Hey there my fellow outdoor traveling enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 10 best hiking trails in Florida to hit the paths on this year. Florida is a nature lover’s paradise with a diverse range of hiking trails that cater to all levels of hiking experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, Florida’s hiking trails offer a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the state. From the beaches to the swamps to the forests, there’s a hiking trail for everyone in Florida. So grab your hiking boots, pack your backpack and hit the trails to discover the best hiking trails in Florida.
- Florida Trail – Aucilla Sinks
- Bulow Woods Loop
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- Highlands Hammock State Park
- Prairie Lakes Loop
- Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail
- Shark Valley Trail
- Myakka Hiking Trail Loop
- Robin’s Birding Trail & Bill Baggs Lighthouse Loop
- Florida Trail – Withlacoochee State Forest
Map of Florida’s Best Hiking Trails
Use this map to identify the location of the best hiking trails in Florida as listed below:
Best Hiking Trails in Florida
Florida is a great place to hike, with many beautiful trails available for hikers of all skill levels. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Florida that you should consider exploring:
1. The Florida Trail – Aucilla Sinks
The Florida Trail at Aucilla Sinks offers a unique and fascinating hiking experience over a distance of 4.4 miles via a trail that winds that through a geologically unique area with a porous limestone bedrock known as karst, which is particularly prominent in this region.
The Aucilla River flows through the area, disappearing and reappearing in various sinkholes, creating a unique landscape, from steep drop-offs to flowing river sections and rocky traps. Additionally, the trail is covered by a dense palm canopy, making it a lush, green environment but also challenging to navigate if you step off the path.
Navigation and Access
- Trail Access Points: The trail can be accessed from Goose Pasture Rd and Long Suffering Rd, but parking is limited.
- Trail Markings: Look for orange blazes leading into the forest.
- Road Conditions: Access roads can be challenging, especially after rains, with deep mud and puddles.
- Safety Precautions: It’s crucial to check the river gauge for the Aucilla and avoid hiking if the river is in flood stage, as it can obscure the trail and sinkholes.
Other Considerations
- Hunting Seasons: Seasonal hunting is permitted in the area, so wearing bright orange during hunting seasons is advisable.
- Directions for Access: Detailed directions are provided for accessing the trail from Perry via US 98 and Powell Hammock Grade.
This trail is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty.
2. The Bulow Woods Loop
The Bulow Woods Loop is a 5.2-mile trail situated near Flagler Beach, within the Bulow Creek State Park, adjacent to Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park. The trail features an old-growth forest with massive live oaks, southern magnolias, slash pines and ironwood trees and provides scenic views of Bulow Creek, a freshwater body close to the Atlantic Ocean.
Trail Details
- Access and Fees: Access is via the entrance road to Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park. There’s no fee for the trail, but parking inside the park gates costs $4.
- Trail Markings: The loop is marked with lime green blazes.
- Facilities: Restrooms are available near the canoe launch and picnic area.
- Terrain: The trail is deeply shaded and can be squishy with puddles, especially after rains meaning it is not really optimal for mountain biking.
Wildlife and Safety
- Flora and Fauna: The trail is rich in diverse plant life, including resurrection fern, sphagnum moss, marsh ferns, and bamboo.
- Wildlife Encounters: Hikers should be aware of the presence of pygmy rattlesnakes, especially during warmer months.
Hiking Experience
- Trail Composition: The hike starts in Bulow Hammock and leads through a floodplain forest along Bulow Creek. The path is often soggy and includes several bridges over streams.
- Loop Trail Junction: At 1.5 miles, hikers reach the loop trail junction, offering different routes through the hammock and marsh areas.
- Scenic Views: The trail offers a panorama of Bulow Creek and its surrounding wetlands, with a variety of landscapes including hardwood hammocks, pine forests, and scrub areas.
- Cisco Ditch: After 3 miles, the trail reaches Cisco Ditch, a swiftly flowing canal with a sand bottom.
Other Considerations
- Hours: The state park is open from 8 AM to sunset.
- Mosquito Protection: Due to the shaded and humid environment, mosquito protection is recommended.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on the hike.
The Bulow Woods Loop is generally considered to be of easy to moderate difficulty.
3. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, located near Naples, is renowned for its extensive boardwalk hike that delves deep into a Big Cypress strand swamp. This sanctuary is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of ecological and wildlife observation opportunities.
The 2.3-mile loop is wheelchair-accessible, featuring benches and rain shelters along the route and home to the largest stand of virgin bald cypress in the world, with trees up to 600 years old.
Wildlife and Ecology
- Birding Haven: Corkscrew Swamp is a critical breeding ground for wood storks and hosts nearly 200 bird species, making it a world-renowned birding site.
- Flora: The sanctuary is one of the few places where you can witness a ghost orchid bloom in summer.
- Fauna: The swamp is bustling with birdlife and other wildlife, including the possibility of spotting a Florida panther.
Visitor Experience
- Facilities: The Blair Audubon Center at the entrance offers educational exhibits, a gift shop and a snack bar.
- Admission: Costs vary, with discounts for Audubon members and students. Admission is valid for two consecutive days.
- Best Time to Visit: Open from 7 AM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. Gates close at 5:30 PM.
Trail Details
- Boardwalk Features: The boardwalk hike takes you through pine flatwoods and across a wet prairie to the heart of Corkscrew Strand.
- Observation Points: There are several observation decks and platforms for birding and wildlife watching.
- Shorter Loop Option: For those unable to complete the full 2.3 miles, a 0.7-mile boardwalk loop is available.
Access and Directions
- Location: The sanctuary is accessible via Interstate 75 exit 111 in Naples, followed by a drive on CR 846 and CR 849.
- Parking: Available at the sanctuary with clear signage for directions.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, with its boardwalk trail, is generally considered to be of easy difficulty making it accessible to a wide range of visitors, including those with limited hiking experience.
Book your trip to Florida here!
4. Highlands Hammock State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park, one of the oldest in the Florida Park System, is a remarkable natural area that showcases the splendor of an ancient oak and palm hammock. The park features 5.8 miles of interconnected hiking trails, a 0.6-mile hiking loop, and a 6-mile off-road bike trail.
The park is known for its live oaks of incredible size, providing an immersive experience in a world that has nearly vanished in Florida.
Trail Details
- Location: Sebring, Florida.
- Fees: $6 per vehicle.
- Facilities: Restrooms are available at the picnic area and concession.
- Open Hours: 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs are welcome but not advisable on the Cypress Boardwalk.
- Access: The park is accessible via US 27 south from Avon Park or north from Lake Placid to Hammock Rd in Sebring.
Hiking Experience
- Trail System: The park offers nine named trails including the Allen Altvater Trail, Wild Orange Grove Trail, Big Oak Trail, Hickory Trail, Fern Garden Trail, Richard Lieber Memorial Trail, Young Hammock Trail, Ancient Hammock Trail and the Cypress Boardwalk.
- Unique Features: The trails lead through diverse habitats, from floodplain forests to cypress swamps with boardwalks and observation platforms for wildlife viewing.
- Cypress Boardwalk: A highlight of the park, this 0.6-mile trail features a narrow catwalk-style boardwalk through the cypress swamp.
Highlands Hammock State Park, known for its ancient oak hammock and diverse natural environments, offers trails that are generally considered to be of easy to moderate difficulty.
5. Prairie Lakes Loop
Prairie Lakes Loop, located in Central Florida, is a captivating 11.4-mile figure-8 loop trail that showcases the scenic beauty of the Prairie Lakes State Preserve. The trail traverses the heart of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, alternating between open prairies and moss-draped corridors under the oaks.
The Florida Trail (FT), blazed orange, follows the west side of the South Loop and the east side of the North Loop, with the opposite sides of the loops blazed white. The trail offers picturesque views of Lake Jackson and Lake Marian, and includes a variety of landscapes like palm and oak hammocks, prairies and canal sides.
Trail Overview
- Location: Prairie Lakes State Preserve, Central Florida.
- Trail Length: 11.4 miles, figure-8 loop.
- Management: Florida Fish & Wildlife.
- Fees: $3 per person.
- Restroom Facilities: Vault toilets at Lake Jackson and Group Camp.
- Trail Access Points: Prairie Lakes trailhead and Lake Jackson parking area.
Hiking Experience
- Loop Options: The double loop design provides six different potential routes, allowing for both backpacking and day hiking options.
- Wildlife and Vegetation: The area is rich in wildlife and diverse vegetation offering a chance to experience Florida’s natural beauty.
- Camping Options: Campsites are available, including a group campsite, but must be reserved in advance.
Safety and Navigation
- Hunting Seasons: The area is popular for deer and turkey hunting, so it’s important to check hunt dates and wear bright orange during hunts.
- Trail Markings: The trail is well-marked with orange and white blazes, but hikers should stay alert for changes in the trail path.
Access and Directions
- From St. Cloud: Follow Canoe Creek Rd south for 25.4 miles to the entrance of Prairie Lakes.
- From Yeehaw Junction: Take US 441 north to Kenansville, then turn left on Canoe Creek Rd and continue for 9.5 miles.
The Prairie Lakes Loop in Central Florida is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty.
6. The Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail
The Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail in Sanford is a remarkable natural area offering some of the best birding and wildlife watching in the region. Trail length options include a 2-mile round-trip to an overlook on the St. Johns River and a 7.1-mile loop trail.
The preserve is north of Orlando, accessible via local roads and true to its name, the area is known for sightings of Florida black bears, as well as other wildlife.
Trail Options
- 2-Mile Round-Trip:
- Starts from the trailhead to the east levee.
- Features a paved path and boardwalk through a palm hammock.
- Includes a boardwalk across a marsh and canal, leading to an observation platform overlooking the St. Johns River.
- 7.1-Mile Loop Trail:
- Follows a series of levees to the St. Johns River and back.
- The trail is mostly shaded, perched atop levees, offering views of marshes, canals and forests.
- Rated moderate to difficult due to slippery steep grades in places.
- A hiking stick is recommended.
- Includes a primitive campsite halfway along the loop.
- Advised to follow the loop clockwise for river breezes on the return trip.
- Customizable Round-Trip:
- Follow the loop counterclockwise for views along the St. Johns River.
- The terrain becomes rough, narrow and muddy beyond the overlook.
- Features short boardwalks with river panoramas.
- A good turnaround point is the primitive campsite near the 3-mile mark.
Hiking Experience
- Terrain: The trail can be rooty and muddy in places, with steep drop-offs.
- Scenery: It’s known for its scenic beauty, including a cypress swamp and river views.
- Wildlife Watching: The area is excellent for birding and potentially spotting black bears.
Additional Information
- Hunting: Hunting is not allowed in this preserve.
- Facilities: Vault toilets are available at Lake Jackson and the Group Camp.
The Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail is generally considered to be of moderate to difficult difficulty.
7. The Shark Valley Trail
The Shark Valley Trail in Everglades National Park offers a unique and immersive experience in one of America’s most distinctive natural environments. Trail length options include a 2-mile round-trip to an overlook on the St. Johns River and a 7.1-mile loop trail.
The area is known for its diverse wildlife including Alligators, Herons, Egrets, Deer, Turtles and Snail Kites. And whether you’re hiking, biking or taking a tram tour, it offers an unforgettable journey into one of the most iconic natural areas in the United States.
Trail Options
- Bobcat Boardwalk:
- A self-guided boardwalk trail through sawgrass slough and tropical hardwood forests.
- Located off Tram Road behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center.
- Otter Cave Hammock Trail:
- A rough limestone trail through a tropical hardwood forest with small footbridges over a stream.
- Begins 0.5 miles behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center, off Tram Road.
- Check at the Visitor Center for current conditions as it can be flooded during summer.
- Tram Road (Hike, Bike, or Tram):
- A flat, paved road used for tram rides, bicycling and walking.
- Features an observation tower at the halfway point for panoramic views.
- The trail starts directly behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center.
- Bicycles can be rented from the Shark Valley Tram Tour Company.
Visitor Experience
- Scenery: The trail offers a deep dive into the Everglades ecosystem, with marshes, canals and forests.
- Wildlife Watching: It’s an excellent spot for observing a variety of bird species and other wildlife.
Additional Information
- Facilities: Restrooms are available by the visitor center.
- Safety: Visitors should be cautious of the wildlife and the natural environment, especially around wet and slippery areas.
The trails and boardwalks are designed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Book your trip to Florida here!
8. The Myakka Hiking Trail Loop
The Myakka Hiking Trail Loop in Myakka River State Park, near Sarasota, is a remarkable 39-mile backpacking loop that traverses a diverse range of habitats including vast central prairies, shady oak hammocks and marshlands.
This trail is perfect for those looking to explore the diverse ecosystems of South Florida and its length and variety of landscapes make it a significant destination for serious backpackers and nature enthusiasts.
Overview
- Location: Myakka River State Park, near Sarasota, Florida is accessible via a 9-mile drive east on SR 72 from I-75 exit 205.
- Trail Length: Up to 39 miles, with various loop options.
- Campsites: Six designated campsites along the trail, with Bee Island being the most popular for overnight trips.
- Fees: $4 or $6 entrance fee plus $5 per night for camping.
- Restroom Facilities: None along the trail.
Trail Features
- Terrain: The trail mostly stays in shady oak hammocks but also traverses open prairies.
- Habitats: A mosaic of habitats including grasslands, hardwood hammocks, marshlands and palm hammocks.
- Wildlife: The area is home to a variety of wildlife, making it an excellent spot for nature observation.
Hiking Experience
- Camping Options: There are six designated campsites, with Bee Island offering a high and dry location ideal for base camping.
- Water Availability: Water sources are limited, so it’s crucial to check ahead and plan accordingly.
Safety and Navigation
- Trail Conditions: The landscape can change drastically depending on regional rainfall, with some areas prone to flooding.
- Trail Markings: The trail is well-marked, but hikers should stay alert for changes in the trail path and weather conditions.
The Myakka Hiking Trail Loop in Myakka River State Park is generally considered to be of moderate to difficult difficulty.
9. Robin’s Birding Trail and Bill Baggs Lighthouse Loop
Robin’s Birding Trail and Bill Baggs Lighthouse Loop, located in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, offers a unique hiking and birding experience. The trail begins at the south end of Key Biscayne, just northwest of the Cape Florida Lighthouse and offers views of old Florida landscapes and coastal environments.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is one of the top birding sites in the state, with over 260 bird species recorded, making it an excellent spot for birdwatchers and hikers alike.
Overview
- Location: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida.
- Trail Length: Approximately 3.15 miles.
- Elevation Gain: Minimal, around 13 feet.
- Trail Type: Loop trail, offering scenic views and birding opportunities.
Visitor Experience
- Route Details: The 3-mile route provides gorgeous views of the bay and takes visitors through varied landscapes.
- Lighthouse Views: The trail includes views of the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse.
- Accessibility: The trail is well-maintained, making it accessible for most hikers.
- Facilities: The park offers various amenities, including restrooms and picnic areas.
Robin’s Birding Trail and Bill Baggs Lighthouse Loop are generally considered to be of easy difficulty
10. The Florida Trail – Withlacoochee State Forest
The Florida Trail at Withlacoochee State Forest offers a unique and diverse hiking experience. The trail offers a mix of canopied sections, open areas and passes through historic towns and natural landscapes.
For nature lovers, the area is rich in diverse ecosystems, providing opportunities for wildlife observation and the trail follows the original Atlantic Coast Line segment, reflecting the area’s railroad history.
Overview
- Location: Dade City to Citrus Springs
- Trail Length: 44.1 miles linear
- Land Manager: Florida State Parks
- Facilities: Restrooms with water are available in several locations adjoining trailhead parking. Benches and covered shelters with benches or picnic tables are also provided at intervals along the trail.
About the Trail
- Trail Sections: The trail is divided into three parts for day trips:
- South: 13.7 miles starting north of Dade City, mostly through Withlacoochee State Forest.
- Central: 14.3 miles from Nobleton to Inverness, largely in a shaded corridor.
- North: 16.1 miles from downtown Inverness to Gulf Junction, with more frequent road crossings and access to amenities.
Connections
- Florida Trail: The Florida Trail crosses the bike path, providing connections for hikers to the Croom Loops and the Croom River Trail.
- Florida Coast to Coast Trail: A segment of the Withlacoochee State Trail is used as a connector for this trail.
- Good Neighbor Trail: Connects from the Withlacoochee State Trail to downtown Brooksville.
Additional Points of Interest
- Fort Cooper State Park: Offers camping and connects with a paved side trail.
- Croom River Trail Loop: A picturesque corner of Withlacoochee State Forest for hiking.
- Lake Townsen Preserve: Provides access to the Withlacoochee River and the state trail.
Accessibility
- The trail is accessible from sunrise to sunset and leashed dogs are welcome. However, electric assist bikes are not permitted in Florida State Parks.
The Florida Trail at Withlacoochee State Forest varies in difficulty, but it is generally considered to range from easy to moderate.
Hiking Essentials
When planning a hiking trip in Florida, there are a few essential items that you should always pack. These items will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable adventure on the trails.
Hiking Gear
First and foremost, you need to have the right gear for hiking. This includes comfortable and sturdy hiking boots or shoes, breathable clothing that will keep you cool in the Florida heat, and a backpack to carry all your essentials.
It’s also important to bring bug spray to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects that are common in Florida. Sun protection is also crucial, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Safety Measures
Safety should always be a top priority when hiking in Florida. Make sure to bring a map and compass and know how to use them. It’s also a good idea to bring a whistle in case of an emergency.
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Stay on marked trails and avoid going off-trail as this can be dangerous and harmful to the environment.
Lastly, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep yourself fueled and hydrated throughout the hike. With the right gear and safety measures in place, you can have a safe and enjoyable hiking experience in Florida.
FAQs
What is the famous trail in Florida?
The most famous trail in Florida is the Florida National Scenic Trail, which spans over 1,300 miles and takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including swamps, forests, and beaches. The trail is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, making it a favorite among experienced hikers.
Conclusion
There you have it, my 10 best hiking trails in Florida. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here or if there are any other must visit locations that I need to add – which based on the sheer amount of trails in Florida, there should be a few – haha.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
