Underrated National Forest Hikes in Florida That Rival 5 National Park Hikes

Hiking to me is something I will travel for. If you're in a similar boat, growing up in Florida, you're used to flat terrain, sandy beaches, and humid temperatures. That's why I've always thought I need to travel somewhere like Utah or South Carolina to get in some decent hiking. That was until I realized I just wasn't looking in the right places. I didn't need to go out of state to find the best national park hikes, but rather, I could stay in my home state and just reshape what I always thought hiking to be. It's not always elevation changes and mountain views, but instead it's the journey and experience of being present in the great outdoors.

I've found a few underrated Florida trails that deliver all the beauty I always hope to find—without the intense crowds and pricey entry fee.

Salt Springs Trail, Ocala National Forest

Rivals: Yellowstone’s Hot Springs Basin

While Florida can’t offer geysers, the Salt Springs Trail showcases bubbling mineral waters that recall the steaming pools of Yellowstone—minus the sulfur smell and imminent danger. The clear, turquoise waters here stay a steady 72 degrees year-round and support a unique mix of freshwater and saltwater fish, thanks to natural mineral content. The surrounding trail winds through hardwood hammocks and offers glimpses of old-growth cypress, giving it the feeling of a prehistoric escape.

Juniper Springs Trail, Ocala National Forest

Rivals: Yosemite’s Mirror Lake Trail

Ocala National Forest, the oldest National Forest east of the Mississippi, is home to the sparkling Juniper Springs. The Juniper Springs Trail winds past tropical-looking palms, lush ferns, and the glittering headwaters of Juniper Creek. Much like Yosemite’s Mirror Lake Trail, this hike pairs reflective waters with still surroundings. Wildlife sightings are common, with otters, turtles, and even manatees appearing seasonally.

Leon Sinks Geological Area, Apalachicola National Forest

Editor's note: This trail is temporarily closed as of Feb. 2026.

Rivals: Carlsbad Caverns’ Surface Trails

Florida’s geology may not be famous for caves, but Leon Sinks offers a surprising underground world right at the surface. This 5-mile network of trails meanders past sinkholes, disappearing streams, and karst windows, natural elements that seem very familiar to what visitors see above ground at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The blue-green pools that form in some sinkholes look like secret lagoons, making this hike a geological gem unlike anything else in the state.

Alexander Springs Trail, Ocala National Forest

Rivals: Zion’s Riverside Walk

Zion National Park is known for trails that bring you right to the water’s edge, and Florida has its own version at Alexander Springs. This gentle loop hike runs through lush subtropical forest before reaching one of the only first-magnitude springs in the National Forest System. Much like Zion’s Riverside Walk, hikers here can wade into the spring, snorkel, or simply sit on the banks and soak in the view. It’s an inviting mix of hiking and water recreation that’s distinctly Floridian.

Florida Trail, Apalachicola National Forest

Rivals: Great Smoky Mountains’ Appalachian Trail Sections

Stretching more than 1,500 miles across the state, the Florida National Scenic Trail slices through Apalachicola National Forest, one of the largest contiguous forests in the Southeast. This portion of the trail is dotted with longleaf pine savannas, cypress swamps, and seasonal wildflowers, creating a landscape that rivals the Appalachian sections in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The best part is you don't need to hike the entire trail to enjoy it!

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Florida hiking trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.