This Hiking Trail Is the Best Way to Experience a Full Moon in Florida

Did you know that hiking after dark in Florida is a thing? I know what you're thinking: alligators, snakes, bears, oh my! But what if I told you there was a ranger-led full moon hike in one of my favorite Florida parks that is an experience of a lifetime? While this particular park is best known for its manatees, crystal-clear spring, and shaded trails, it transforms after dark into a completely different experience, especially under the glow of a full moon. Evening and full moon hikes offer a rare chance to see this beloved state park in an entirely new light, both literally and figuratively.

Located near Orange City, Blue Spring State Park is home to more than 2,600 acres of old-growth forest, wetlands, and the constant, 72-degree waters of the spring run, which flows into the St. Johns River. During the day, the park bustles with swimmers, hikers, and kayakers. But once night falls, the atmosphere shifts. The air cools. The sounds sharpen. And what was familiar becomes rich with possibility.

Full moon hikes, often hosted by the Friends of Blue Spring State Park, typically begin just after sunset. Visitors are guided by experienced naturalists along trails such as the Pine Island Trail or the spring’s boardwalk, which offers panoramic views of the shimmering water below. These walks are more than scenic, they’re immersive. The reflection of moonlight across the spring creates an ethereal glow, something not too many visitors can claim they've witnessed.

Without the distraction of daytime activity, the natural world feels more present. Nighttime creatures, like bats, owls, raccoons, and possibly even deer or armadillos, become active, and the sounds of crickets, rustling leaves, and distant splashes from alligators or fish amplify the feeling of wilderness. In the stillness, every movement feels magnified.

To join the Full Moon Hike at Blue Spring State Park, visitors must first pay the standard park admission fee of $6 per vehicle. In addition, an after-hours pass is required for each participant, available for $3 per person and must be purchased in advance through the Friends of Blue Spring State Park website. The event is scheduled for the night of the full moon, every month, and participants are asked to arrive by 7:45 PM. The group will meet at the Roadside Pavilion, located in the lower parking lot next to the restrooms, with the hike beginning promptly at 8:00 PM.

Upon arrival, guests will receive an after-hours dashboard pass to display in their vehicles. Since this is a nighttime event, attendees should come prepared with flashlights (avoid flashing or light-up shoes), insect repellent, water, and sturdy closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. The trail is just over a mile long and winds through sandy soils and natural surfaces, with some areas containing roots and minor trip hazards. While the hike is moderately easy, its duration may vary depending on how many interpretive stops are made along the way. Pets are not permitted on the hike, with the exception of ADA-recognized service animals. After the hike concludes, all participants are asked to promptly exit the park.

To learn more about attending the hikes each month, visit the Florida State Parks website.