Best Hikes in Florida for Scenic Views and Easy Adventures

It's always a good idea to get outside for some fresh air, and when you can add hiking to the mix, well, that's even better! Many of the best hikes in Florida will take you on a scenic adventure that you have to see to believe. No matter where you are in the state, there's always a beautiful hiking trail nearby that's worthy of a side quest.

Best Hikes in Florida

Some of the best hiking trails in Florida are also the most popular. Of course, we all want to find ourselves alone on the trail, and it'll take some effort to avoid the crowds on these popular Florida hikes. Aim for early mornings or weekdays to have the best odds. From a hike through the Everglades to hikes in the wilderness, check out the best places to hike in Florida.

1. Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail

• Location: Sanford
• Mileage: 7.3-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Black Bear Wilderness Area offers a relatively long, yet flat trail that will take just over two hours to complete. The trail can be muddy in places, so keep that in mind and choose appropriate footwear. The warmer months bring plenty of insects, so take bug spray with you. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.

The Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail loops the area along the St. Johns River. This scenic hike in Florida is on the longer side (seven miles), but it’s breathtakingly stunning. The loop trail takes you through a wet prairie, hydric hammock, cypress swamp, and other lowland habitats near the St. Johns River, with a mix of shaded forests and open marsh views along the way. I’m a sucker for boardwalk trails; they allow you access to parts of nature that wouldn’t be accessible on foot, and this one is sure to win you over. Not only is it scenic, but you may also encounter wildlife such as alligators, snakes, and even black bears.

2. Anhinga Trail

• Location: Homestead
• Mileage: 0.8-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This easy Everglades National Park hike is also among the most popular. This paved trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Dogs are not allowed on the trail, so leave them at home! The park charges a fee of $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per person who enters the park on foot, by bike, or by watercraft.

The Anhinga Trail is among the easiest and most popular hikes at Everglades National Park. It's also kid-friendly, and they will love getting out into the park to view wildlife and the scenery along this boardwalk trail that leads over marshland. Make it a game to see who can spot the most alligators!

3. Kolokee Loop Trail

• Location: Geneva
• Mileage: 5-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This easy trail at Little Big Econ State Forest takes around 1.5 hours to complete. The best times of the year to visit this trail are November through April. The trail can get muddy, and water shoes are recommended. This park experiences seasonal closures due to certain weather conditions, such as flooding. Check the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website before you go. A $2 day pass must be purchased to enter the state forest. There is parking by the Barr Street Trailhead.

Kolokee Loop Trail is a kid-friendly hike the whole family can enjoy. This is one of my favorite scenic hikes in Florida because it does a good job of leading you through a forest, as well as giving off some waterfront views, too. Keep your eyes open for wildlife; there's an abundance of birds, mammals, and bugs (bug spray is highly recommended!).

Best Short & Easy Hikes in Florida

Short on time? Prefer an easy trail over a strenuous one? Well, you're in luck because the Sunshine State offers several amazing hikes that are short and sweet, and oh-so scenic! Here are some of the best short and easy hikes in Florida:

4. Black Rock Trail

• Location: Jacksonville
• Mileage: 1-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This hike is located at Big Talbot Island State Park, which charges $2 for fishing pier use, $3 per vehicle, and $4 for the boat launch use.

Not only is the Black Rock Trail short and easy, but it just might be one of the most unique hikes you can take in the Sunshine State. Why? Well, not only will you see fascinating pieces of driftwood along the beach, but also tide pools among the black rocks. It's absolutely stunning and a great hike to look out for wildlife as well.

5. Gumbo Limbo Trail

• Location: Homestead
• Mileage: 0.5-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This Everglades National Park hike will take less than 10 minutes to complete. The trail is paved and wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Dogs are not allowed.

For a super quick yet very scenic hike, the Gumbo Limbo Trail at Everglades National Park is super short and sweet. It's so short that you'll probably have plenty of time to check out a few other trails at this fascinating national park. One of our favorite boardwalk trails in Florida, the Bobcat Trail, is another short-and-sweet hike with a scenic flair.

6. River Rapids Nature Trail

• Location: Thonotosassa
• Mileage: 1.3-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This hike is located within Hillsborough River State Park, which charges a $6 fee per car to enter. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

Hillsborough River State Park is a picturesque 3,000-acre oasis not too far away from the city of Tampa. Its River Rapids Nature Trail is family-friendly, and kids are sure to love walking over the footbridges, the suspension bridge, and boardwalks along the way. This trail goes past the river rapids as well. Oh, and there's a playground here, too! Want to spend more time here? Reserve a spot at the campground. What a great getaway destination!

Hardest Hikes in Florida

For those who enjoy a challenging hike and/or backpacking, the following adventure trails are for you. With higher elevation gains, these longer treks are meant for those who are physically able to tackle them and come prepared with water, food, and other gear. Here are some of the hardest hikes in Florida:

7. Torreya Challenge

• Location: Bristol
• Mileage: 12.5-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This trail at Torreya State Park has an elevation gain of 1,653 feet and will take over five hours to complete. The fee to enter the park is $3 per vehicle and $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

Up for a challenge and have about six hours to spare? Try the Torreya Challenge, a strenuous trail with some epic elevation gain at Torreya State Park. This is actually some of the toughest terrain you will encounter in the state of Florida, so come prepared with a backpack, water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, and anything else you may need. However, if you're able to take on a hike like this, you'll be rewarded with endless views of the dramatic cliffs and surrounding landscape.

8. Florida Trail: Nokuse and Pine Log to Eglin

• Location: Defuniak Springs
• Mileage: 19-mile point-to-point trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This challenging trail is located at Eglin Air Force Base and has an elevation gain of 1,227 feet. It will take a minimum of 5.5 hours to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, and dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash.

This section of the larger 1,000-mile Florida Trail will take you through Nokuse Plantation wetlands as well as the former Eglin Air Force Base. As this is a lengthy hike, you may want to consider spending the night at one of the remote campsites along the way. This is one Florida hike you'll need a permit for.

9. Citrus Tract Loop B

• Location: Inverness
• Mileage: 15.6-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: This difficult trail in the Withlacoochee State Forest has an overall elevation gain of 961 feet and will take at least 5.5 hours. The terrain is rather rough, and the trail isn't well-marked, so make sure to download the trail map from AllTrails+ before heading out.

Known for its series of caves, Withlacoochee State Forest is also home to a pine forest, so there's shade along the Citrus Tract Loop B trail. The trail is well-maintained, but there are no facilities, so make sure to carry plenty of water with you. Camping along this trail is also an option if you'd prefer to do the trek over a couple of days (look for the yellow-banded trees).

Best Waterfront Hikes in Florida

Florida is known for its coastal landscape and beaches, so we, of course, had to include a few waterfront hikes on this list! If you're like me and love being by the water, here are some of the best waterfront hikes in Florida:

10. Black Island Trail

• Location: Fort Myers Beach
• Mileage 2.6-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: To access this trail, Lovers Key State Park charges a fee of $8 per vehicle, $4 per single-occupant vehicle/motorcycle, and $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. The trail is mainly flat and will take less than an hour to complete.

Known for its pristine beaches and mangroves, Lovers Key State Park provides an exciting playground for scenery and outdoor adventure. The Black Island Trail meanders along the park's canals, and there are interpretive signs along the way if you wish to learn about some of the flora and fauna of the area.

11. Robinson's Preserve Full Trail System

• Location: Cortez
• Mileage: 7.5-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: The best time of year to do this hike at Robinson Preserve is between October and May. Leashed dogs are allowed, so feel free to bring your four-legged bestie along. The trail is partially paved for 2.5 miles, so it's wheelchair and stroller-friendly up to a point. The parking lot off 99th Street Northwest has four accessible parking spots. This route also has resting benches along the way.

Robinson Nature Preserve is a popular spot in the Bradenton area for hiking, birding, fishing, and paddling. Hikers love the series of trails at this preserve, as they're absolutely scenic, with water views along the way. For the full experience, spend some time exploring Bradenton. It's one of our favorite small towns in Florida.

12. Perdido Bayou Trail

• Location: Pensacola
• Mileage: 5.9-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This beautiful trail at Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park allows dogs on leashes. There is a fee of $3 per vehicle, and $2 per pedestrian, and cyclist to enter the park.

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park is a 4,000-acre preserve with a boardwalk trail that leads through the Perdido Bayou. Home to 100 rare and endangered animal and plant species, including the carnivorous white-topped pitcher plant, this park is truly one-of-a-kind! In addition to the endless migratory birds you might see, keep an eye out for alligator snapping turtles, too.

Best Winter Hikes in Florida

While the weather is mostly good year-round in Florida (it is the Sunshine State, after all), the best time for hiking here during the year is probably winter. Post-hurricane season and once the high heat and humidity are gone, winter provides average daytime temperatures of 62°F to 77°F, depending on what part of the state you're in. I think those are perfect temperatures for a long winter hike!

13. Shark Valley Tram Trail

• Location: Homestead
• Mileage: 14.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Another hike at Everglades National Park, this long yet easy paved trail will take around 4 hours if hiking or walking it. Biking here is also an option. Make sure you leave dogs at home as they aren't allowed on this trail. There's no shade on this trail, so bring sun protection and plenty of water.

Hiking, jogging, walking, biking -- the choice is yours on this paved trail! Along the way, you'll pass through a freshwater marsh and see plenty of wildlife, including alligators. One of the best attractions along the trail, however, is the Shark Valley Observation Tower. Tram tours are also available to take along this route to the observation tower.

14. Wekiwa Springs Volksmarch Trail

• Location: Apopka
• Mileage: 6.3-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This trail at Wekiwa Springs State Park is popular for hiking, camping, and horseback riding and will take two hours to hike. The park charges the following fees to enter: $6 per vehicle, $4 per single-occupant vehicle, and $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. The trail is marked by orange blazes. Dogs are allowed and may go off-leash in some areas.

The best time to hike this trail at Wekiwa Springs State Park is between July and September, but it's perfect in the winter. You'll trek through the forest and past a scenic lake. There are camping spots available if you can't get enough of this park and want to spend the night. Considering its proximity to downtown Orlando, it's a slam dunk for folks who want a nature-driven escape.

15. Florida Trail and Saint Johns River Loop

• Location: Christmas
• Mileage: 11.5-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Located within the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, this trail can get pretty muddy, so choose the appropriate footwear for this hike. It can take up to 4 hours to complete.

This section of the Florida National Scenic Trail goes through the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area in the charmingly-named town of Christmas. Throughout this preserve are 12 miles of the Saint Johns River, along with woods and marshes. Its open landscape and sheer size make it a favorite for hiking.

Best Hikes near Tallahassee

Did you know that there are plenty of scenic hikes in and around Florida's capital city? It's true! Check out some of the best hikes near Tallahassee for those times you want to feel as though you're not in the city.

16. Lafayette Heritage Trail and East Cadillac Trail

• Location: Tallahassee
• Mileage: 7.5-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: This trail at Tom Brown Park is popular for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. If you have your dog with you, make sure it's on a leash. The trail ends at Lafayette Heritage Park.

If you love lake views, this scenic trail at Tom Brown Park is perfect for you! The trail is wide and easily shared with hikers and mountain bikers. There's also a disc golf course if you want to challenge your buddies to a friendly game.

17. Piney-Z Lake Loop

• Location: Tallahassee
• Mileage: 2.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: This trail circumnavigates the lake at Lafayette Heritage Trail Park and will take less than an hour to complete. The path is multi-use, so you will be sharing it with mountain bikers.

Located just two miles away from Tom Brown Park is Lafayette Heritage Trail Park. If you want a longer hike, you can combine this one with the Lafayette Heritage Trail and East Cadillac Trail. However, at just under three miles, this easy trail is good for the whole family.

18. Phipps Park East and West Loop

• Location: Tallahassee
• Mileage: 4.8-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: This trail at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is also popular for hiking and mountain biking. The route combines the yellow-blazed and white-blazed trails. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes.

Trek through a beautiful hardwood forest at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park, where birds and butterflies thrive. Equestrian riding is a popular sport here, and there are ball fields within the park as well. This is such a wonderful escape from the city!

No matter what type of hike you’re looking for, you’ll find it here in Florida. Heck, you might even be inspired to hike across two states! Save this article to come back to when you’re looking for some scenic hikes in Florida to fill up your weekends.