Best Hiking Trails in Florida
For a special few people on the planet, there’s something incredibly special, even intoxicating about being out in nature and breathing in deep fresh crisp air. And sometimes, the only way to witness something majestic is to be willing to “get off the beaten path” a bit. Hiking is the perfect solution for those that have a heart for exploring and setting out on their next epic adventure.
It may surprise some of you, but Florida is home to numerous parks and forests that have
hundreds of amazing hiking trails to choose from. But finding the best amongst so many
wouldn’t be easy. Fortunately for you, we took the time to narrow a few of them down for you.
These are some of the best hiking trails in Florida that await you.
Best Hiking Trails in Florida
Anhinga Trail
Everglades National Park
Length: .8 mile Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Anhinga Trail is a short hiking trail that consists of a boardwalk within the Everglades National Park. While it may be a quick hike, it’s the most popular and heavily-trafficked in the park due to its close-up viewing opportunities for all kinds of birds, orchids, alligators, and other wildlife. There are also scenic observation points that offer picture-worthy moments. If you plan on hiking with children, be sure to keep a close eye on them.
Bulow Woods Loop
Bulow Creek State Park
Length: 5.3 mile there and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Home to one of the most ancient tree forests in all of Florida, Bulow Woods Loop offers you plenty of shade from its oak, Southern Magnolia, Palm, slash pine, and ironwood trees. The trail features wildflowers and is mostly used for hiking, bird-watching, and nature trips. It’s open to the public year-round and dogs are welcome as long as they’re kept on a leash.
Citrus Hiking Trail
Withlacoochee State Forest
Length: 42 mile backpacking loop
Difficulty: moderately difficult
Located in central Florida, the Citrus hiking trail offers you an amazing backpacking experience as you venture through hilly and rugged terrain, and past several caves. While it may be one of the longest hikes on public land in all of Florida, don’t let that keep you away.
There are also 3 trails that cross the loop, providing day hikers with shorter hiking opportunities. The trail features a number of points of interest including Dames Cave, Lizzie Hart Sink, and Stage Pond. Parking is located at Holder Mine, and be sure to bring mosquito spray as well. If you’re looking to do the entire hike, careful planning and having plenty of water is especially important.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Naples
Length: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re in search of one of the best hiking trails in Florida that’s perfect for the whole family, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offers its visitors something extra special. There you will find yourself walking beneath the world’s largest stand of Virgin Bald Cypress, with some of them being as much as 600 years old. This trail is especially known for its bird-watching and its beautiful Ghost Orchid Blooms that can be seen during the summertime. While the trail is entirely wheelchair accessible, if you get tired, there’s also the option of doing a .7 mile boardwalk loop instead.
Florida Trail, Big Shoals
White Springs
Length: 4.5 miles there and back
Difficulty: Easy
The Big Shoals nature trail runs along the Suwannee River and is suitable for all different ages. At certain points, you will witness Florida’s only level III whitewater rapids, along with a waterfall at Robinson Branch. At one point, there’s a tricky water crossing that you’ll have to look out for. There’s a handful of other activities that you can enjoy in the area all year long. Be aware that ticks tend to be a huge issue when hiking along the river, so wear light clothing and plenty of bug spray for protection. Poison ivy is another one to pay close attention to. You’re more than welcome to bring your dog, but make sure that they’re kept on a leash.
Juniper Creek Nature Trail
Blackwater River State Park
Length: 6.6 miles point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate
Not far from Holt, Florida is the impressive Juniper Creek Nature Trail that features a river. You’ll be hiking beneath the Big Scrub, which happens to be the largest scrub forest in the world. It’s a jungle oasis filled with all types of gorgeous trees and some of Florida’s most beautiful water springs that are filled with fish and turtles. The aquamarine and turquoise blue of the waters are simply breathtaking. Some of these
springs you can even swim in if you bring your bathing suit. Also, be sure to bring plenty of bug spray.
Myakka Hiking Trail
Myakka River State Park
Length: 33.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Myakka Hiking Trail is the longest backpacking loop trail that’s available to you in any Florida state park. It’s an ideal hike that’s suitable for all ages. Wildlife in the area consists of birds, alligators, boars, deer, and many other possible encounters. Visitors use the area for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. If you’re not interested in hiking the entire trail, a day hike to Bee Island will be a perfect choice. The Myakka hiking trail is located near Sarasota, Florida.
St. Francis Trail
Ocala National Forest
Length: 7.8 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
The St. Francis Trail is considered to be one of the most scenic trails in Florida, where it features a river. Back in the 1800s a town once resided in the area, where growers loaded watermelon and other citrus fruits onto steamships so they could be shipped up north. Today, it’s used primarily for hiking and bird-watching. When you visit, consider hiking the trail counterclockwise, that way you run into the river sooner. Bugs can be an issue on this trail at times. Be sure to carry a stick in front of you to block spider
webs from getting on you and also check for ticks when you get back to the car. Another thing to remember is that it’s hunting season in this area around Thanksgiving through New Year, so
make sure you wear an orange vest.
Wekiwa Springs Volksmarch Trail
Wekiwa Springs State Park neary Apopka
Length: 6.3 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Another easy trail suitable for all ages can be found near Apopka. The Wekiwa Springs Volksmarch Trail features a lake and will lead you through a diverse landscape with beautiful views. The best time to visit the trail is from September until July. The trail is mostly used for hiking, jogging, camping, and even horses. You’re sure to see all kinds of wildlife, including deer, turtles, snakes, turkeys, and plenty more.
No matter what part of the state of Florida you may be visiting, rest assured that there are hundreds of fantastic hiking trails to choose from. You’re sure to see all kinds of wildlife and amazing views too and participate in other exciting outdoor activities that are there. Which of these epic trails do you plan to set out on soon?
