Salt Spgs Rec Area in the Ocala National Forest
My earlier suggestion (around Hattisburg) was on a possibly false assumption: that you would want a nice stop BETWEEN AK and FL.
So I agree with the Salt Springs area if you wish to go ON into Florida for your first week. Also mention: Manatee Springs State Park, Silver River State Park, Hillsboro River State Park near Tampa.
At Salt Springs you could easily visit Juniper Springs and/or Alexander Springs and take a delightful canoe float trip.
Many things open up if you spend that week in Florida before two of our favorite places: St. Andrews at Panama City, and Ft. Pickens on Santa Rosa Island in the National Seashore.
Enjoy!
