Florida may be known for its sunny beaches and vibrant cities, but it also boasts an incredible variety of hiking trails. From lush tropical forests to breathtaking coastal paths and unique swamp trails, Florida offers hikers a chance to explore diverse landscapes and connect with nature. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic walk or a challenging backcountry adventure, the Sunshine State has something for everyone.
Why Hike in Florida?
Unlike other states with towering mountains, Florida’s beauty lies in its flat, expansive landscapes, rich ecosystems, and diverse wildlife. Hiking in Florida allows you to experience:
- Lush Wetlands & Swamps – Home to cypress forests, alligators, and wading birds.
- Sandy Coastal Trails – Offering stunning ocean views and breezy walks along the dunes.
- Dense Forests – Filled with towering pines, live oaks, and abundant wildlife.
- Historical Paths – Tracing the footsteps of Native Americans, pioneers, and explorers.
No matter the season, Florida’s trails provide a unique hiking experience unlike anywhere else in the country.
Best Hiking Trails in North Florida
1. Florida National Scenic Trail (Panhandle Section)
- Location: Multiple trailheads from Pensacola to Tallahassee
- Distance: 1,500 miles (various sections available)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) is the ultimate hiking experience in Florida, spanning the entire length of the state. The Panhandle section offers some of the most rugged and diverse landscapes in Florida, passing through forests, wetlands, and historic sites. Hikers can experience solitude and immerse themselves in nature while spotting native wildlife such as deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and even the occasional bald eagle.
Highlights:
- Blackwater River State Forest – This section features rolling longleaf pine forests and the crystal-clear Blackwater River, which is known for its sandy bottom and tea-colored waters. The trail meanders through scenic white sandbanks and cypress swamps, providing plenty of picturesque views.
- Econfina Creek – One of the most beautiful sections of the FNST, this area features steep limestone bluffs, deep ravines, and multiple spring-fed creeks. The rugged terrain and blue-green waters make this a favorite for experienced hikers.
- Apalachicola National Forest – Covering nearly 600,000 acres, this is Florida’s largest national forest. The FNST passes through pine flatwoods, cypress domes, and hardwood swamps, providing an opportunity to explore one of the state’s most biodiverse ecosystems. The area is also home to the rare red-cockaded woodpecker and carnivorous pitcher plants.
This trail is perfect for both casual hikers looking for a short nature walk and thru-hikers seeking a long-distance adventure.
2. Torreya State Park Trail
- Location: Bristol, FL
- Distance: 14 miles of trails
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Torreya State Park is a hidden gem in North Florida, offering some of the most unique landscapes in the state. Unlike most of Florida’s flat terrain, this park features dramatic elevation changes, deep ravines, and breathtaking bluff views overlooking the Apalachicola River. Named after the rare Torreya tree, which only grows in this region, the park is a must-visit for hikers seeking a challenge.
Highlights:
- Bluff Views Overlooking the Apalachicola River – The high bluffs provide panoramic vistas of the winding Apalachicola River, making this one of the most scenic spots in the state.
- Challenging Elevation Changes – With steep inclines and rugged paths, this trail offers a workout rarely found in Florida. Hikers can navigate through deep ravines, wooden footbridges, and densely forested areas.
- Historic Gregory House – This restored 19th-century plantation home offers a glimpse into Florida’s past. It sits on a bluff overlooking the river and serves as a great resting spot after a hike.
Torreya State Park is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a challenge, but it also has shorter, less strenuous trails for those who prefer a more relaxed outdoor experience.
Best Hiking Trails in Central Florida
3. Ocala National Forest Trails
- Location: Near Ocala, FL
- Distance: Over 100 miles of trails
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Ocala National Forest is one of Florida’s most treasured natural areas, covering over 600 square miles of lush woodlands, crystal-clear springs, and diverse wildlife habitats. This forest is the southernmost national forest in the continental U.S. and boasts one of the largest concentrations of natural freshwater springs in the world. It’s a prime destination for hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor adventurers.
Hikers can explore a variety of trails, from short scenic loops to longer, more rugged treks. The forest is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, gopher tortoises, and an array of bird species, making it a hotspot for wildlife viewing.
Highlights:
- Juniper Prairie Wilderness – A federally designated wilderness area with breathtaking landscapes, old-growth pine forests, and open prairies. This area provides a remote hiking experience, with Juniper Springs offering a refreshing swimming spot surrounded by dense greenery.
- Florida Trail (Ocala Section) – A 72-mile segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail, this path winds through longleaf pine forests, ancient sand dunes, and wetlands. It offers a classic Florida hiking experience with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and camping.
- Silver Glen Springs – A stunning blue-green spring, perfect for cooling off after a long hike. The surrounding area is rich in history, with evidence of Native American habitation dating back thousands of years.
- Alexander Springs & Salt Springs – Two more incredible springs located within the forest, offering crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and a variety of trails with scenic views.
With its mix of easy-to-moderate trails, abundant wildlife, and beautiful spring-fed swimming spots, Ocala National Forest is a must-visit for hikers looking to experience Florida’s natural beauty.
4. Little Big Econ State Forest Trail
- Location: Near Orlando, FL
- Distance: 9 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Little Big Econ State Forest is a hidden gem just outside Orlando, offering a perfect escape into nature. The forest’s trails meander along the Econlockhatchee River, providing stunning views of cypress swamps, sandhill ecosystems, and old-growth forests. This area is particularly popular with birdwatchers and wildlife photographers due to its rich biodiversity.
The trail features sections of boardwalks, footbridges, and riverbank overlooks, making for an immersive experience in Florida’s wilderness. The winding paths follow the Econ River, which is lined with towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Highlights:
- Scenic Boardwalks & River Views – Several wooden boardwalks take hikers through dense cypress swamps, offering close-up views of the unique wetland ecosystem. The high bluffs along the river provide scenic overlooks that are perfect for a rest stop or a picnic.
- Wildlife Sightings – The forest is home to deer, armadillos, otters, turtles, and even the occasional alligator. Birdwatchers can spot bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, great blue herons, and pileated woodpeckers.
- Diverse Terrain – The trail features a mix of upland sandhills, riverbank trails, and swampy lowlands, offering a variety of landscapes in one hike.
The Little Big Econ Trail is perfect for hikers looking for a moderate challenge with rewarding views, wildlife encounters, and a peaceful, secluded atmosphere.
Best Hiking Trails in South Florida
5. Big Cypress National Preserve Trails
- Location: Near Everglades City, FL
- Distance: Multiple trails from 1 to 40 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Challenging
Big Cypress National Preserve is a vast wilderness of swamps, prairies, and hardwood hammocks covering over 729,000 acres in South Florida. This protected area is a critical part of the Everglades ecosystem, home to diverse wildlife, including Florida panthers, American alligators, wood storks, and barred owls. Unlike traditional hiking trails, many routes here involve swamp hiking, especially during the wet season (May–October), when water levels rise and flood certain paths.
For those looking for a unique challenge, wet hikes through knee-deep cypress swamps offer an unforgettable experience. However, the preserve also features elevated boardwalk trails for those who prefer a dry-footed adventure.
Highlights:
- Kirby Storter Boardwalk – A 0.8-mile roundtrip boardwalk through a lush cypress swamp, perfect for spotting wildlife like alligators, turtles, and wading birds. This short, family-friendly hike offers an easy way to experience the beauty of Big Cypress without getting wet.
- Gator Hook Trail – One of the more challenging and adventurous hikes in the preserve, this 5-mile (roundtrip) trail winds through muddy and often flooded terrain, leading hikers deep into the cypress forest. Expect wet hiking conditions, knee-high water in some areas, and plenty of wildlife encounters.
- Florida Trail (Big Cypress Section) – The southernmost section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, this 40-mile stretch is a true wilderness experience. The terrain varies from dry prairies to deep swamp slogs, making it one of the most challenging hikes in the state. Thru-hikers and backpackers should be well-prepared with waterproof gear and navigation skills.
Big Cypress is perfect for adventurous hikers looking to immerse themselves in Florida’s wild, swampy terrain while enjoying some of the most remote and pristine landscapes in the state.
6. Everglades National Park Trails
- Location: South Florida
- Distance: Multiple trails, ranging from 0.5 to 15 miles
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Everglades National Park is one of the most famous natural areas in the world, covering 1.5 million acres of subtropical wetlands. It offers a mix of short boardwalk trails, scenic nature walks, and remote backcountry hikes through sawgrass marshes, tropical hardwood hammocks, and mangrove forests.
Hiking in the Everglades is a wildlife lover’s dream, with frequent sightings of alligators, wading birds, turtles, and even the elusive Florida panther. Many trails are elevated boardwalks, making them accessible to hikers of all skill levels, while others lead into secluded coastal areas with stunning views.
Highlights:
- Anhinga Trail – One of the park’s most famous hikes, this 0.8-mile boardwalk loop provides up-close encounters with alligators, turtles, herons, and egrets. It’s an excellent spot for wildlife photography and is particularly active in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Gumbo Limbo Trail – A 0.4-mile loop through a tropical hardwood hammock, featuring a dense forest of gumbo limbo trees, ferns, and strangler figs. This shaded trail offers a different perspective of the Everglades, with unique plant life and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Coastal Prairie Trail – A 15-mile out-and-back hike leading to the remote coastal areas of the park. The trail passes through salt marshes, mangrove forests, and coastal prairies, offering stunning views of Florida Bay. It’s ideal for experienced hikers and backpackers looking for a longer, more secluded trek.
Whether you’re looking for a quick boardwalk stroll with incredible wildlife or a multi-day backcountry adventure, Everglades National Park has something for every hiker.
Best Coastal & Beach Hiking Trails
7. Canaveral National Seashore Trail
- Location: Near Titusville, FL
- Distance: Various short trails
- Difficulty: Easy
Canaveral National Seashore is a hidden paradise for beach lovers and hikers alike, featuring 24 miles of untouched Atlantic coastline—the longest stretch of undeveloped beach in Florida. The park’s trails provide stunning oceanfront views, sand dune ecosystems, and diverse wildlife habitats. Whether strolling along the beach or exploring inland trails, visitors can enjoy a peaceful and natural coastal environment, free from commercial development.
This area is also rich in history, home to Native American shell mounds and remnants of early Spanish exploration. During the summer months, the park becomes a key nesting ground for loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles, making it an exciting destination for nature enthusiasts.
Highlights:
- Miles of Undeveloped Coastline – Unlike most of Florida’s crowded beaches, this protected area offers a serene, natural shoreline perfect for hiking along the water’s edge.
- Historical Sites – Turtle Mound, a massive prehistoric shell midden built by the Timucuan people, provides a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Mosquito Lagoon.
- Abundant Wildlife – Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting pelicans, ospreys, and shorebirds, while lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of manatees or dolphins in the nearby waters.
- Playalinda Beach & Apollo Beach Trails – These areas within the park offer scenic beach walks and short nature trails through coastal scrub and dune habitats.
This trail system is perfect for casual hikers, wildlife lovers, and history buffs looking to explore Florida’s coastline in its most natural state.
8. Jonathan Dickinson State Park Trail
- Location: Hobe Sound, FL
- Distance: 9 miles (plus additional trails)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Located along Florida’s Treasure Coast, Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers some of the most diverse hiking opportunities in the state. The park spans over 10,500 acres of coastal sandhills, pine flatwoods, mangrove swamps, and the scenic Loxahatchee River, Florida’s first federally designated Wild & Scenic River.
Hikers can explore a variety of trail types, from sandy upland paths to shaded forest routes, while encountering an abundance of wildlife, including deer, gopher tortoises, bald eagles, and river otters. The park’s mix of elevated viewpoints, riverside scenery, and historic landmarks makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
Highlights:
- Hobe Mountain Tower – At 86 feet above sea level, this is the highest natural point in South Florida. A short boardwalk leads to the Hobe Mountain Observation Tower, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, and surrounding forested dunes.
- Loxahatchee River Trail – This scenic riverfront trail winds along the Loxahatchee River, providing incredible wildlife viewing and access to canoeing and kayaking spots.
- Varied Terrain – The trails pass through shifting sand dunes, coastal hammocks, cypress swamps, and mangrove estuaries, offering hikers a unique and diverse experience.
- Historical Interest – The park is home to the remains of Trapper Nelson’s Homestead, an early 20th-century pioneer settlement along the river, offering a glimpse into Florida’s past.
With its diverse landscapes, scenic overlooks, and historic sites, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is perfect for hikers looking for a more adventurous coastal trail experience.
Conclusion
Florida’s hiking trails offer an incredible variety of experiences, from swampy boardwalks and dense forests to coastal paths and historical sites. Whether you’re a casual hiker looking for a scenic stroll or an experienced trekker seeking a backcountry adventure, Florida’s diverse landscapes have something for everyone. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and explore the Sunshine State’s best trails!
