If you're planning a visit to Florida (or you already live here), make sure to catch all of the breathtaking beauty. Here are some suggestions on how to make sure you don't miss a thing:
The Iconic Trail in Florida Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime
The Sawgrass Lake Park Trail is a 1.1-mile trail that takes visitors through areas of lush vegetation and along a lake, Sawgrass Lake. There are numerous opportunities to view wildlife, including alligators, birds, and reptiles. The area also has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
Florida is a fantastic place to hike with its quiet forests, thriving plants and wildlife, white sandy beaches, and abundant sunshine. I especially love hiking early in the day when the trails are peaceful and my energy is high. The temperatures and humidity also tend to be lower this time of day, making the sun and heat a bit more manageable. Sawgrass Lake Park in Lealman, Florida, is a great place to hike and lets visitors enjoy much of what is unique about Florida. The Sawgrass Lake Park Trail takes hikers along lush vegetation, with water views and plenty of opportunities to enjoy wildlife.
The Sawgrass Lake Park Trail is a 1.9-mile hike that's fairly flat. The entire trail only gains nine feet in elevation. The trail is considered easy and open year-round to hikers. Dogs are not allowed. It starts at the John A. Anderson Environmental Education Center, where visitors can learn about the area. The trail continues north and forms a loop before returning south. Then, it takes hikers west to Sawgrass Lake. Portions of the trail are wooded boardwalks, elevating hikers above the ground.
The trail offers fantastic opportunities to view wildlife. Hikers have seen ducks, birds, lizards, armadillos, and turtles. Some have also seen alligators, and the trail has signs reminding hikers not to feed or disturb them. Observation decks along the trail let hikers observe the wildlife below from a distance. In the spring and fall, many birds migrate through the park, making it an excellent place for birdwatching.
This hike is located in Sawgrass Lake Park, a 400-acre park managed by the Pinellas County parks system. The park protects one of the most extensive maple swamps in the Gulf Coast region. Maple swamps are wetland areas in which maple trees make up the majority of the tree canopy. The thriving maple swamp supports the growth of many animal species, creating the varied wildlife in the park. The park is open year-round except for two holidays: the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. In addition to the hiking trails, the park has restrooms, a picnic shelter area, and grills for visitors to use.
Have you visited Sawgrass Lake Park? Where is your favorite place to view wildlife in Florida?
The St. Petersburg and Pinellas County areas of Florida have much to offer, including Sunken Gardens, a lush and immaculately maintained botanical garden. The area also has fantastic restaurants, including Spinners Rooftop Grille, a seafood restaurant with 360-degree views of the Gulf.
To prepare for your next hike, check out our ultimate hiking packing list. The list includes backpacks, water bottles, shoes, and more.
When I'm looking for hiking trails in Florida, often I consider how far the distance from the parking lot is. I want my hiking journey to start in nature, not once I close my car door! So for this hiking trail in Little Talbot Island State Park, you don't have to worry about trekking too far from your car to the trail. Dune Ridge Loop is a 4.1-mile trek near Atlantic Beach, Florida. Half of the journey is right on the ocean, making it one of the best hikes in the state.
The Dune Ridge Loop is a scenic trail located within Little Talbot Island State Park, one of Florida's barrier islands situated near Jacksonville. This loop is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, showcasing a diverse array of ecosystems, including dunes, maritime forests, salt marshes, and coastal hammocks.
The Dune Ridge Loop is a moderate hike that spans approximately 3 miles, making it accessible to many. The trail's terrain is diverse, with sandy paths that wind through coastal dunes and packed dirt trails that cut through forested sections. Although the trail is well-marked and easy to follow, it is not paved, which might make it challenging for wheelchairs or strollers.
This trail offers hikers the chance to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty. True to its name, the Dune Ridge Loop provides access to high dunes that offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. These dunes play a crucial role in supporting the island’s ecosystem, hosting a variety of plant and animal species. As you venture further, the trail meanders through a dense maritime forest where live oaks draped in Spanish moss, saw palmettos, and other native vegetation create a cool, shaded environment. The Dune Ridge Loop is also a popular spot for birdwatching, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, with frequent sightings of osprey, great egrets, and songbirds.
The trail is open year-round, but the most pleasant time to visit is during the cooler months from November to March when temperatures are moderate and humidity is lower. While summer hikes are possible, they can be hot and buggy, so starting early in the day is advisable. Wildlife activity on the trail varies with the seasons—migratory birds are most active in spring and fall, while summer sees an increase in insects, making bug spray a necessity.
Hikers should come prepared with plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as there are no water sources along the trail. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended due to the exposure on the dunes, and comfortable hiking shoes with good traction are advisable. While the trail is generally safe, it’s important to stay on the marked path to protect the fragile environment and avoid any potential hazards like snakes, which are part of the island’s ecosystem.
Little Talbot Island State Park offers a range of facilities, including restrooms, picnic areas, and parking, with a nominal entrance fee that supports trail and facility maintenance. After completing the Dune Ridge Loop, visitors can explore other areas of the island, such as its pristine beaches, which are popular for swimming, fishing, and shelling.
Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way you can get even more information before you start your journey.
