Looking for the perfect hiking adventure in the Sunshine State this year? How about a boardwalk loop trail in Florida that will take you less than an hour to complete but will offer you SO much in return? The Bear Swamp Trail in the Ocala National Forest offers a 1.5-mile hike that is said to be perfect for all ages. Come explore the hardwood forests and ancient cypress trees in this one special hike.
The Bear Swamp Trail near Fort McCoy, Florida is considered an easy route and usually takes hikers less than 30 minutes to complete.
This hiking trail is a real treat during the summer months thanks to the shade from all of the gigantic trees throughout the area - trees like the ancient cypress, which has a girth of around nine feet around!
Have you ever hiked the Bear Swamp Trail in Ocala National Forest before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you happen to be in the nearby area and you want to take a swim, make sure to head over to Juniper Springs for a one-of-a-kind adventure through nature.
I Visited This Hidden-Gem Florida Nature Park With Over 30 Varieties of Ferns
Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek, Florida, is the perfect place to hike. Come enjoy various hiking trails, and over 30 different varieties of ferns!
Whenever I have the chance to dive headfirst into nature, I take it. To me, there is nothing better than escaping the hustle and bustle of South Florida and enjoying some reprieve from the sound of rustling leaves, chirping birds, and squirrels munching on seeds. I recently explored Fern Forest NatureCenter in Coconut Creek, Florida for the first time, and the experience was one I will never forget. With more than 30 varieties of ferns, as well as an array of nature programming and hiking trails, this is the perfect place to find some peace and quiet in nature.
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Megan Todaro/Only In Your State
Visiting Fern Forest Nature Center was a surprise for me from start to finish. While I was randomly searching for unique things to do near Coconut Creek, I stumbled upon this incredible preserve, which is perfect for a day of hiking in nature.
Parking is a breeze as long as it isn’t crowded. I went on a Saturday morning and was able to snag a spot right away. Then, a mere 25 feet from the parking lot was the entrance to the preserve!
Megan Todaro/Only In Your State
This 247.1-acre park, designated as an Urban Wilderness Area, opened in November 1985 and is celebrated for its 10 distinct plant communities, making it one of the best-preserved examples of native ecosystems in South Florida.
These diverse habitats are the centerpiece of Fern Forest's trails. The Prairie Overlook Trail, a one-mile loop, winds through an open prairie and an oak/cabbage palm community and features a 20-foot observation platform offering panoramic views. The half-mile Cypress Creek Trail, accessible by wheelchair, is a boardwalk that takes visitors through a low hardwood hammock and a maple/cypress community. For those exploring the Maple Walk, which stretches a third of a mile through a red maple swamp, waterproof boots are advised, as the path can be soggy. The Wetlands Wander is an eighth-mile interpretive trail, and the Sensory Garden Trail provides a serene space for relaxation.
Megan Todaro/Only In Your State
What’s neat about this preserve is that it’s free to enter. You don’t have to pay any fees to park or to get in. However, there is a place by the Nature Center building where donations can be left for the volunteers, which I highly recommend. These volunteers really keep this place clean and maintained throughout.
Megan Todaro/Only In Your State
Visitors can wander through these habitats on well-maintained walking and hiking trails that wind through the center, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural surroundings. Birdwatchers, in particular, will find Fern Valley to be a paradise, as the area is a popular stopover for migratory birds. The center's observation decks and bird blinds provide excellent vantage points for spotting species like herons, egrets, and warblers.
One of the highlights of Fern Valley Nature Center is its educational programs. The center is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of Florida’s natural environments through a variety of hands-on activities and guided tours. Educational programs are designed for all ages, making it an ideal destination for school groups, families, and curious individuals.
Megan Todaro/Only In Your State
Overall, Fern Forest Nature Center is a testament to the importance of preserving Florida’s natural heritage. Not only did I learn that ferns have been around since the time of the DINOSAURS (I know, right?!), but I was also able to experience a slice of nature that I wouldn’t usually have access to in my city living.
When you combine an epic hiking opportunity with the chance to view abundant wildlife in their natural habitat, it's hard to pass that up. This beautiful boardwalk trail in Florida combines an outdoor experience with a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the heart of Florida's swampland. Take a look...
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An epic summer adventure in Florida is right around the corner, and this one is perfect for the whole family.
Over a million acres encompass the wilderness area known as Big Cypress, and this boardwalk trail will weave you in and out without predicting what will be seen along the way.
The boardwalk was actually constructed out of lumber which was salvaged from trees killed by Southern Pine Beetles, which makes it one giant reclaimed project.
Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk Trail in Florida is located at 137 Coastline Drive, Box 548, Copeland, FL 34137. The entire boardwalk trail is about 1.2 miles in length. It is highly recommended to bring bug spray and things can get quite dicey in the swamp.
And of course, if you're looking for more epic adventures to tackle this summer, this hike to an abandoned Civil War Fort in Florida is worth checking out:
