16 Out Of This World Hiking Spots In Florida
Florida has some of the most beautiful state parks featuring some of the most amazing wildlife in the country. Take the time to disconnect from our hectic modern world and unwind in one of these places, and I promise you will not regret it.
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The Big Scrub is 360,000 acres of hiking heaven. Ocala’s 75-mile section of the 1,300-mile Florida National Scenic Trail is widely considered one of the best and most beautiful. Here you'll find bountiful hills, ponds, pine forest and boardwalks through cypress and gum swamps.
Named one of the "10 Coolest Places You've Never Been in North America" by the World Wildlife Fund, Withlacoochee (located in western central Florida) offers camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding and seasonal fishing and hunting.
Florida's first state park and a National Natural Landmark, Paynes Prairie should not be missed. Where else are you going to catch a glimpse of alligators, bison and wild horses?
Not only are there breathtaking beaches, visitors can hike through five different ecosystems and check out a vast array of wildlife on one four-mile trail. Don't forget to try fishing, kayaking and surfing while you're there. Or just head to one of the park's pavilions for a romantic sunset picnic.
Big Shoals is located approximately a mile east of White Springs, FL, and home to the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. If thrill-seekers come at the right time, they can kayak down the Suwanee in class III whitewater rapids. It's also a terrific hiking spot.
This park is home to some of the largest and oldest live oaks in Florida. The star is the Fairchild Oak, which is over 400 years old and one of the largest live oaks in the South.
Located not far from Tampa, Little Manatee isn't just the state park with the cutest name ever, it's a real hidden treasure. The Little Manatee River is a designated Outstanding Florida Water and flows for nearly five miles through rare and varied ecosystems. This one's a must-see for the nature nerds out there.
Challenging trails, high bluffs and the extremely rare Torreya tree can be found here.
Most of the trail at this unique park is underwater, so come prepared to wade more than hike. Watch out for alligators!
This park is small in size but rich in spirit. Check out the Olustee Battlefield, where the largest Civil War battle in Florida took place, and possibly spot a Florida black bear!
Hike through a mangrove swamp and a landmark dredge in Naples, FL.
Forested swamp featuring diverse wildlife, including panthers and black bears. Also the home of the legendary ghost orchid.
This impressive garden and bird sanctuary is located north of Lake Wales, FL. It's a National Historic Landmark and an absolute must-see.
At Blue Spring State Park, not only is the water a beautiful bright blue, endangered manatees are actually present in large numbers. Maybe it's because I've lived here so long, but I think they are adorable!
The only place the public can visit caverns in Florida. It's located in the panhandle, but I bet it's worth the drive.
Come check out the tallest waterfall in Florida! Don't forget to see the butterfly garden, too.
There’s just no way to include every amazing place to hike in the Sunshine State. Please share some of your favorites with us below!
