Marissa Nieddu | Spark Explore

The Florida Trail 〣 Kissimmee Prairie Preserve

by Marissa Nieddu | Mar 5, 2021 | Florida, Hiking

Feeling good and ready to tackle more of the Florida Trail! Even though we encountered some not-so-ideal trail on our first day, we pushed through with smiles and a lot of laughs. The trail will not always be in perfect condition, but you don’t come out here for...

The Florida Trail 〣 Ocala National Forest

by Marissa Nieddu | Feb 8, 2021 | Florida, Hiking

Proud is an understatement. I had the privilege of leading four amazing women into the wilderness for a weekend of nature and pushing ourselves past our comfort zones. Later this year we will embark on a 5 day hike on the Arizona Trail, but we needed to test our...

Lover’s Leap Trail 〣 Hot Springs, North Carolina

by Marissa Nieddu | Feb 2, 2021 | Hiking, North Carolina

I just love how an area can looks so different in each season. We were in North Carolina this past October where we drove, hiked and explored the mountains as they were littered with the colors of autumn. Yellow, orange, and red leaves transformed the “Green...

Discover the Real Florida at Hillsborough River State Park

by Marissa Nieddu | Nov 19, 2020 | Florida, Hiking

If you’re looking for a hike in “the real Florida,” look no further than Hillsborough River State Park. The hiking trails skirt the edge of the Hillsborough River, a waterway born from the fresh water springs of Crystal River and the boggy marshlands...

Alum Cave Trail 〣 A Hiker’s Week in North Carolina

by Marissa Nieddu | Nov 12, 2020 | A Hiker's Week in North Carolina, Hiking, North Carolina

Day 6 ⫸ Alum Cave Trail 12 miles ◈ 3000ft elevation gain ◈ scenic overlooks Today is “Victory Hike” Day! We have built up to this all week and now it’s time to really push ourselves. It was the longest and highest hike(in elevation gain) that...