Florida

In God We Trust

There are over 2,438 known hiking and trekking trails in Florida

Most popular trails:

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park - Dunes Trail: This 2.4-mile trail winds through the dunes and salt marshes of the park, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The trail is moderate and can be muddy in some areas.

Myakka River State Park - Canopy Walk: This 1.2-mile trail takes you up into the treetops, offering bird's-eye views of the river and the surrounding forest. The trail is easy and accessible, and it is a great way to see the park's wildlife.

Ocala National Forest - Juniper Springs Trail: This 3.2-mile trail is a great option for a moderate hike in the Ocala National Forest. The trail passes through a variety of habitats, including forests, springs, and rivers.

Everglades National Park - Anhinga Trail: This 0.8-mile trail is one of the most popular trails in the Everglades National Park. The trail is easy and accessible, and it is a great place to see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife.

Big Bend State Park - Little River Canyon Trail: This 4.8-mile trail is a challenging hike that takes you through a variety of terrain, including forests, swamps, and canyons.

Fort De Soto Park - Fort De Soto Trail: This 10-mile trail is the longest trail in Fort De Soto Park. The trail is easy and accessible, and it passes through a variety of habitats, including beaches, forests, and dunes.

Best trails for certain activities:

Scenic views:

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park - Dunes Trail: This trail winds through the dunes and salt marshes of the park, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Myakka River State Park - Canopy Walk: This trail takes you up into the treetops, offering bird's-eye views of the river and the surrounding forest.
Everglades National Park - Anhinga Trail: This trail is home to many alligators and other wildlife, and it is a great place to see the plants and animals of the Everglades.
Big Cypress National Preserve - Oasis Trail: This trail winds through a cypress swamp, offering a unique opportunity to see the swamp's unique ecosystem.
Ocala National Forest - Salt Springs Trail: This trail leads to a beautiful spring, where you can swim and cool off after your hike.
Waterfalls:

Rainbow Springs State Park - Rainbow River Trail: This trail leads to a series of waterfalls, where you can swim and cool off.
Silver Springs State Park - Silver River Trail: This trail leads to a spring where you can see clear water and wildlife.
Wekiwa Springs State Park - Wekiwa Springs Trail: This trail leads to a spring where you can swim and cool off.
Hiking with kids:

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive: This drive takes you through a wildlife refuge where you can see many different birds, including pelicans, egrets, and herons.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Black Point Wildlife Drive: This drive takes you through a wildlife refuge where you can see many different birds, including pelicans, egrets, and herons.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary - Tower Trail: This trail takes you up to a tower where you can get a great view of the swamp and its wildlife.
Biking:

The Florida Trail: This long-distance trail runs through a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and beaches.
Lake Apopka Loop Trail: This trail is a great option for a bike ride in Central Florida.
Cross Florida Greenway: This trail is a great option for a bike ride in Northern Florida.

Most challenging trails:

Florida Trail - Big Cypress National Preserve: This 1,300-mile trail is the longest continuous footpath in Florida. It is challenging and can be muddy in some areas.
Ocala National Forest - Salt Springs Trail: This 5.2-mile trail is a challenging hike that takes you through a variety of terrain, including forests, swamps, and canyons.
Big Bend State Park - Little River Canyon Trail: This 4.8-mile trail is a challenging hike that takes you through a variety of terrain, including forests, swamps, and canyons.
Everglades National Park - Shark Valley Loop Trail: This 15-mile loop trail is challenging and can be hot and humid in the summer.
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive: This 11-mile drive is challenging because it is a dirt road that can be bumpy and dusty.

Most scenic trails:

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park - Dunes Trail: This 2.4-mile trail winds through the dunes and salt marshes of the park, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Myakka River State Park - Canopy Walk: This 1.2-mile trail takes you up into the treetops, offering bird's-eye views of the river and the surrounding forest.
Everglades National Park - Anhinga Trail: This 0.8-mile trail is one of the most popular trails in the Everglades National Park. The trail is easy and accessible, and it is a great place to see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife.
Big Cypress National Preserve - Oasis Trail: This 2-mile trail winds through a cypress swamp, offering a unique opportunity to see the swamp's unique ecosystem.
Ocala National Forest - Salt Springs Trail: This trail leads to a beautiful spring, where you can swim and cool off after your hike.

Most family-friendly trails:

Myakka River State Park - Canopy Walk: This trail is easy and accessible, and it offers a unique way to see the park's wildlife.
Fort De Soto Park - Fort De Soto Trail: This trail is flat and easy to follow, and it passes through a variety of habitats, including beaches, forests, and dunes.
Gleason State Park - Florida Scrub Trail: This trail is short and easy, and it is a great place to see the Florida scrub ecosystem.
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge - Boardwalk Trail: This trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, and it winds through the marshes of the refuge.
Little Manatee River State Park - Manatee Viewing Trail: This trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, and it offers views of the Manatee River.

Most accessible trails in the state:

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge - Boardwalk Trail: This trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, and it winds through the marshes of the refuge.
Gleason State Park - Florida Scrub Trail: This trail is short and easy, and it is wheelchair accessible.
Little Manatee River State Park - Manatee Viewing Trail: This trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, and it offers views of the Manatee River.
Cypress Creek Park - Nature Trail: This trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, and it winds through a cypress swamp.
Fort De Soto Park - Fort De Soto Trail: This trail is flat and easy to follow, and it passes through a variety of habitats, including beaches, forests, and dunes.

Where to get permits for trails:

National Parks: The National Park Service (NPS) manages several national parks in Florida. You can get permits for trails in these parks by visiting the NPS website or by calling the park's visitor center.
State Parks: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) manages over 160 state parks in Florida. You can get permits for trails in these parks by visiting the DEP website or by calling the park's office.
National Forests: The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) manages several national forests in Florida. You can get permits for trails in these forests by visiting the USFS website or by calling the forest's office.
Wildlife Refuges: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) manages several wildlife refuges in Florida. You can get permits for trails in these refuges by visiting the FWS website or by calling the refuge's office.
Privately owned parks: There are also many privately owned parks in Florida that offer hiking trails. You can get permits for trails in these parks by contacting the park directly.