19 Amazing Trails for Hiking in Florida

Are you looking for the best hiking trails in Florida? Read on for my top picks.

When you think of hiking, you probably don’t think of hiking in Florida. You probably think rugged terrain, hills, lots of trees like pines. Perhaps a mountain or two.

Florida doesn’t really have any of that, except the rugged terrain in places. What Florida lacks in traditional hiking scenery, it makes up for in an unrelenting beauty found in few other places in the United States.

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The most amazing hikes in Florida show off areas which many visitors miss – a river which dives underground, sinkholes that form waterfalls, beach trails beside sea caves, towering cypress forests, open plains of sedge grasses beneath a blazing sun. These hikes ranged from easy to difficult, hours-long to days-long. And they all showcase the most beautiful places in Florida.

1. Florida Trail – The Ultimate Florida Hike

The Florida Trail is Florida’s National Scenic Trail, one of only eleven trails with such a designation in the United States. It stretches nearly 1500 miles, from the Everglades in the south to Pensacola Beach in the north. It passes through many of Florida’s unique ecosystems, providing hikers a chance to see some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes.

With hundreds of ways to access the FT, it’s possible to hike just a part of it for one day. Alternatively, section hiking the FT provides access to about 1100 miles of the trail or thru-hike which takes approximately 60-90 days.

2. Aucilla Sinks Trail

The Aucilla Sinks Trail in the panhandle might be the most unusual part of the Florida Trail. At 4.4 miles, it’s not a long trail. Yet, hikers will see the Aucilla River where it dives underground as well as several sinkholes. This trail is best used during the winter when it’s dry. During rainy season, the river overflows it’s banks and floods the trail making it difficult to see what is trail and what is sinkhole. It is also one of the oldest sections of the FT, built in 1983.

This part of Florida has a long history of human habitation and is likely one of the first inhabited places in the Southeastern United States. Two archaeological sites, the Page-Ladson site and Sloth Hole, yielded hundreds of artifacts, including a 12,200 mastodon tusk with evidence that humans removed it from the mastodon’s skull.

• Length: 4.4 mile loop
• Difficulty: easy
• Facilities: none
• Winding and twisting so keep an eye on the orange-blazed trees to stay on the trail. Wear orange during hunting season.
• Address: Goose Pasture Road, Monticello

3. Big Shoals Trail

This portion of the FT, like many of its sections, is located within a state park, Big Shoals State Park. It stands out for the Class III rapids, the only ones in Florida. The trail follows the historic Suwannee River along a wooded path to river bluffs then to the rapids called Big Shoals. Though the trail officially ends overlooking the big rapids, hikers who like to go off the beaten path can continue for awhile to see stunning limestone formations. Continue right through the forest takes one back to the trail.

• Length: 4.9 miles loop
• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Facilities: restrooms
• Avoid during hunting season. Stick to the yellow-blazed trails.
• Address: SE 94th Street, White Springs

4. Alaqua Trail

The Alaqua Trail runs 12.8 miles point to point through Eglin Air Force Base. It’s unique in the many ecosystems it passes through plus that it’s located in an active military installation. Day and thru-hikers need to grab a permit before hiking this part of the FT though Eglin provides free permits for thru-hikers. Anyone headed to the Alaqua Trail will also need to check the status of the base to make sure it’s open to the public.

The west end of this trail displays an amazing bog of pitcher plants while at the eastern end hikers walk through an ancient forest of magnolia and beech trees. Along the nearly 13 miles of trail, hikers traverse rugged terrain, climb and descend small hills, and even climb a ladder to get up (or down) a geological uplift.

• Length: 12.8 miles point-to-point
• Difficulty: moderate
• Facilities: none
• Active military installation with live maneuvers so expect low-flying jets. Report any ordinance found. Wear orange during hunting season.
• Address: Eglin Air Force Base

The Everglades

Everglades National Park encompasses 1.5 million acres in South Florida. It’s the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and an ecosystem not found anywhere else in the world. Called the River of Grass, the Everglades is more than swamp. It features lakes, hammocks (elevated dry land), rivers and streams, tidal flats, mangroves, and even beaches.

Though much of this national park is not easily accessible, some of the best hikes in Florida can be found near the main roads. And, of course, the Florida Trail’s southern terminus is in the Everglades.

5. Anhinga Trail

The most popular of the Everglades’ trails, the Anhinga Trail is a very short, self-guided walk through some of the more common ecosystems found in the park. The abundance of wildlife makes it a favorite with visitors. Expect to see alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds while walking through a salt marsh.

• Length: 0.8 mile loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Facilities: Restrooms, book store, vending machines
• Wheelchair accessible
• Address: Royal Palm Visitor Center, Royal Palm Road, Homestead

6. Shark Valley Trails

Three trails make up the Shark Valley Trails in the heart of the Everglades. Bobcat Boardwalk Trail is a half mile one way out and back. It passes through sawgrass slough and tropical hardwood forests (commonly called hammocks). Otter Cave Hammock Trail is a quarter mile long one way trail. It’s a rough limestone trail and passes over a creek (with a footbridge). Tram Road is a paved road used by trams for the tram tours and works well for walkers and cyclists. It’s 15 miles long.

• Length: 0.25 to 15 miles point-to-point
• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Facilities: Shark Valley Visitor Center (restrooms, tours, informational displays, observation tower, gift store)
• Wheelchair accessible. Very busy on weekends.
• 36000 SW 8th Street, Miami

7. Coastal Prairie Trail to Clubhouse Beach

The Coastal Prairie Trail begins at the Flamingo Campground and traverses 7.5 miles one way to Clubhouse Beach. The trail passes through buttonwood forest and a marl mud swamp before ending on an isolated beach.

The conditions can be extreme, and downright dangerous for inexperienced hikers, making this one of the more difficult hikes in Florida. Additionally, as of 2021, the National Park Service no longer maintains the trail because of potential damage to critical habitat for the endangered Cape Sable thoroughwort, a small herb in the sunflower family.

Hikers who plan to camp on Clubhouse Beach need to obtain a permit. The trail is mostly unshaded. The sun beats relentlessly on uncovered heads, and mosquitoes devour uncovered skin. The isolation and sunsets at the end of the trail, however, prove worthwhile for those who choose to hike the entire trail.

• Length: 7.5 miles point-to-point
• Difficulty: hard
• Facilities: Restrooms, campground, and a visitor center at Flamingo; none at Clubhouse Beach
• Primitive camping only at Clubhouse Beach so plan to pack in anything you need
• Address: 1 Flamingo Lodge Highway, Homestead

8. Ocala National Forest

Established in 1908, the Ocala National Forest encompasses more than 400,000 acres in north central Florida. More than 600 lakes, numerous streams and springs, and hundreds of miles of trails makes this a destination in itself. The more accessible and popular areas are highly-trafficked on weekends and holidays. The Ocala National Forest offers cycling trails, 100 miles of equestrian trails, three OHV trails, four kayak/canoe trails, and ten hiking trails. The East and West Corridors of the Florida Trail merge into a single trail in the ONF as the FT passes north towards the panhandle.

For a longer hike as well as an educational one, choose The Yearling Trail which passes through one of the homesteads that likely influenced Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ classic book set in Florida, The Yearling. This interpretive trail loops back and around on itself for a total of roughly 5.5 miles. The Lake Eaton Trails are two trails, one along the shore of Lake Eaton with several observation platforms and one into the Lake Eaton Sinkhole. Combined, these trails total more than four miles.

• Length: Varies 0.25 miles to 5.5 miles, mostly loops (not including the Florida Trail sections)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Facilities: Restrooms at some trailheads
• Wear orange during hunting season. Check the fire danger, especially in the spring.
• Address: multiple

9. Bulow Woods Trail

Bulow Plantation was a 150 acre sugar plantation on Florida’s east coast. The plantation was destroyed in 1836 during the Second Seminole War. Ruins of the plantation house, slave cabins, sugar mill, and spring house still remain at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, the northern terminus of this trail. The Bulow Woods Trail includes some of the most beautiful scenery in Florida. The southern end of the trail features the Fairchild Oak, one of the biggest and oldest oak trees in Florida. In between, the trail passes through pine flatwoods, forest, and salt marshes.

• Length: 6.8 miles point-to-point
• Difficulty: Easy
• Facilities: Restrooms in Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
• Park a car at either end for a one-way hike or loop it for 13.6 miles
• Address: 3501 Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach

10. Little Talbot Island State Park

Little Talbot Island is part of the barrier island system in northeast Florida which protects the mainland from Atlantic storms. Hiking here provides the opportunity to experience an undeveloped beach, explore the unique coastal ecosystems, and photograph beautiful plants and animals. Two trails at Little Talbot total six miles. The Campground Nature Trail is accessible only to campers from the campground and is one mile long. The Dune Ridge Trail loops from five miles and traverses five unique ecosystems including maritime hammock, beach, and marshes.

• Length: 5 miles, 6 if camping at the state park
• Difficulty: Easy
• Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, picnic shelters
• Address: 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville

11. Citrus Hiking Trail

Like many of the trails on this list, part the Citrus Hiking Trail is part of the Florida Trail. This one lies in the west corridor in Central Florida. It’s the second longest backpacking trail entirely on public land in Florida and is considered one of the more rugged hikes in Florida. Rock-strewn paths, descents in sinkholes, rolling hills, and sudden contrasts from shady hardwood forest to blazing hot open prairies create the difficulty of this trail. Plus, it’s 39.1 miles looped and is considered a dry trail with only three places from which to gather water reliably. Camping permits and reservations must be obtained in advance though it’s possible to access the trail from several forest roads and complete day hikes only.

• Length: 39.1 miles loop
• Difficulty: moderate to hard
• Facilities: Restrooms at Holder Mine and Mutual Mine
• Very limited water on the trail; consider caching in advance at Forest Road intersection if completing a multi-day hike
• Address: 4399 Trail 10, Inverness

12. Little Big Econ State Forest

Named for the two rivers which converge south of the forest, Little Big Econ covers more than 10,000 acres and offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including paddling, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and seasonal hunting. The Econlockhatchee River passes through the forest on its way to meet Florida’s largest river, the St. John’s. Ecolockhatchee means “river of many mounds” in the Muskogee language and is thought to have been called that for the many manmade mounds which once dotted the banks of the river.

Hikers in Little Big Econ can enjoy more than 16 miles of trails, including 8 miles of the Florida Trail. Though the FT section is a point-to-point trail, the Kolokee Trail Loop provides a beautiful day hike at just 5.2 miles. The American Hiking Society has named it one of nation’s most family-friendly hikes.

• Length: 16.3 miles total
• Difficulty: Easy
• Facilities: Visitor center; restrooms and picnic shelters at the trailheads
• Check for open hunting dates
• Address: 1350 Snow Hill Rd, Geneva

13. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Did you now there’s a state park in Florida where you can see wild horses and bison? Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park offers guests a chance to see the park’s wildlife, including the aforementioned horses and bison, as well as alligators, birds, and other more typical wildlife. Paynes Prairie cycles through went and dry periods. Some years it’s bone dry while others it’s more lake than prairie. In the 1800s, steam ships ferried passengers from Gainesville to Micanopy across the lake, then called Alachua Lake. Additional attempts to dry out the prairie, use it for agriculture, or modify the flow of water damaged the hydrology of the prairie. Since acquiring the land, the state of Florida has worked to restore it to a more natural flow. Today, hikers experience one of the more unique hikes in Florida along eight trails, including the 16 mile Gainesville-Hawthorn Trail. Camping is available at the park, and many choose to use the campground as a base while exploring the surrounding trails and historic towns.

• Length: Varies from 1/4 mile to 16 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, picnic shelters
• Pets are not allowed on many of the trails due to the possible conflicts with alligators or bison
• Address: 100 Savannah Blvd, Micanopy

14. Highland Hammock State Park

This state park features an old-growth hardwood hammock with more rare and endemic species than any other state park in Florida. One of the oldest preservation efforts in Florida, the park covers nearly 1,300 acres with nine trails, a tram tour, New Deal-era buildings, and a fascinating history. Though the nine trails are short, by hiking standards, they pass through a large variety of ecosystems including hardwood hammock, pine flatwoods, hardwood swamp, and cypress swamp. Eight of the trails loop back onto the main loop drive, making this one of the easier hikes in Florida as visitors can hike lengthen or shorten their walking time at will.

• Length: Varies from 975 feet to 3,000 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Facilities: Museum, restrooms, picnic shelters
• Address: 5931 Hammock Rd, Sebring

15. Myakka Hiking Trail

Located within the Myakka River State Park, the Myakka Hiking Trail is the longest backpack trail in a state park in Florida. At 39 miles over four loops, it’s one of the longest hikes in Florida. The trail explores hardwood hammock as well as the vast prairies found in this part of Florida. Flooding of the trail as well as some of the primitive campgrounds occurs during rainy season (summer) which also coincides with the hottest and most insect-prone times of the year. Water is limited and not available at all of the campgrounds so planning ahead for a multi-day trip is essential. Day hiking, though, is allowed as well. As part of a state park, several amenities (cabins, water, electricity, etc) can be found nearby enabling multi-day hikers to rough it as much or little as they choose.

• Length: 38.9 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Facilities: Restrooms
• No hunting is allowed at this park so it’s a safe alternative during hunting season
• Address: 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota

16. Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve

Florida’s largest state preserve protects 85,000 acres and the largest number of rare species in the United States, including freshwater sponges, a huge number of Florida royal palms, 14 species of native bromeliads, and 44 species of orchids. For hikers, the preserve offers miles upon miles of trails in what’s called the “Amazon of North America”. Tiptoe into the wilderness at Big Cypress Bend, a 2500 foot boardwalk, or experience Florida’s wilderness full throttle along one of the many former tram roads. Built back when logging was big business in this part of Florida, the tram roads now provide the means to immerse yourself in the wild hammocks and swamps of the Fakahatchee. If going that far off-road is too much, the main road provides 11 miles point-to-point along which to walk and see the abundant flora and fauna found within the preserve.

• Length: Varies; 1/2 mile to 11 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to hard
• Facilities: Visitor center and restrooms at the main entrance to the preserve
• Address: 137 Coastline Drive, Copeland

17. Black Bear Wilderness Loop

Just minutes from Orlando, the Black Bear Wilderness Loop gives hikers ample opportunity to experience a nature day away from the concrete jungle of Orlando’s theme parks. The loop traverses marsh and forest, crosses fourteen boardwalks, and uses a system of levees to keep hikers above the marshes. If the St. John’s River is in flood stage, though, it’s likely the trail will be under water. Despite it’s location in one of Florida’s most heavily populated areas, expect to see plenty of wildlife on this hike, including its namesake. For those who want to experience this area overnight, primitive camping is available though a camping permit is required.

• Length: 7.1 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Facilities: None
• Address: 5298 Michigan Avenue, Sanford

18. Wekiwa Springs State Park

Also located in the Orlando area just minutes from downtown Orlando, this state park has attracted visitors since the mid-19th century. It’s particularly popular for it’s springs and water activities though it also has miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. For hikers, the main trail loops around the park for 13.5 miles of nature immersion. There is also a 5.3 mile volksmarch trail and shared use portions with the biking and equestrian trails. Four campgrounds provide lots of opportunities to stay overnight or for several nights and enjoy every aspect of this park.

• Length: 13.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Facilities: Restrooms, picnic facilities, restaurant
• Address: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka

19. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is an Audubon Society preserve which encompasses more than 13,000 acres near Naples in Southwest Florida. It is perhaps best known for its super ghost orchid which is the only publicly-known location of this rare orchid. The sanctuary preserves the largest stand of virgin bald cypress in the world, some trees likely older than 500 years. Hiking here means taking a boardwalk on a 2.25 mile loop. Though its one of the shorter hikes in Florida, the heat and extreme humidity make this hike a little challenging. Hikers pass through prairie marsh, pine flatwoods, and of course, the famous cypress forest.

• Length: 2.25 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Facilities: Visitor center, café, restrooms
• Address: 375 Sanctuary Road W, Naples

What to wear hiking in Florida

What you should wear to go hiking in Florida depends on where you’re going and the kind of hiking you plan to do. If you’re heading to one of the county or state parks for a morning of hiking, regular exercise wear with sneakers or hiking boots should suffice. These parks mostly have well-maintained trails. No matter where you hike, it’s a good idea to wear a hat.

For anyone who is hiking overnight, on the Florida Trail, or on lightly maintained trails, it’s best to wear solid hiking boots, long pants, and a shirt with long sleeves. A light rain jacket and gloves might come in handy as well.

Conclusion: Hiking in Florida

Hiking in Florida is a unique and rewarding experience that offers a variety of trails for all levels and interests. Whether you want to see wildlife and flowers on a day hike or experience the thrill of the Florida Trail, you can find a hiking trail in Florida that suits your needs. As a bonus, hikers can enjoy hiking year-round in Florida with the mild weather; however, while Florida hiking might seem easier than in other parts of the country, there are other challenges, such as heat, humidity, bugs, and flooding. Hiking in Florida, though, is a great way to explore the natural beauty and diversity of the state.

If you’re in the Tampa Bay area, you might enjoy one of these 15 trails for hiking in Tampa.