Day & Section Hike

Garcon Point Trail

Length: 1.7 mile loop + 1.2 mile spur

The Garcon Point Water Management Area is located on CR 191 south of Milton in Santa Rosa County. This is one of the most spectacular spots in the Southeast to see pitcher plants, most notably the endangered white-topped pitcher plant. Garcen Point is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Bird watchers will delight in looking for Henslow and LeConte sparrows as well as harriers, bluebirds and dozens of other species.

This land was purchased by the Northwest Florida Water Management District to protect water quality in the surrounding bays and to preserve remnant examples of estuarine tidal marsh, wet prairie and wet flatwoods habitats. The District has identified at least 13 endangered or threatened plant and animal species in the preserve. Hikers may view orchids and many carnivorous plants, including pitcher plants, sundews, butterworts and bladderworts. More uncommon plants include the Blackjack Oak and Curtis’ sandgrass, found in only four counties in Florida. Bird life includes rare Henslow and Leconte’s sparrows as well as bluebirds, pine warblers, osprey, harriers and red-tailed hawks. For more information contact the Western Gate Chapter

Hinson Loop Trail
Length: 4.6 Mile System

The new Hinson Trail is a beautiful 4.6-mile system of loop trails along the Chipola River, located in the Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area just south of the town of Marianna, FL. The Hinson Trail is part of the Chipola River Greenway, which is a National Recreation Trail. This trail was built with hundreds of hours of dedicated volunteer support during two FTA F-Troop events in 2012.
The trail route includes a 3.7-mile perimeter trail around the inside boundary of the property, subdivided by three connector links that form four lovely loop trails. These four loop trails, the North, East, West, and South Loops, offer a broad range of walking experiences, featuring high bluffs overlooking the Chipola River, several large and many small sink holes, two walk-in caves, a stretch of trail that follows the still-remaining steel rails of the old Marianna and Blountstown (M&B) Railroad, beautiful native plants and animals, rare and protected species including a gopher tortoise preserve, and meadows of vintage pecan orchards. The entrance to the HCRA and Hinson Trail, via Gator Hole Lane, is on SR 73, a mile south of Marianna. The Hinson Trail trailhead is at the eastern end of Gator Hole Lane and features picnic tables, portable toilets, and a small boat launch ramp. For more information contact the Panhandle Chapter.

Torreya Hiking Trail

Length: 11.5 miles in 2 loops

Torreya State Park is 12 miles north of Bristol near Rock Bluff on CR 271. Enter the park via CR 270 or CR 271 from SR 12 south of I-10. The terrain in this region is “mountainous” with real cliffs. Both the flora and topography are unique. Overnight and day hikes are possible. Bring your hiking sticks!

Torreya State Park is truly unique. Set on the high bluffs of the Apalachicola River, it has terrain resembling the Appalachian Mountains. The River Bluff Loop Trail, a loop of about seven miles, traverses ravines and streams and bluffs which rise above the Apalachicola River. Logan’s Bluff towers to about 300 feet. Forests include river swamp, hardwood hammocks and longleaf pine. Each of these communities has a different set of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Look for the rare Florida yew tree, the queen Magnolia (the largest big leaf magnolia in the U.S.), dogwood, yellow jasmine, azalea, and the torreya from which Noah is supposed to have constructed the Ark. The torreya tree     (also known as gopherwood or “stinking cedar”) resembles a hemlock and grows only along the Apalachicola river bluffs. Wildlife is common and includes deer, beaver, bobcat, gray fox, the rare Barbour’s map turtle and more than a hundred species of birds. This park is historically significant. Traces of the Indians who lived here still remain. There were Confederate gun batteries here during the Civil War. Look for the ruins of the emplacements near the bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola. The ranger’s station is in the historic Gregory plantation house, which was restored after it was moved to Torreya from the opposite side of the river.  For more information contact the Apalachee Chapter.

Fort Braden

Length: 9.1 in 3 loops

The trailhead and parking area are located in Lake Talquin State Forest on SR 20 (Blountstown Highway) approximately 9.2 miles west of SR 263 (Capital Circle West) in Tallahassee. Hike along rolling hills and sometimes rugged slopes deeply shaded by hardwood forest, with occasional views of Lake Talquin.

The Fort Braden Trail is one of the more unique in northern Florida because it passes through both hardwood forests and cut-over uplands being restored with wiregrass and longleaf pine. The trail traverses the north-facing southern slope above Lake Talquin, giving the hiker the opportunity to enjoy a remnant beech-magnolia hardwood forest. This forest is cut with many crystal clear, sand-bottom seepage streams which flow from the toe of the slope to Lake Talquin. Northern hardwood trees found along the trail include tulip poplar, beech and magnolia. The three-mile long western loop trail passes several big trees including a huge tulip poplar near its southwestern corner. The three-mile long center loop follows ravines and seepage streams and passes by an abandoned fish camp as it follows the Lake Talquin shoreline. The four-mile long eastern loop offers the most solitude as it passes through the tract’s largest hardwood forest. It crosses upland pine areas along the south, creeks and ravines on the east and west, and it follows the lake shore for nearly one-half mile on a grassy lane. The line of cypress trees just off shore in Lake Talquin is called “The Iron Curtain.” The trees outline the original Ochlockonee River channel as it was before the river was dammed to create the lake. At several locations, hikers and equestrians share the same trail, and the hiking and equestrian trails cross each other many times. This trail opened on National Trails Day 1995.  For more information contact the Apalachee Chapter.

Phipps Park

Length: 7.2 miles in 3 loops and one connecting trail

Elinor Klapp Phipps-Park is located along Meridian Rd (CR 155) north of Tallahassee, 3.3 miles from I-10 exit 203 and is maintained by the City of Tallahassee and Florida Trail Volunteers from the Apalachee Chapter. Trailheads are in the Youth Sports Complex off North Meridian Road and in the Meadows Soccer Complex off Miller Landing Road (4.8 miles form I-10). Hike on mostly level terrain with some rolling hills through bottomlands, uplands, and along Lake Jackson.

At Elinor Klapp Phipps Park, the woodlands and fields within the park are typical of the hundreds of old quail hunting plantations found here in the Red Hills region of north Florida. The uplands were heavily disturbed by agricultural activity into the early part of this century and are now recovering, due, in part, to later management of the property as a game hunting preserve. The wetlands, bottomlands, and steep slopes were historically less disturbed and have a primeval, old-growth appearance, especially along Coonbottom Run. Overall, the property exhibits high habitat and species diversity. One the high points of the hike is a scenic stroll along the edge of Lake Jackson, an large and unusual lake that vanishes every 25 years or so into a sinkhole only to reappear a year or two later.

By using various combinations of trail loops and/or the 12 miles of dirt roads in the 600+ acre park, an infinite variety of distances can be walked. Maps showing trails and roads are available at the trailheads.

Big Oak Trail

Length: 11.2

The Big Oak Trail is located within Suwannee River State Park and the Twin Rivers State Forest. The trail starts at the ranger station inside the park but can also be accessed from the Drew Mansion Ruins along old US 90 west of the Suwannee River, and from CR 141 just east of the Withlacoochee River. The trail follows the bluffs of both the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers, with scenic views and some short rugged climbs.

The Big Oak Trail features a loop trail in the northern portion of Suwannee River State Park, connected to the park’s day use area by segments of the Suwannee River and Ellaville sections of the Florida Trail and by park trails. Hikers follow both the Suwannee and the Withlacoochee Rivers and cross both rivers on bridges. The trail is blazed in two different colors: orange for the continuous Florida Trail and blue for the Big Oak Loop and the connector between the Florida Trail and the State Park Annex parking area. The parking area is west of the river off old US 90, where an interpretive side trail leads to the ruins of the Drew Mansion, once the plantation home of Florida’s reconstruction-era Governor.

The Big Oak Loop follows the banks of both the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers, with deep sinkholes paralleling the trail. At approximately the halfway point of the loop, the trail overlooks the confluence of both rivers, where there is a primitive campsite on the bluffs.

Many large oak trees shade the trail along the river bluffs. The namesake tree for the trail has no sign but is marked with a serrated log set into the footpath in front of the enormous oak.

Parts of the Withlacoochee side of the loop follow an old dirt road which led to the ferry crossing between the defunct towns of Columbus and Ellaville, passing the second magnitude Suwannacoochee Spring. The Columbus cemetery may be seen along the Sand Hills Trail in Suwannee River State Park on the opposite side of the river. For more information contact the Suwannee Chapter.

St. Francis Trail

Length: 10.7 miles in 2 loops

The trail terminus is across the road from the River Forest Group Camp, seven miles southwest of DeLand at the southeast edge of the Ocala National Forest. Loops traverse old fields and pass through an oak hammock, river floodplain, hardwoods and pine flatwoods. Along the way, you’ll see colorful fungi and a sulfur spring and will walk through the ghost town of St. Francis, a historic riverside commerce center.

Orlando Wetlands Park

  Length: 6.1 mile loop

Orlando Wetlands Park is about 20 miles east of Orlando, in the town of Christmas. Access the Park via CR 420 and Wheeler Road. The Park is CLOSED October 1 through January 20. Using Wheeler Rd, hikers can also access the trail in Seminole State Forest.

The 6.1-mile loop uses the white-blazed hiking trail, the orange-blazed Florida Trail and the southern berm. In addition to the hiking trail and the Florida Trail around the perimeter, the park features 18 miles of raised berms that are open to hiking and bicycles.

Bella Vista Trail

Length: 1.7 mile loop

The trail is within Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, along A1A south of Marineland, north of Hammock, 12 miles north of Flagler Beach. Trailhead parking is on the right inside the park after you turn left onto old A1A. This is a gentle hiking loop, ideal for families, showcasing a broad variety of habitats in a short walk.

The Bella Vista Trail at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park explores a variety of habitats along this barrier island, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River are both less than a half mile from the trail. The white blazes of the Timucuan Loop lead you through a shady maritime hammock of live oaks and southern magnolia, cabbage palms and cherry laurel, where you encounter wild coffee at the northern extent of its range.The trail crosses Old A1A (shaded by a canopy of live oaks and now used as a bicycle path) before it rises up through the hammock to an oak scrub within the scent of the salt breeze of the ocean. Saw palmetto takes on a silvery blue hue from the salt in the air, and the prevailing sea breeze sculpts the branches of the sand live oaks. The area is open and desert-like.Returning to the hammock, you pass a massive slash pine; coontie pokes up through drifts of leaves on the forest floor. Crossing Old A1A again, the trail continues along the remainder of the loop through dense forest along the Mantanzas River, with a side trail out to the mangrove fringe where you can watch for dolphins and manatees.This historic park also offers a visitor center, formal gardens and a picnic area. Fishing is allowed on the seawall and at the beach. While you cannot swim at the beach, it’s well worth a beach walk– it is one of Florida’s rare rocky shorelines, lined with orange-hued coquina rock, a sedimentary stone made up of colorful crushed coquina shells.

Triple N Ranch

Length: 2, 2.5 and 7.6 mile loops

Adjacent to the small town of Holopaw in Osceola County, the 15,391-acre Triple N Ranch Wildlife Management Area is an excellent example of fast-disappearing native range and pine-palmetto flatwoods scattered with wet and dry prairie, cypress domes, oak hammocks, and oak scrub.

Scenic Crabgrass Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns River, snakes across the Triple N Ranch Wildlife Management Area. A network of well-maintained and marked roads provides ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, and horseback riding. A blue blazed spur trail leads to a picnic area off the orange blazed trail.

Tosohatchee Loops

Length: 30.8 miles of intersecting trails

These trails are located in Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area. The main entrance is on Taylor Creek Road, 2.5 miles north of SR 520 and 3.0 miles south of SR 50.

Shaped by alternating cycles of fire and flood, the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area is a mosaic of freshwater marshes, swamps, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks. The forested uplands support white-tailed deer, bobcat, fox squirrel, bald eagle, gray fox, turkey, hawks, owls, and many species of songbirds. The WMA also contains a variety of rare and endangered species of flora, including orchids and hand ferns. The white trails in Tosohatchee are multi-use, but can be used to create interesting loops. Also, the orange blazed thru-trail north of Powerline Rd and from the south entrance up to the “Y” junction with the white trail are both multi-use until a pedestrian-only trail can be developed.

Taylor Creek Loop Trail
Length: 4.1 mile loop

The Taylor Creek Loop trail is in Tosohatchee State Reserve. The main entrance to the Reserve is on Taylor Creek Road, 2.5 miles north of SR 520 and 3.0 miles south of SR 50.

Cypress near Taylor Creek (Deb Blick)Shaped by alternating cycles of fire and flood, the Tosohatchee State Reserve is a mosaic of freshwater marshes, swamps, pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks. Varied and unique plant communities support abundant wildlife, including rare and endangered species. The Tosohatchee marshes are feeding areas for wading birds. During winter months they host large numbers of migrating waterfowl. The forested uplands support white-tailed deer, bobcat, fox squirrel, bald eagle, gray fox, turkey, hawks, owls, and many species of songbirds. The reserve also contains a variety of rare and endangered species of flora, including orchids and hand ferns.

Canaveral Marshes Trail

Length: 4.8 miles linear

Between Christmas and Titusville, the trail’s north entrance is located on SR 50, 3.2 miles east of the St. Johns River Bridge or 2.6 miles west of the I-95/SR 50 junction. The trail is across flat and poorly drained land. Most of the property has been cleared for cattle pasture except for the marsh and large hammock in the south portion.

Tenoroc Hiking Trail

Length: 14 miles in 2 loops

East of Lakeland, the trail is located at 3829 Tenoroc Mine Road, off SR 659 (Combee Road), 3.5 miles north of US 92, or 2.5 miles south of I-4 in the Tenoroc Fish Management Area. The trail is mostly flat and dry and passes over both reclaimed and un-reclaimed mining property, including some rugged climbs.

Withlacoochee River Trail

Length: 5.3 mile loop

Withlacoochee River Park is east of Dade City off River Road, along the Withlacoochee River. The trails offer level but sometimes rugged hiking through floodplain forests, oak hammocks, sandhills, cypress stands and marshlands along the Withlacoochee River.

Withlacoochee River Park provides a diverse variety of activities for day hikers, backpackers, and families, from canoeing the Withlacoochee River to exploring nature on the interpretive trails and exploring history at the 1800s Florida history village and the 1700s Native American village and at the annual primitive arts festival.

Anhinga drying its wings Photo: (George Meek)The orange-blazed Withlacoochee River Park Trail leads backpackers out beyond the park boundary along a rugged but beautiful route to hidden campsites in the Green Swamp. The trail is located on a 700 acre parcel owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District along the west bank of the Withlacoochee River. The parcel is managed by Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department as part of Withlacoochee River Park.

The trail passes through numerous diverse and picturesque habitats, including along the cypress-lined banks of the Withlacoochee River, over sandhills ablaze with wildflowers in the fall, and through long green tunnels created by fern-draped live oaks.

Inside the park boundary, a 2.5-mile yellow blazed interpretive trail crosses the orange-blazed trail and provides access to most of the park’s activities, including a tall observation tower.

Upper Hillsborough Trail

Length: 4.6 miles linear

East of the Zephyrhills Airport, the Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area is bounded on the north by CR 54 and on the west by CR 535. The northern trailhead is along CR 54, and the southern trailhead is on CR 535, about 0.8 mile north of Sam Pasco Park. The trail offers a level meander through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and floodplain forest.

Red-shouldered Hawk Photo:(George Meek) The Upper Hillsborough River Management Area, owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, covers more than 6,000 acres and contains the headwaters of the Hillsborough River. The terrain is flat. During rainy seasons, shallow wading may be necessary. The area contains flatwoods, hardwood forest, cypress heads and swamps. Common wildlife include deer, feral hogs, turkeys and a wide variety of birds.

An interesting activity occurring nearby takes place at the ZHills “Sky Dive City” Parachute Center (west of the southern trailhead). Hikers may view large numbers of skydivers on weekends during the summer months and daily during the winter.

Richloam Loop Trails

Length: loops of 10, 12, 14 and 26 miles

The Richloam Hiking Trail is just off SR 50 east of Ridge Manor. Follow Clay Sink Rd to the Richloam Fire Tower. Park at the fire tower. A blue blazed connector trail leads to the loop. Richloam offers mostly dry hiking, with some wading during rainy seasons.

The Richloam Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest offers a wide variety of plant and animal life. Of interest here is a state owned herd of longhorn cattle descended from the original Spanish cows, and one of the state’s top fish hatcheries.

Richloam Tract (Brian O’Halloran)Follow the perimeter trail for a 25.6-mile weekend backpacking loop, or take a long day hike using the cross trails, which enable you to configure loops of 10, 12, and 14 miles. The trail passes through cypress floodplains, bayheads, pine-palmetto flatlands, hardwood hammocks and open pine prairies. Ancient live oaks shade the trail in places. There is also a relict experimental eucalyptus plantation from the 1930’s that the loop trail passes through. Wildflowers are abundant from March until November.

The trail borders the Withlacoochee River in the southwest and the Little Withlacoochee River in the northern section and crosses numerous streams which drain the tract. Eagles, deer, turkeys, and other wildlife inhabit the area. Fishing is good here. A brochure is available from the Recreation Coordinator’s Office, Withlacoochee State Forest, 15019 Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34601.

Croom Loop Trails

Length: 19.1 miles in 3 loops

The Croom Loop Trails are located on the western side of the Withlacoochee River in the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, near Ridge Manor, FL. There is hilly walking through deeply forested ravines on the northern section, gently rolling sandhills to the south, and low-lying floodplain forests along the river.

View of the Withlacoochee River in Croom Photo: (Sandra Friend)  The Croom Tract Loop Trail is a favorite for backpackers training for strenuous mountain treks, as it is one of Central Florida’s more rugged hikes. A 3.7-mile blue-blazed access loop leads you from the trailhead at Silver Lake Recreation Area under a bridge under I-75 into the forests along the river, and makes a nice short day hike on its own. The “low water” route passes through cypress stands with some immense trees, while the “high water” route heads right up into the sandhills to access the backpacking loops.

The trail is divided into three stacked loops: A (7 miles), B (9.9 miles), and C (8 miles). Loop A is part of the Florida State Forests Trailwalker Program. There are two deep ravines along the trail, one near the Tucker Hill trailhead on Loop B, and the other along Loop C. Most of the trail is in shady hardwood forests, sandhills, and longleaf pine forests.

Citrus Loop Trails

Length: 46.8 miles in 4 loops

The Citrus Tract, Withlacoochee State Forest is southwest of Inverness, FL and immediately south of SR 44 The Citrus Tract has a dry, all-weather trail on alternately flat and hilly terrain. You may plan day hikes on loop trails and overnight hikes of up to 43.3 miles on the perimeter trail. Trail mileage totals 46.8.

The Citrus Hiking Trail is the state’s longest backpacking loop trail in a single contiguous forest and is Central Florida’s most rugged hiking trail, with aggressively rolling sandhills, steep descents into sinkholes, and rock-strewn footpaths. Hikers enjoy a stunning array of contrasting habitats and numerous opportunities for wildlife encounters. It is also a well-groomed trail, easily followed, with a clearly defined footpath and signposts at trail junctions. Orange blazes designate the outer loop, while blue blazes mark the cross trails and side trails.  Lizzie Hart Sink Photo: (Sandra Friend)

Backpacking the perimeter Citrus Hiking Trail can take up to 4 days and requires some logistical planning. There are no surface streams, so you must consider this a dry trail. Karst features – sinkholes and solution holes – seasonally retain some rainfall, as do flatwoods ponds. The designated primitive campsites have no water sources.

The Citrus Tract is laced with unimproved roads with loose sand that should be avoided by two-wheel drive vehicles. This road network and the interconnecting trail links make it possible to plan a variety of hikes. The shortest loop, Loop A, takes 8.5 miles to hike from Holder Mine Campground, and is part of the Florida State Forests Trailwalker program.

Obtain a brochure on the Citrus Tract from Withlacoochee State Forest, 15019 Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601.

Wekiwa Springs Hiking Trail

Length: 10.2 miles loop/linear

Wekiwa Springs State Park is along Wekiwa Springs Road. From I-4, exit west on SR 434 and follow the signs. The trail system includes shady floodplain forests, scrub and sandhills, open prairies, and lush hardwood hammocks.

Daubenmire Trail

Length: 3.5 miles in 3 loops

From US 27 south of Leesburg, take SR 25A on the right to Owen Rd and follow it to the trailhead. This trail offers a flat, easy walk through deeply shaded hardwood forests on an island in a large marsh. Be prepared for mosquitoes.

Flat Island Preserve, is surrounded by the vast Okahumpa Marsh, shelters an interesting mix of flora in its hammocks— more than 110 species, including rare trees, unusual wildflowers, and colorful mushrooms. Dedicated to Rexford and Jean Daubenmire, Lake County botanists who fought for the preservation of this land, the well-engineered Daubenmire Trail and Island Hammock Trail follow a circuit around the edge of the island’s high ground.  Iris Photo: (Deb Blick)

3.5 miles of trail are laid out in three completely shaded loops. The main trail is blazed orange and the cross trails blazed in blue. A side trail leads you down a boardwalk through a cypress stand and to the canoe launch overlooking the marsh.

A group primitive campsite is found at the trailhead, and a backpacking site is located at the remote end. Water is available at the trailhead. Water at the backpacking campsite should be treated. Backpackers should ask if the water pump is functioning when applying for a camping permit.

Potts Preserve Trail

Length: loops of 3, 5, 11 and 12.5 miles

Potts Preserve is just northeast of Inverness. Follow US 41 N to CR 581. Follow CR 581 E for 6.8 miles to Hooty Point Rd. Turn left. The trailhead is 0.3 mile ahead on the left. The hike includes mostly level walking (except along portions of the river loops) through a variety of habitats, some of which may require wading.

Potts Preserve hugs the eastern shore of Lake Tsala Apopka and the western shore of the Withlacoochee River. It is a wilderness of many faces, from dense stands of cypress with tall cypress knees to open meadows and prairies, bayheads and oak hammocks, pine forests and ancient middens.

The preserve has day loop trails of 3, 5, and 11 miles or a loop of 12.5 miles for backpackers. The River Trail and the Lake Trail are the primary trails through the preserve and are blazed orange.

The Lake Trail winds its way through pine flatwoods and stands of younger pine reforesting the former grazing lands of the Dee River Ranch. Equestrian trails (from the southern trailhead) join in at the George Washington Meadow, where the trail follows forest roads with no shade. Although the Lake Trail once provided scenic views of Lake Tsala Apopka, the trail has been rerouted away from the lake due to persistent vandalism of the bridges and boardwalks. View along the trail photo: (Deb Blick)

The River Trail meets the Lake Trail both at the south end of the loop and near the northeastern edge of the loop. Set in deep shade, the River Trail traverses habitats along the river’s floodplain and provides access to the shorter day loops in the most scenic section of the preserve

In addition to the primitive Holly Hill campsite (backpackers only) all users are welcome at the Oak Hammock Campground near the trailhead, a large grassy primitive campsite near the river. To use the campsite, first contact the Southwest Florida Water Management District for a free permit.

Seabranch Hiking Trail

Length: 4.8 mile loop

Seabranch Preserve State Park is approximately 10 miles south of Stuart in Martin County. Take A1A south from Cove Rd (CR 722) for 1.5 miles. The trailhead parking area is on the west side of A1A, across the street from a VFW hall. The trail wanders extensively along its path to showcase the biological communities. Watch the orange blazes very carefully as there are frequent twists and turns.

Seabranch Preserve State Park is one of the newest members of the Florida State Park System. The land was purchased to preserve one of the few remaining sand pine scrub habitats on the southeastern coast. This biological community is so rare it has been designated globally imperiled. Though a small park at just under 1,000 acres, an amazing variety of ecosystems is represented. In addition to the sand pine scrub you will see freshwater baygall wetland and scrubby flatwoods. Adjacent to the trail to the east are tidal mangrove swamps bordering the Indian River.

The trail consists of a 4.8-mile loop crossed by a sandy road that heads east out of the trailhead parking area. The sandy road (closed to vehicular traffic) divides the trail into a North Loop of 3.7 miles and a South Loop of 2.3 miles. The North Loop wanders primarily through scrub habitat. The South Loop passes though both scrub and pine flatwoods. Along the east side the trail follows an old jeep road through mesic flatwoods with baygall forming a dense wall of foliage immediately to the east.  Photo: Seabranch Preserve (Sandra Friend)

You are likely to see several threatened and endangered species along the trail. These include the Florida Scrub Jay, Cooper’s Hawk, Hand fern, Curtiss’ milkweed, yellow bachelor button and golden polypody. Other animals of note within the park include the gopher tortoise, eastern indigo snake, bobcat, and sandhill crane. During the fall the park provides a needed resting place for many migratory birds.

Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail

Length: 63 miles 

The Ocean To Lake Hiking Trail runs for approximately 63 miles, west from Hobe Sound Beach to Lake Okeechobee. The trail starts at the ocean, entering Jonathan Dickinson State Park at US 1, traveling through the park, Palm Beach County Natural Areas, Corbett Wildlife Management Area and Dupuis Management Area, and ends at the lake. The ecosystems on this beautiful trail change approximately every mile, from ancient sand dunes with scrub oak and sand pine to pine flatwoods, palmetto and oak hammocks, cypress swamp and wet prairies.

Hawks Bluff Trail

Length: 0.8 mile loop

Savannas Preserve State Park is in Jensen Beach. From US 1 turn east on Jensen Beach Boulevard. To reach the Hawks Bluff trailhead continue past the entrance to the Park, to the traffic light at NE Savannah Rd. Turn north and drive 1.2 miles to the gate and park on the side of the road. This is a high and dry ramble along the eastern rim of the savannas, a 10-mile long ribbon of open wetlands stretching from Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach.

Less than a mile from the Atlantic Ocean in some places, these open wetlands are busy with the activity of thousands of birds. They filter both rainwater and runoff from the surrounding relict dunes and pine flatwoods, creating a unique biological community as they feed the estuaries of the St. Lucie Inlet. Encompassing more than 5,000 acres, the Savannas Preserve State Park protects this unique natural resource. Although there are several access points to the Park, Hawks Bluff provides the most pleasant hiking experience.

South Fork St. Lucie Trail

Length: 1.1 miles linear

Upstream from Hosford Park along the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. From I-95, take SR 76 east to Cove Rd. Turn right on Gaines St and then right into Hosford Park. Bring your canoe! You must paddle to the trail to enjoy a walk through river hammocks.

The South Fork St. Lucie Trail is one of Florida’s more unusual hiking trails, as you can only access it by canoe. The hiking trail is reached by a leisurely paddle upstream from Hosford Park to an unimproved landing on the western bank at the south end of South Florida Water Management District property (look for sign).  Photo:  Great Blue Heron (Deb Blick)

The trail begins at the canoe landing and winds north for approximately one mile along the western edge of the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. The northern end of the trail is at the junction of the main grade. Orange blazes on trees and posts mark the route. Hikers have the option of returning along the trail or following the main grade back to the landing. A registration box and bulletin board are located at the beginning of the trail. Along the trail, water hickories are prominent as are cabbage palm, maple, water oak, ash, holly, mulberry, pond apple, and scrubby flatwoods. Two-tenths of a mile north of the landing is the Island Loop, a short spur trail that extends to the river.

Rafael Sanchez Trail

Length: 6 miles linear

The south end of Lake Okeechobee Ridge Park is located at the Port Mayaca Recreation Area east of US 441 and just north of the St. Lucie Canal. The north trailhead is located 2.3 miles south of the Chauncey Bay boat launch on the east side of US 441. The hike parallels US 441 as a deeply shaded stroll along the ancient lakeshore ridge.

The Rafael Sanchez Trail in Lake Okeechobee Ridge Park is a cooperative effort between Martin County and the Florida Trail Association. The land was purchased to preserve the last remaining remnant of the original shoreline of Lake Okeechobee. The land for the trail was donated by the Sanchez family who own the sugar cane fields to the east. 

The Rafael Sanchez Trail is a 6.0-mile linear trail that wanders through a thin strip of coastal hammock between US 441 to the west and sugar cane fields to the east. The hammock is dominated by tall cypress trees, cabbage palms, and large cedar trees. Although the hike parallels US 441, you’re in a lush tropical oasis recalling Florida’s colorful past.

Collier-Seminole Hiking Trail
Length: 6.1 mile loop

Located 17 miles east of Naples along US 41. The parking area is on the north side of US 41. You must first check in at the ranger station and get the combination for the locked gate leading to its parking area at Collier-Seminole State Park. This is a wet and rugged hike through the Big Cypress Swamp. Expect to wade much of it.

Collier-Seminole trail (Teresa French)The Collier Seminole Hiking Trail provides one of South Florida’s most beautiful day hikes, and backpackers are welcome to head out into the swamp for an evening of solitude in a place that looks and feels primordial. The Florida panther and black bear roam here, and the cypress trees and royal palms tower to enormous heights. It’s an immersion into several unique habitats, including the cypress strands and sloughs of the Big Cypress Swamp; tropical hammocks with tall, swaying royal palms, wild coffee, and giant Collier-Seminole trail (Teresa French)leather ferns; and wet pine flatwoods that showcase colorful orchids. The trail crosses several sloughs and skirts the edge of a Miccosukee Indian settlement.

This trail is not for the inexperienced hiker. Some wilderness savvy is in order. Do not take small children on this trail. Expect to slog through ankle-to-knee deep water through several stretches of cypress swamp. Bring a change of clothes and shoes for after the hike as you will get muddy and wet. And prepare for the famous mosquitoes of the Everglades!

A Grand Champion native royal palms grows along the trail. The campsite is in a high, dry oak hammock. The western part of the trail is wet in most seasons, and the rest of the trail is varied, much of it dry. Strangler fig can be found wild in the forest. Exotic trees and shrubs, such as Brazilian pepper and melaleuca, have found footing here and are prolific.

When you check in at the ranger station, let the rangers know if you intend to stay overnight at the backpacker’s campsite or are just day hiking the trail—if you’re day hiking and don’t check in before the park closes, they will come looking for you.

Little Manatee Hiking Trail

Length: 3 and 6.3 mile loops

Little Manatee River State Park is 4.5 miles south of Sun City Center along US 301. Hikers must sign in at the entrance ranger station, located off Lightfoot Rd, and request the gate combination. The trail is north of the river. More than six types of habitats are along the 6-mile loop, including a walk along the bluffs of the Little Manatee River.

The Little Manatee River Trail, one of Central Florida’s most beautiful hiking trails, provides hikers with a whirlwind lesson in Florida habitats as it traverses an incredible amount of botanical diversity along the north shore of the Little Manatee River. Hikers have the option of a short (3 mile) hike out to Cypress Creek and back, or the more rewarding 6.3 mile loop, which includes a primitive campsite set amid the longleaf pines.

As you walk from the trailhead to the loop, enjoy the lush carpet of ferns that surrounds the footpath. Walk counterclockwise around the loop for optimal effect as the trail leads you through oak hammocks, scrubby flatwoods, and stands of tall sand pines before you drop down several hills to reach Cypress Creek, a clear sand-bottomed stream that flows through a tunnel of vegetation to meet the river. Past the campsite, the trail turns to the south and begins its turn towards the river, scrambling through floodplain channels and rounding oxbow swamps. The trail follows the rugged river bluffs for nearly three miles, with excellent views of the swift tannic water and the kayakers who float down it. The last portion of the trail crosses a meadow, where raspberry bushes and wildflowers flourish, before completing the loop. 

The main portion of the park is located south of the river and includes a campground, canoe and kayak rental, equestrian trails, and a picnic area.

Myakka Hiking Trail

Length: 35.9 miles in 4 loops

Myakka River State Park is located off SR 72, approximately 15 miles east of Sarasota. Get the lock combination and location from the ranger station. Follow the main park road back to the trailhead parking as indicated on the park map. The footpath is well cared for. The terrain is flat and seasonally wet, with pine and palmetto landscape, oak hammocks and sloughs, and vast prairies.

Myakka River State Park is one of the oldest and largest state parks in Florida, encompassing 37,000 acres. It is well known for its abundant wildlife. This park has numerous ponds, marshes, swamps and streams, and the 7,500 acre wilderness preserve is like the Florida discovered by early explorers. The Myakka Hiking Trail meanders through hammocks of live oak and cabbage palm, across open palmetto flatwoods and along small marshes. The trail traverses broad open prairies up to two miles across, a preserved remnant of Central Florida’s original grasslands. The trail has six campsites: Bee Island, Honore, Panther Point, Prairie, Oak Grove, and Mossy Hammock. Each provides a pitcher pump for water but you must treat all water before using.

Deer, turkey, otter, wild hogs and bobcats inhabit this park, but hikers have to be lucky, quiet, and knowledgeable of animal habits to see them. There are also eagles, sandhill cranes, ospreys and alligators along with most types of Florida waterfowl. Florida panthers still live in this area, but the chance of coming across one is remote. There are poisonous water moccasins and pygmy rattlesnakes in the park, so use appropriate caution. All wildlife in the park is protected, including snakes.

The park headquarters has a museum, native programs, a boat ride and brochures on the park wildlife. There are remains of pioneer settlements and old cattle camps in the park.

Lake Arbuckle Trail
Length: 15 mile loop

Located off SR 64 about ten miles east of the US 27 intersection in Avon ParkSnowy Egret (Judd Goodlin). Enter only through the gate on SR 64 at the south end of Lake Arbuckle. Hike through pine palmetto flatlands, oak and hardwood forests and sand pine scrub.

The Lake Arbuckle Trail in the Avon Park Air Force Range provides a weekend backpacking loop through typical Central Florida terrain, a mixture of pine palmetto flatland, oak and hardwood hammock, commercial pine plantations and sand pine scrub. Wildlife, especially waterfowl, is abundant. You may see osprey, sandhill cranes, eagles and the distinctively marked Audubon’s caracara. The trail passes Fort Arbuckle, an historic site. Since the land is leased to ranchers, you will encounter cattle along the hike.Avon Park is an active military range. This trail is near an active bombing area. Do not leave the trail. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for injuries to persons hiking this trail! You must check in and out at the Natural Resources Recreation Office. Call them in advance to ensure that the trail is open, as it does close during military practice maneuvers. THERE ARE CLOSURES FOR AT LEAST A FEW HOURS ALMOST EVERY WEEKDAY.

Arbuckle Tract

Length: 18.7 mile loop, 3.9 mile connector

From SR 17 in Frostproof, follow N Lake Reedy Rd east 3.3 miles to Lake Arbuckle Rd. Turn right and continue to Ruck’s Dairy Rd. Cross cement bridge to enter gate. The south gate is 8 miles east of Avon Park along SR 64. The loops lead through moderately rolling hills with pine forests, prairies, wetlands, scrub, and marshy lakeshore along the west side of Lake Arbuckle.

The Arbuckle Tract of Lake Wales Ridge State Forest has trails for everyone, no matter whether you prefer backpacking or day hiking. Accessed most easily via the Paula Dockery Trail on Rucks Dairy Road, the orange-blazed 18.7-mile outer loop of the Reedy Creek Trail, perfect for a weekend of backpacking, winds along Reedy Creek and Lake Arbuckle, and offers three designated primitive campsites.

The Lake Godwin Trail runs 3.9 linear miles across the preserve to break the larger loop in half, and the 2.7-mile Kellerman Trail connects CR 64 with the Hidden Hammock primitive campsite.

The best way to sample the Arbuckle Tract is to walk the Old Cabin Nature Trail, a rugged 1-mile interpretive loop around a prairie lake through wet flatwoods, scrub, and extensive cutthroat seeps– rare grasslands found only along the Lake Wales Ridge.

Both the Reedy Creek and Old Cabin trails are part of the Florida State Forests Trailwalker Program.

Tiger Creek Preserve

Length: 8.3 mile linear/loop

Tiger Creek Preserve is located east of US 27 between Babson Park and Frostproof. The trail traverses the rolling hills of the Lake Wales Ridge, including some of the highest hills and oldest land in the Florida peninsula. Botanical diversity is extensive along this trail.

Tiger Creek Preserve encompasses over 4,500 acres. It is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. Its name originates from the blackwater stream which crosses the preserve.

The diversity of hardwood swamps, hammocks, sandhill and oak scrub, and flatwoods habitats provide a home for many of the state’s rarest species, including the scrub lizard, scrub jay, pygmy tree, and the Florida bonamia. The trail traverses some slight elevations illustrating the xeric white sandhill landscape of the Lake Wales Ridge and one bridged creek crossing leading to the short Sand Pine Loop (aka the Patrick Creek Loop), an adventurous walk through a dense hammock with tall ferns.

The main portion of the trail is signposted as the Pfundstein Trail at the trailhead and as the Highland Loop for the loop portion in the high scrub. This portion of the trail best illustrates the desert-like scrub of the Lake Wales Ridge, some of the most ancient land in Florida. The trail makes many sudden twists and turns on and off of jeep roads, so be alert and follow the blazes.

This trail was built in the western portion of the preserve by the Florida Trail Association at the invitation of the owner, The Nature Conservancy. There are two additional trails in other parts of the preserve.

Lake Kissimmee Hiking Trails

Length: 12.7 miles in 2 loops

Lake Kissimmee State Park is east of Lake Wales off SR 60. Follow Boy Scout Camp Rd north for 3.5 miles. Turn right on Camp Mack Rd and continue 5.4 miles to the park entrance on the right. There are two loops to choose from: Buster Island and North Loop. Enjoy wildlife watching as you walk along lakeshore floodplain prairies, marshes, pine flatwoods, and through the shade of live oak hammocks.

Lake Kissimmee State Park is surrounded by three major lakes: Kissimmee, Tiger and Rosalie. The area is geologically known as the Osceola Plain. Buster Island is a dry, sandy area of elevated ground with a circular border of hardwood hammock. Gobbler Ridge was built up by Lake Kissimmee storm waves and is now covered by large live oaks. Many species live in this park, including deer, eagles, sandhill cranes, Florida scrub-jays, Audubon’s caracara, wild turkeys, great horned owls and bobcats. 

The Buster Island Trail is a 6.9 mile loop that takes about 3.5 hours to hike. With a primitive campsite set in a beautiful live oak hammock, it’s a popular backpacker’s getaway, especially for families. While much of the trail is in the park-like hammocks, it also traverses open scrub and prairie.

The North Loop Trail crosses the entrance road several times. It, too, has a beautiful campsite under the live oaks, but more of this trail is in the open pine flatwoods and scrub. A spur trail, the Gobbler Ridge Trail, leads you out along the lakeshore prairies to the marshy edge of Lake Kissimmee.

The developed area of the park is also worth visiting. An observation platform provides a spectacular view of Lake Kissimmee and its prairies. The park also features a replica 1876 cow camp complete with scrub cows and living history presentations. Southern bald eagles nest in a large open field south of the cow camp.