10 Florida Hiking Trails You Have To Try

Are you looking for a new outdoor adventure? Florida, surrounded by serene beaches and sunny forests, has a variety of beautiful hiking trails that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a refreshing challenge, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best Florida hiking trails you need to check out.

From pristine nature trails to coastal routes, there’s something for everyone. We’ve included trails suitable for all fitness levels, so whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find something that’s just right. So grab your hiking gear and explore Florida’s hidden gems!

Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is a large swamp filled with wildlife in the southwestern region of Florida, extending into Collier County. The preserve is home to numerous species of plants and animals, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities for exploration. Several hiking trails are available within the preserve, including the famous 3-mile Turner River Trail that offers stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape. For a more adventurous hike, visitors can try out the 5-mile Oasis Visitor Trail, which features a boardwalk, observation tower, and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is in south-central Florida, just east of Naples. It’s a vast expanse of wetland habitats featuring lush cypress domes, tropical hardwood hammocks, and an abundance of ferns, wildflowers, and exotic wildlife. The park has several hiking trails, ranging from 0.3 miles to 6 miles long, and a 2-mile elevated boardwalk that offers picturesque views of the park’s unique ecosystem. Be sure to check out this boardwalk during your visit!

Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park

Located near Sanford in Central Florida, Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park allows visitors to explore one of the last remaining undisturbed ecosystems in the area. The park boasts diverse habitats, including sand pine scrub forests, river swamps, hardwood hammocks, sand hills, and floodplain forests, providing a unique experience for nature lovers.

For those looking for outdoor activities, Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park has plenty to offer, including birding, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and camping. The park also features two main trails for hiking – the Pine Island Trail, which is 0.7 miles long, and the Big Buck Trail, which is 3 miles long. Both trails offer scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Don’t forget to pack a cooler backpack to keep you hydrated and fueled during your hike!

Highlands Hammock State Park

Highlands Hammock State Park is situated in Central Florida near Sebring and is renowned for its distinct landscape. The park features dense clusters of ferns, flowering plants, and towering cypress trees draped with Spanish moss. You can participate in numerous recreational activities like camping, canoeing, bird watching, and fishing. Additionally, the park has six nature trails ranging from 0.5 miles to 8 miles in length, providing stunning views of the lush habitats. These trails are ideal for hikers seeking a more challenging trek, and each one offers a unique experience depending on the terrain you prefer.

Oleta River State Park

Oleta River State Park is located north of Miami in North Miami Beach and boasts some of South Florida’s most stunning scenery. The park is home to mangrove swamps, coastal dunes with lush vegetation, ocean marshes teeming with wildlife, and several freshwater rivers – all within walking distance of each other! The park offers 13 miles of multi-use trails perfect for hikers exploring these diverse ecosystems. As you hike through the park, take your time and enjoy the fantastic wildlife and scenic overlooks. For longer hikes or treks requiring extra effort, pack plenty of snacks and water in your cooler backpack for energy.

Vista Trail

Vista Trail is a one-mile trail within Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park near Naples. It leads to one of the park’s highest points, providing breathtaking views of the panoramic vistas stretching from Naples into Everglades National Park. This trail is perfect for novice hikers looking for an easy but rewarding trek through the stunning landscape.

Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail

The Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail is a scenic trail that extends 28 miles between Palatka and Lake Butler and is located near Gainesville. The paved routes along the trail make it perfect for both cyclists and joggers. For those seeking more adventure, several offshoot paths are available that lead hikers through wooded areas filled with wildflowers and provide glimpses into the local wildlife, including deer and birds.

Nature Coast State Trail

The Nature Coast State Trail is an extensive 36-mile route near Crystal River between Ridge Manor and Chiefland. The trail takes hikers through various ecosystems, including wetlands, riverside forests, open farmlands, and pinelands, all home to abundant wildlife. This makes the trail perfect for bird watchers or photographers looking to capture incredible shots while exploring the stunning area.

Cross Florida Greenway

The Cross Florida Greenway is an expansive 110-mile route that stretches across Central Florida, extending between Gulf Breeze and Yankeetown. It is accessible for both hikers and cyclists and offers stunning views. The trail takes visitors through wetlands teeming with local wildlife and lush pine flatwoods. Ancient oaks and cypress trees line the way across the state and create beautiful scenery for everyone.

The Florida Trail

The Florida Trail is the longest trail system within a single state in the country, spanning over 1,000 miles across the entire state. This epic adventure challenge takes hikers through vast landscapes, connecting numerous parks and trails along its path, including the Big Cypress National Preserve and the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. So if you’re looking for a challenging and unforgettable outdoor experience, the Florida Trail is worth considering.