9 Florida Hikes for Beginners and Veterans
With miles of coastline and lush forests, there are more hiking opportunities in Florida than you might think. When you leave the beach behind and put the city in your rear view, this southern state has plenty for adventure seekers to do. Shed your bathing suit, hop into some hiking gear, and find a few Florida hikes to try.
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Northern Florida
This lush area of Florida is dotted with rivers and springs, and is bordered by two major coastlines—the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. In the Northern Florida region you're never far from the serenity of the wilderness. For example, both Ocala National Forest and Osceola National Forest are located in the Northern region.
Beginner:
Hammock Trail at Fort Caroline, Jacksonville If you're not ready to leave the coast, head over to this short 1.3-mile hike. Here you'll get the best of both worlds, as you climb through a scenic maritime forest trail, which runs parallel to the St. John's River. Don't forget to stop at the replica of Fort Caroline as well as the informative visitors center.
Hammock Trail at Fort Caroline, Jacksonville If you're not ready to leave the coast, head over to this short 1.3-mile hike. Here you'll get the best of both worlds, as you climb through a scenic maritime forest trail, which runs parallel to the St. John's River. Don't forget to stop at the replica of Fort Caroline as well as the informative visitors center.
Intermediate:
Big Oak Trail, EllavilleTravel along the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers on this scenic Florida hike. The greatest feature is its versatility. You can make this a 12.5-, 9.5- or 4.1-mile hike, all depending on where you start. For the longest hike, start at the Suwannee River State Park Ranger Station, for a middle of the road hike, start at the Drew Mansion Ruins trailhead, or head to the Withlacoochee River east gate for the shortest section of the trail.
Big Oak Trail, EllavilleTravel along the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers on this scenic Florida hike. The greatest feature is its versatility. You can make this a 12.5-, 9.5- or 4.1-mile hike, all depending on where you start. For the longest hike, start at the Suwannee River State Park Ranger Station, for a middle of the road hike, start at the Drew Mansion Ruins trailhead, or head to the Withlacoochee River east gate for the shortest section of the trail.
Veteran:
Florida Trail, CR258 to Stephen Foster, White Springs Despite the short 3.8-mile distance, this rugged trail provides enough excitement to keep a veteran hiker intrigued. You'll journey through flowing creek beds and climb around eroded bluffs in the diverse Florida wilderness. Look for live oaks and wild azalea as you make your way to the finish.
Florida Trail, CR258 to Stephen Foster, White Springs Despite the short 3.8-mile distance, this rugged trail provides enough excitement to keep a veteran hiker intrigued. You'll journey through flowing creek beds and climb around eroded bluffs in the diverse Florida wilderness. Look for live oaks and wild azalea as you make your way to the finish.
More: The Many Benefits of Hiking
Central Florida
Central Florida feels urban, as the home to big cities like Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg. Yet, it's a haven for hikers and outdoor adventurers. With small pockets of wilderness in urban areas and expanses of backwoods outside the hustle and bustle of city life, this is a surprisingly great spot for your outdoors vacation.
Beginner:
Main Trail, Boyd Hill Nature Park, St. Petersburg Trek through this 3-mile loop path, or venture out to its many side trails, including Willow Marsh and Pine Flatwoods Trail. Each hike offers a unique climb along Lake Maggiore with scenic views of marshland and the plants and animals that live there.
Intermediate:
Little Manatee River Hiking Trail, Wimauma Truly escape from suburbia on this Florida hike. Ever-changing scenery allows you to experience a variety of trees and flowers, making it a unique and scenic adventure. At 6.5 miles, this is a great day hike for intermediate hikers.
Veteran:
Garden of Eden Trail, Bristol For the adventurous and experienced hikers only, this is considered one of the toughest hikes in the state of Florida. You need to be in good hiking shape to traverse the steep valleys and high bluffs hikers will encounter in the 3.75 miles it takes to finish.
Southern Florida
Though South Florida is often known for its wild spring breakers and glamorous Miami lifestyle, there's no lack of outdoors adventures here. From small urban parks to The Everglades National Park, there is much more space to explore than you might think.
Beginner:
Footprints Trail, Babcock Ranch, Charlotte Harbor Year-round wildflowers are just one perk of this moist ecosystem where hikers can enjoy a beginner trail, capping out at 2.2 miles. Old ranch lands provide visitors with a trip back into old-time Florida, before urban sprawl took over most of the area.
Intermediate:
Nature Trail, Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Key LargoThough there's only one short nature trail in this state park, you can request a backcountry pass to make the most of the entire park. When you do so, you are likely to see any number of the 84 listed plant and animal species that live here.
Veteran:
Myakka Hiking Trail, Myakka River State Park, Sarasota Hike under the shade of tall oaks and then bask in the sun as you traverse through miles of grasslands on one of the few rugged hikes that can be found in South Florida. If you're looking for a backpacking adventure in Florida, this 39-mile loop is the place to do it.
Whether you're having a relaxing vacation or traveling with a group of adventure seekers, you'll have no trouble finding Florida hikes to get you moving. With miles of coastline and plenty of wilderness to be explored, you have long days of trekking ahead of you.
source: www.active.com
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