van life videos(I live & travel full-time in a self-converted minivan). There are sooo many videos that are pretty much just sponsored commercials, showing beaches, sunsets & beautiful people. Hey, reality check : this evening I experienced & photographed a gorgeous sunset in Tennessee... and tonight I am sleeping at a rest stop on the side of I-40.

[@FlyingCartographer]

It’s refreshing to watch a KZbinr be their whole and authentic self. I wish was a little more like Miranda gosh darn it!

[@urbanagoge7598]

Me, Too, best video yet and due in part to the integrity of the last hike

[@GarrettWease]

Shoutout to the crew for this one. They were more involved and it was really fun to see their establishing shots and b-roll at the end-we see their work in the wilderness so much and seeing them shoot high rise architecture was fun.

[@haveaday66]

I so appreciate Miranda being open about feeling anxious and being disappointed. Having a disappointing hike really sucks - the feeling of frustration and disappointment is really powerful especially when you've gone a long way. It's just part of it. ❤️

[@Lauren-pv4bt]

As someone whose from Florida, it was nice to see Miranda so excited. I feel like I'm desensitized to the Florida scenery and wildlife, and it was good to be reminded that we have some pretty cool stuff here.

[@Swearengen1980]

Because it sucks here? It's boring, flat, hot and humid. Scenery wise, it's really lacking once you leave the beach.

[@CoraDee]

24:35 Rainer: "Miranda cannot say this word." Me, a Floridian: Oh, it must be an indigenous word, like Econlockhatche or something. Miranda: "Ang-shent." 😂

[@livingvicariously5108]

I was thinking the Econ or something. 😂

[@Itsadonna]

I’ve been binge watching Miranda for the last 2 weeks. I love how real she keeps it and doesn’t try to sugar coat it. Took my first camping trip this weekend. Can’t wait for cooler weather in Texas.

[@arlenesolis024]

I have to say St. George was my favorite hike but just watching Miranda back in the wild made my Sunday. Keep the adventures coming

[@caro-hdez]

As a Florida native who grew up in Miami and lived in Gainesville for 10+ years, I loved this! I have very fond memories of O'Leno, Paynes Prairie, and Devil's Millhopper. I'm surprised you didn't go to Ocala National Forest! One of my favorite hikes is through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness to Hidden Pond. I'm sad you only saw one gator. If you ever come back to Gainesville, definitely check out La Chua trail for gators, birds, snakes, and wild horses. Thank you for showcasing the subtle beauty of Florida, and making the best of it despite the mud and mosquitos. Also, the bird that was "presenting" on the Anhinga Trail was an anhinga! :D

[@kts8900]

Thank you for keeping the super honest frustration at the end of the last hike. Very notable there was no footage of the slosh back...

[@ainzfern]

So glad to have you back, Miranda and the crew! You’ve been sorely missed. Fantastic video as always! You guys make the outdoor life so relatable. I love that. ❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@hannahcollins1816]

I love Miranda hyping up that bird 😂 So so excited MITW is back!!! 💕🎉

[@kelleyhurley3551]

So glad you’re back! Lifelong Floridian here and it’s so cool to see my crazy home represented - mountains get all the glory and this video is a great reminder that I have access to some really cool hiking that doesn’t require a flight.

[@involuntarysparkle]

I'm a recovering Floridian (moved to Seattle 10 years ago!) and it's *fascinating* to see you so excited over the landscape and scenery that's so common and everyday to me. ☺️

[@melissarobinson9618]

Hooray! Such a great video! So many favourite parts! Miranda writing 'pee' in the sand with a heart, Rainier saying that Miranda looked like a cartoon character (lmao) and then she proceeds to be as animated as possible and Trail 7; Miranda was a genius by wearing the sweater as a leg wrap! I am very excited for all the new content and I hope that the REI crew stays safe while they bring us so much wonderful footage!!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Thank you so much, Melissa!! 💚We had so much fun with this video - I'm glad you like it!!

[@theylied1776]

When I used to do hiking adventure tours, in Florida, our Florida Guide said... even if YOU know a pond or water feature is dredged for alligators on a regular basis, always assume that it has an alligator in it!

[@DebraWilderMeditation]

Don’t assume. Know it does.

[@alicebecht859]

Just saw a huge bull alligator, at least 10 feet, in a small pond in a populated area. So yes alligators can be found in any body of water here in Florida.

[@DebraWilderMeditation]

@@alicebecht859 Some crowded city parks have signs by tiny ponds saying do not feed gators.

[@kendracrummey]

I've never called it stick racing, always, Pooh Sticks! Welcome back, excited for the rest of this season!

[@bigchief939]

The editing on these is 11/10

[@davidbock1801]

Thank God you're back.

[@chrisricard2303]

I grew up in Gainesville and seeing O'leno and Payne's Prairie made me miss those places so much. Thanks for highlighting two of my favorite places and bringing back some awesome trail memories :)

[@argument1582]

Same. I lived all over Florida in my youth then met my wife in Gainesville. Since then we've moved to Ohio and have the hocking hills next to us but I still miss Florida.

[@kristenbeckom3497]

The last hike is freaking impressive! There is absolutely no way you would catch me trotting through the water making all this prey noises in the Everglades. 😂

[@cthom5uy]

SO happy to see Miranda and Co. back in action!! This vid makes me wanna hike Florida, and that’s saying something since I *hate* hiking in humid places 😅 THANK YOU for sharing your anxiety/frustration/disappointment with us on your last hike. It happens, and it’s refreshing to see an influencer keeping it real. Video request: Wardrobe tour(?)! Every video I always wonder what pants/top/pullover Miranda is sporting in the wild 😁 Please share your go-to’s and staples, thanks!

[@schulzbrianr]

And welcome back! Missed you, great to see you all come back with an almost 45 minute video!

[@rockdoveoutdoor]

That “stick race” game is called Pooh Sticks (after Winnie the Pooh as he plays it in the original stories) and it’s very common in the UK!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

I had no idea!!! And I even read and owned all the Winnie the Pooh books as a kid! Thanks for that knowledge 😁

[@rockdoveoutdoor]

@@MirandaGoesOutside it’s only fair we return the knowledge favour once in a while! 😉

[@urbanagoge7598]

@@rockdoveoutdoor saved me some typing - except to say play it with your young kids and read them the part in the original book for a bit of quick grandparent magic ;)

[@mollziki]

I love how excited Miranda gets about the plants and the wildlife - maybe you could go out with a birder or a botanist some time who can help you learn about what you are seeing! Also side note - watching from the UK and we call stick racing "pooh sticks"!

[@ruthlarner704]

Yes! Pooh sticks, as in Winnie the Pooh!

[@Life_Improbable]

Rainer brings out the best of you. I laughed SO hard this episode. This was GOLD. Thank you so much for sharing that journey with us.

[@juliochristiansen5227]

Am I crazy or does their chemistry come off like they are dating? Been wondering for awhilllleeeeeee

[@Life_Improbable]

@@juliochristiansen5227 in her vudeos, Miranda refers to her partner Skye, so I'm not sure.

[@redsorgum]

How funny, yesterday I was thinking that I haven’t seen one of your videos in awhile…..😘🤣👏👏👏👏👏

[@brentross9233]

This is Miranda's channel, gosh darn it!

[@813kengarcia]

Florida is weird and I'm so glad you came and enjoyed it (for the most part)! I love your upbeat attitude and humor but it was nice to see the frustration because we all go through it. Love this video! And, err hmm...tampa.

[@stideede]

I ammmmm sooo dang stoked you are back in the wild. Thanks for cheering me up on this Sunday afternoon. That looked like such a neat experience.

[@erins7059]

Welcome to Jurassic Park! I love that y'all made it to Florida. My family and I have become desensitized to this environment (i.e. every hike feels the same - no waterfalls, no overlooks, just more flat land). It's refreshing to see you excited about the things we take for granted. There is a trail at Payne's Prairie that's surrounded by gators on both sides. They're so close you could touch them if you were dumb enough. Too bad you missed that one!

[@Dman9fp]

There's river overlooks & some waterfalls/ river rapids of sort. Have to know where to look, there's neat stuff But yeah in general, mostly flat. Some "highlands", but no more than 300 or so feet

[@russelljackman1413]

Yeaaaaaaaaa!!! Welcome back, Miranda (and crew)! There is happiness in the air again! Great video! Thank you! ❤

[@peggyconway2900]

Welcome back Miranda and Team!!!! You make my day even more happy🥰 thank you for the videos!

[@bucky716]

Welcome back!!! Loved the video. And I've learned we can appreciate things in life but also feel bummed and frustrated (like being so close to that view). Thanks Miranda in the Wild team!

[@GarrettWease]

It’s so good to have the show back! It’s a gloomy, coffee and MITW day here in North Carolina today.

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

The perfect day to watch some sunny Florida hiking!!

[@wenhuang5969]

I love this! I especially love how relatable that last hike was. There are totally those days when hikes can really suck.

[@jlscielo]

I very much enjoy the channel and crew! Thank you for the beautiful hiking videos. I look forward to the next one!

[@hammerpants11c54]

I'm moving to Florida from Colorado this summer and this is extremely useful to me so thank you for this

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Yay!! I'm so glad 🥰

[@spacemanspiff01]

What part of Florida are you moving to?

[@helenm.2213]

Such a huge fan of REI's content on on KZbin. Being a professional video editor & hiker/camper on the east coast, I've loved watching all of the videos of gear. Plus now all of the adventures Miranda has gone on. I love that her channel is now expanding onto its own channel on KZbin. Congrats team on such an amazing effort & terrific content. It's not often you see a team create such consistently fun videos. Cheers!

[@MariekaJackson]

I'm so glad you got to explore parts of my homestate! I say "parts" cause...I'm from St. Pete(Tampa) 😉. However, I'm so bummed that you had such a...erh...less-than-perfect time. Your experience is exactly why I laugh and call out people who think there *must* be elevation gain to be a "real hike". Florida terrain can be brutal and with little payoff (e.g. epic mountain views) if you don't know what to look for and appreciate. The Everglades is a wonder. It's actually a river and before humans messed it up it was the widest river in the world. The water is some of the cleanest water due to the seagrass that fills it being a giant filter. Then of course the array of birds, the only place where there are alligators and crocodiles in the same place, the marina life (hello manatees!). The culture and history of Native Americans. There really is so much there. If you ever get down again -which I hope you do- then I highly recommend you kayak. Between the freshwater springs inland, the estuaries, and coastal mangrove forests you'll have so much to do and see. And you have to camp on a Chickee! Shine your headlamp out onto the water at night and see all the gator eyes glow back at you. Lastly, I LOVED seeing more of the crew. Their off camera comments have always been a gem, so it was so great seeing them. There's never a show without the tech crew! Much appreciation to you all.

[@alexiahahah]

I missed your enthusiasm and admiration for everything!! So glad to finally see another video of yours (and 42min no less!)!!

[@AnxiousGary]

It's so great to see someone enjoying the natural beauty of my home state! Total bummer about the flooded trail, but that's kind of a fact of life here so I'm glad you guys showed it too.

[@bluecrab4167]

You are too funny, love the videos. Tickles me to see that you are just so happy and love what you do, it's great to see that! So glad about your videos, love the landscape and adventure through your experiences!!

[@ShroomAndMoss]

Omg the last trail... What a frustration, well done Miranda and the crew for walking through it 💪

[@Visibletoallusersonyoutube719]

This makes me super emotional. I grew up in Florida, migrating from the south end to the tip of the panhandle as I aged. I’m so glad that you enjoyed yourselves. Thanks for sharing 💗

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Thank you for watching!! We loved it 💚

[@laurabolt5412]

Such a great video for so many reasons! Thank you!

[@jenniferbostrom759]

Welcome Back! Love your adventures but you guys deserved the easy beach and fruity cocktails! You CAN have it all!

[@Sassa328]

Thanks for the long and very entertaining video! Love the concept of exploring a state’s parks :)

[@Ragnarok043]

Welcome back, looking forward to new adventures!

[@jonalynreynolds8122]

Good to see you back!

[@noitskathelyn]

TOP TIER CONTENT!!!! Including everyone in the content was great, the style of filming and editing is great!!! and as always mirands is a blast to watch!!! CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!!!!

[@natcicali8750]

Super fun and inspiring -love the birds !

[@ervinslens]

Hahah this is so much fun.😁😁 You have a great sense of humor and when you pack it all in great editing the result is this amazing video.

[@christineandpup]

Nice to have you back! Thank you for sharing your content.

[@Loversquill]

Good to have you back Miranda (and crew)!

[@Cacodominus6969]

Great to have you back Miranda!! Hope all is well and you're having fun out there on the trails 😊

[@gio_isabella]

My god I’ve missed you Miranda !

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

😘 happy to be back!!

[@imasupern0va]

I know I’m late lol, but that bird was drying its wings 😂

[@leeanngreenwood9398]

You guys are troopers ! that last hike looked like a slog. Fun to watch you all.

[@peterjones4732]

Thanks for your new video Miranda and team - definitely the most engaging youtube team and a foil to all the serious and self important contributors who fill our channels. From Australia we are being able to enjoy discovering your country with fun people for no cost! Really appreciate the balance of responsible and informative and light hearted human content. Can't wait for Miranda in the Wild in the Aussie Outback ... we can dream ...

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Thank you Peter! We definitely have *way* too much fun at work, and I love that I get to share that with you all! I'll start dreaming up trips to Australia ❤

[@peterjones4732]

@@MirandaGoesOutside Checkout ‘Scotty Goes Walkabout’ and you’ll see some of the treasures we have here to entice you all. Go well - be safe. 🙏

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

I love Miranda in the wild videos this is awesome

[@LupisJBM13]

You were so missed!!! Thank you for all your videos and c9ming back!!

[@shelbyfawn1337]

Miranda, you make my soul feel warm and fuzzy. so happy you’re back (and congrats on your channel blowing up)!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Thank you so much, Shelby!! Stoked to be back and sharing warm fuzzies with everyone 🥰

[@robopecha]

this is my favorite miranda video, because: - its long - lots of interactions with the behind the camera people - no burping and farting (or i missed it because the video is so long) - a red backpack

[@peterjones4732]

Nice burp at 19:30 :)

[@MariekaJackson]

Oh, there was a burp. And a poop shaped energy bar. There was also a wedgie.

[@Mollydogdesigns]

Glad you’re back ❤️👍👏😄

[@snugkibu]

Wohoo..yeah Miranda! Love the new video 🤗

[@arlenesolis024]

Yeah I’m so happy you are back!

[@chandaharkins4418]

I'm so glad you're back. We did a two-week trip around Florida in December one year. It was great (I was a snob about it before that trip). The birds were amazing. I can't believe you saw an eagle on your first day!!! When my hubs and I went for a run in the Everglades, every time I brushed a plant or heard any noise, I would freak out. I was convinced that an alligator was going to chase us down. :)

[@toxickittn7558]

Miranda I absolutely love your energy. I also stop mile long treks to look at birds and plants ❤

[@rebeccametcalf4448]

Thank you for going somewhere sunny. Pretty crap up here in Canada right now so this video warmed my soul a little bit ♥️☀️

[@Ashthegrey]

Yayyyyyyyyyy!!! She's back!!!!! 🥳💕👏🏼👏🏼

[@mikeroy6713]

Only thing missing from this one was some night hiking so you could explore our vast spider population. I loved Miranda‘s enthusiasm for the stuff I take for granted. Florida is not my favorite place to hike but this was my favorite video so far. Probably because there was just more of it. Thanks guys!

[@lichikawa]

Yikers!! But kudos to you and your crew Miranda!! And so glad you’re back!! 👏🏼🥾🦟🏕🌴

[@AntwonDaBusiness]

Finally the chosen one returns

[@chrish3305]

What a team! Well done all!

[@juanitagreenspan5412]

So glad you are back!!

[@margaretjones5488]

I'm so glad you came to the state I live in and did some of the hikes I've been on. I really appreciate the honesty about how a hike in Florida sometimes needs a backup morale booster at a beach 'because wind' and 'because flooding.' Very accurate. Love you guys! 🧡🧡🧡 If you guys make it back, check out the kayaking over on the Space Coast, in Canaveral National Seashore. It's fun!

[@mcdanielsgreenhouse]

So glad you are back!

[@candacetoms4927]

Yay! This was such a fun video! Nice to see the sunshine. Thanks for linking your gear in the description. Those hiking tights looked really comfy, I think I’m going to grab a pair.

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Yes!! I love them so much, I've started wearing them just day-to-day. Highly recommend!

[@f8hiking104]

So cool. Im a Florida native love seeing other ppl enjoying our great sunny state.

[@huddlespith]

Yesssss Miranda in the wild is back!

[@ShroomAndMoss]

OMG a 42min episode !!! Welcome back ! 😃😃

[@mi.homefarmsteadtherekucs5476]

Miranda is favorite! I’m a fan of anything she shows us!!!!

[@mattwideman3986]

Real. Love it. Great job.

[@schulzbrianr]

Consecutive Miranda Videos without a burp: 0

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

I definitely thought of the Burp Counter at 19:38

[@rebeccaedwards8262]

The best video on all of KZbin, thanks for sharing!

[@flynnlarson8694]

as someone who grew up in Florida, this sums it up pretty well. I find the trails and overall landscapes to be pretty boring, but the wildlife is incomparable!

[@keiajinfilms]

OMG this was great!! I loved seeing the whole crew on the trail, more of that please! You all have a stellar dynamic. Like I can genuinely tell that you’re having a good time - makes me feel like I’m there too! Also, my husband and I play racing sticks all the time! But we know it by what I believe is it’s original name, Poohsticks, named after the famous resident of the 100 acre wood. According to Wikipedia, the UK has a Poohsticks tournament every year in honor of Pooh. Since Rainier is 2 for 2 I think he’s your team’s strongest competitor :D

[@davidfields2192]

I have not seen Miranda in a long time thank goodness she is back

[@MikeWood]

Great to have you back and in an area that is new to you. :) I wasn't however expecting the recreation of a classic scene from friends ;) 24:31 Rainer- "Je" Miranda - Je Rainer- M'ap Miranda - M'ap Rainer- Pelle Miranda - Pelle Rainer:- Je m'appelle! Miranda - Me poo poo!

[@sallys2423]

Wow, lots of great hikes! For flooded & muddy trails I recommend Bedrock sandals. They are so comfortable to walk in and will NOT come off of your feet!

[@LMay64]

You are the best! I've missed you!

[@GSR978]

Yay for visiting florida! I've done most of the trails in this video. I spend Christmas weekend in Everglades NP. The mosquitoes were fine during the day (didn't wear spray), but I got eaten alive at sunset!

[@gnmatsu]

Always fun. Thank you. Lots of laughs. Sorry you didn't get to the beach. :( Hope you can get out here to Hawaii some time to hike.

[@nicolemayer1671]

Good on ya for showing the frustration along with the good bit :)

[@kristeniszler]

Welcome back Miranda and Crew!!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Thank you Kristen!!! Stoked to be back!

[@donttalktomebye]

i struggle to hike here in Florida so i'm looking forward to watching this. Also the amount of driving you did?! i think people underestimate how large florida is so its wild you did this

[@edwindeuning2922]

So happy to see Miranda and the crew back. That last hike, what type of pants would you recommend?

[@justbeingjewel9215]

I literally just moved to Tampa and was like oh, let’s watch this and see if there are any cool hikes near me, so the “I don’t want to hear from you Tampa” comment at the end got me 😹

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

😅I feel like I owe it to Tampa to come back and do some hikes there.

[@candisscott6267]

I loved this!!! I live in St Augustine,Fl. I loved when you picked up moss .. never having seen it before!! I giggled

[@jennaserv]

I really appreciate showing the frustration and difficulty of hikes... Hiking is not always rainbows and butterflies (literally) so its nice seeing the reality of hiking is sometimes mud and unfinished hikes