Doug Alderson

Doug Alderson prefers a kayak to a desk, hugs trees and friends, and loves observing alligators, manatees and other wildlife. Most of his 17 published books focus on the dynamic and quirky nature of his home state of Florida. They include Nostalgic Florida, Florida's Rivers, America’s Alligator, Wild Florida Waters, Waters Less Traveled, New Dawn for the Kissimmee River, Encounters with Florida’s Endangered Wildlife, A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions, and Discovering Florida's Coast, which the Florida Writers Association placed in the top four of published books for 2023. He has won six first place Royal Palm Literary awards for nonfiction books, three gold medals from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association, and several other state and national writing and photography awards. Additionally, his articles and photographs have been featured in numerous magazines. In writing about Doug's Florida's Rivers book, Paige Aigret of Tallahassee Magazine summarizes his writing style: "Alderson’s prose speaks to Florida’s environment as vividly as his photography, with historical accounts weaving in and out of the storylike narrative. This is not so much a guidebook as a piece of inspiration, a collection of words and images that tempt you toward riverbanks." Doug is also an adventurer, having hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, coordinated a group walk across the United States, backpacked through Europe, and mapped a 1,500-mile sea kayaking trail around Florida. If you like one of Doug's books, please leave a review. Please Note: This Doug Alderson (Florida resident) should not be confused with the author of the same name who lives in Canada and writes about kayak safety and paddling skills.