It’s no secret that Florida has some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces featuring some of the most amazing wildlife in the country. From the coast to hardwood forests, lakes, and just about everything in between, the Sunshine State is tailor-made for a fun hiking adventure. Take the time to disconnect from our hectic modern world and you surely won’t regret it. Wondering where to go first? Consider the following list of the best hiking trails in Florida and prepare to be impressed!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
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. Curious to learn more about the Florida National Scenic Trail? Read more about why it's one of the most epic trails in Florida.
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. Plus, there are tons of caves to explore inside this magical Florida state forest.
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? Learn more about Paynes Prairie Preserve and why it makes for such an incredible Florida day trip.
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. The Bungalow Woods Trail will showcase some of the most beautiful scenery in the park.
For some of the best hiking trails in Florida, head to Little Manatee River State Park. 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 fans out there.
Challenging trails, high bluffs and the extremely rare Torreya tree can be found here. Torreya State Park might just have the most beautiful views in Florida.
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!
Forested swamp featuring diverse wildlife, including panthers and black bears. Also the home of the legendary ghost orchid. Learn more about what awaits you at the largest state park in Florida.
This impressive garden and bird sanctuary is located north of Lake Wales, FL. It's a National Historic Landmark and an absolute must-see. Learn more about Bok Tower Gardens in Florida.
At Blue Spring State Park, not only is the water a beautiful bright blue, but endangered manatees are actually present here in large numbers. Have you ever visited the incredible Blue Spring State Park?
Florida Caverns State Park is the only place the public can visit caverns in Florida. In fact, you can even sign up for a tour of these unique Florida caverns.
Come check out the tallest waterfall in Florida! Don't forget to see the butterfly garden, too. Without a doubt, Falling Water State Park has some of the best hiking trails in Florida.
There’s just no way to include every amazing place to hike in the Sunshine State — there are too many to choose from! Hopefully, we’ve mentioned many of the best hiking trails in Florida; however, please feel free to share some of your favorites with us below!
Address: Ocala National Forest, Florida 32179, USA
Address: Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida 33597, USA
Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667, USA
Address: Little Talbot Island, Jacksonville, FL 32226, USA
Address: 11330 SE Co Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096, USA
Address: 3351 Old Dixie Hwy, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, USA
Address: 215 Lightfoot Rd, Wimauma, FL 33598, USA
Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321, USA
Address: Big Cypress National, Big Cypress, FL 34141, USA
Address: Osceola National Forest, Florida 32087, USA
Address: 20200 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34114, USA
Address: 137 Coast Line Dr, Copeland, FL 34137, USA
Address: Bok Tower Road, Bok Tower Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA
Address: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763, USA
Address: Florida Caverns State Park, 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446, USA
Address: Falling Waters State Park, 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hiking trails in Florida
May 18, 2021
Beth C.
What are some other beautiful hiking trails in Florida?
Now that we’ve highlighted some truly epic hiking spots in the Sunshine State, it’s time to introduce even more. For some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Florida, you can’t go wrong with the following places: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Big Cypress Bend in Fakahatchee Preserve State Park, Timucuan Trail in Alexander Springs, Caladesi Island Trail in Dunedin, Garden of Eden Trail in Bristol, Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park, Falling Waters Sinkhole Trail in Chipley, and Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka. Learn more about these beautiful hiking trails in Florida.
Does Florida have any natural wonders?
Absolutely! Florida is filled with stunning natural wonders, no matter which region of the state you’re exploring. Some of these attractions are easy to access, while others are a bit off-the-beaten-path. Nevertheless, they’re all worth experiencing. Some of the top natural wonders in Florida include Devil’s Den in Williston, Ocala National Forest, Blowing Rocks Preserve in Hobe Sound, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. Have you visited any of these natural wonders in Florida? We’ve mapped them all out in one convenient natural wonders road trip!
Address: Ocala National Forest, Florida 32179, USA
Address: Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida 33597, USA
Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy, FL 32667, USA
Address: Little Talbot Island, Jacksonville, FL 32226, USA
Address: 11330 SE Co Rd 135, White Springs, FL 32096, USA
Address: 3351 Old Dixie Hwy, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, USA
Address: 215 Lightfoot Rd, Wimauma, FL 33598, USA
Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd, Bristol, FL 32321, USA
Address: Big Cypress National, Big Cypress, FL 34141, USA
Address: Osceola National Forest, Florida 32087, USA
Address: 20200 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, FL 34114, USA
Address: 137 Coast Line Dr, Copeland, FL 34137, USA
Address: Bok Tower Road, Bok Tower Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA
Address: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763, USA
Address: Florida Caverns State Park, 3345 Caverns Rd, Marianna, FL 32446, USA
Address: Falling Waters State Park, 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428, USA
