Florida is the Sunshine State, known for its warm climate, world-class theme parks, stunning beaches, and diverse ecosystems. From the Art Deco hotels of Miami Beach to the pristine Everglades and the magic of Orlando, Florida offers something for every traveler.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Florida National Scenic Trail
Florida's premier long-distance hiking trail spans the entire state from the Big Cypress National Preserve near Naples to the Gulf Islands National Seashore in the Panhandle. Maintained by the Florida Trail Association, the trail passes through diverse ecosystems including cypress swamps, sandhill forests, pine flatwoods, and coastal marshes. Day hikers can access sections throughout the state.
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2
Anhinga Trail
The most visited and most rewarding short trail in Florida, the Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park delivers incredible wildlife viewing in an easy, accessible format. Named for the anhinga bird that dries its wings on trailside perches, the boardwalk circles Taylor Slough where alligators, herons, spoonbills, cormorants, and turtles congregate in extraordinary numbers during winter months.
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3
Big Shoals State Park Trails
Home to Florida's only Class III whitewater rapids, Big Shoals State Park in north Florida feels more like Georgia than typical flat Florida. The trail follows the Suwannee River through river bluffs, hardwood hammocks, and longleaf pine uplands before arriving at the dramatic Big Shoals — remarkable rapids for this typically lazy river state.
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4
Ocala National Forest Trails
The largest sand pine scrub forest in the world, Ocala National Forest between Gainesville and Daytona Beach offers diverse hiking through scrub, flatwoods, and spring-fed rivers. The Florida Trail traverses the forest for 67 miles. Notable day hike areas include Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, and Salt Springs — each with crystal clear springs ideal for swimming after hiking.
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5
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
One of Florida's most diverse and scenic state parks, Jonathan Dickinson encompasses ten distinct natural communities from mangroves to scrub. The Hobe Mountain Trail reaches Florida's highest point in the park area at 86 feet — affording a surprisingly panoramic view of the Loxahatchee River and Indian River Lagoon. The Florida Trail passes through, and canoe/kayak rentals allow combined water and land exploration.
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6
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Known as the Amazon of North America, Fakahatchee Strand protects the largest strand swamp in North America with the largest concentration of native orchid species in the US. The Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk (free, 2,500 feet) provides dry access to the cypress swamp. Guided swamp walks (ranger-led) take hikers knee-deep through the swamp to search for the legendary ghost orchid.
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7
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
A 21,000-acre ancient lake basin now a vast wet prairie, Paynes Prairie is one of the most extraordinary wildlife viewing destinations in Florida. A herd of American bison and wild horses roam the prairie along with sandhill cranes, white-tailed deer, alligators, and hundreds of bird species. The La Chua Trail (3.2 miles round trip) is one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in the southeastern US.
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8
Blackwater River State Forest Trails
Florida's largest state forest in the Panhandle near Pensacola features rare longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem, the famous blackwater tannin-stained Blackwater River, and exceptional backcountry camping. The Florida Trail traverses the forest for 21 miles through diverse upland and river habitats. The river itself is exceptional for canoe camping.
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9
Hontoon Island State Park
Accessible only by ferry (free!) from the Hontoon Landing, this island state park in the St. Johns River feels wonderfully isolated from the mainland world. The trails wind through hammock forest, pine flatwoods, and along the river shore where manatees and river otters are frequently spotted. An ancient Timucua Indian owl totem replica is on display in the park.
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10
Myakka River State Park Trails
One of Florida's oldest and largest state parks, Myakka River offers extensive hiking through prairies, hammocks, and along the beautiful Myakka River and lake. The treetop canopy walk — a series of suspension bridges in the tree canopy — and the canopy tower offer unique elevated perspectives on the Florida wilderness. The airboat and tram tours complement the hiking experience perfectly.
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11
Wekiwa Springs State Park
One of the most accessible wilderness experiences from Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park protects the Wekiwa Springs — a first magnitude spring producing 42 million gallons of 68°F water daily. The swimming area is excellent, and the surrounding trails pass through river swamp, scrub, and hardwood hammock. Black bears are occasionally sighted, and the spring run kayaking is superb.
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12
O'Leno State Park
One of Florida's most unusual parks, O'Leno features a section of the Santa Fe River that disappears underground — the river sink — to reappear 3 miles downstream at River Rise. The trails between the sink and rise pass through some of the finest river hammock and upland habitat in north Florida. The suspension bridge over the Santa Fe River is a beloved landmark.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.