20 Amazing Hiking Trails in Florida
Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Florida. According to health experts, hiking is one of the best exercises you can do to improve your overall health and well-being. People who love hiking know that there is no need for a gym membership when you have these beautiful trails to explore. If you are looking for an amazing hiking adventure in Florida, check out one of these 20 trails.
20. Lettuce Lake Park Hammock Trail (1.93km) – Fletcher Ave, Tampa
EST: 29 Min
This short and easy trail is perfect for a quick hike on your lunch break. The trail winds through a beautiful hammock and offers plenty of opportunities for bird watching. It is open year-round, and you can come with your dog on a leash. The trailhead is located at the Lettuce Lake Park parking lot.
19. Oleta River State Park Trail (4.83km) – North Miami Beach, FL
EST:1h 13min
This park is popular for its kayaking and canoeing, but the hiking trails are beautiful. The Oleta River State Park Trail is a 4.83km loop through a hardwood hammock and along the river. There are several observation decks where you can take in the views. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, making it a great option for all skill levels. You can expect to spend around 1h 13min on the trail. After finishing the trail, you can also enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
18. Upper Tampa Bay Trail (23.01km) – Northwest Hillsborough County
EST: 5h 52min
This hike is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. The Upper Tampa Bay Trail stretches for 23km, making it one of the longest in the area. The trail offers a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces and a few boardwalks that cross over waterways. There is also plenty of interpretive signage, making it a great educational hike. Be sure to carry plenty of water, snacks, and a few places to stop. Wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen, as there is little shade along the way.
17. Markham Park: Warmup, Fishing Hole, Bermuda Triangle Loop (4.99km) – Sunrise
EST: 1h 16min
Markham Park is a park in Broward County, Florida, managed by the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division. It is open from 7 am to sunset and has a playground, basketball courts, a football field, and a softball field. There is also an archery range, a nature center, and a boat ramp. The park has several hiking trails. The Bermuda Triangle Loop is the most popular trail in the park. The loop is 4.99km long and takes 1h 16min to walk. The loop is a mix of paved and unpaved trails. The trail starts at the nature center and follows the paved path to the boat ramp. From there, the trail follows the unpaved path to the fishing hole. The trail then follows the paved path back to the nature center. The Bermuda Triangle Loop is an easy hike that is great for someone new to hiking. The trail is well-marked, and there is no elevation change.
16. Lake Baldwin Loop (4.02km) – Orlando
EST: 1h 1min
This loop is a great way to experience Lake Baldwin, one of Orlando’s most popular spots for fishing. The trail circles the lake and passes through a few different habitats, expecting to see various wildlife. The trail is also great for birdwatching – keep your eyes peeled for hawks, ospreys, and herons. If you are new to hiking, this is a great trail to start with; it’s not too difficult, and it’s well-marked.
15. Julington Durbin Creek Preserve Yellow and White Loop (9.17km) – Jacksonville
EST: 2h 20min
Julington Durbin Creek Preserve is a beautiful park with amazing scenery, plenty of wildlife, and many different ecosystems. The Yellow and White Loop is the perfect hike for nature lovers, as it takes you through a variety of habitats, including hardwood hammocks, scrubby Flatwoods, tidal marshes, and pine forests. This loop is 9.17km long and should take around 2h 20min to complete. The hiking trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it a great option for hikers of all experience levels.
14. The Riverbend Park Loop (4.67km) – Fairfax County
EST: 1h 10min
The Riverbend Park Loop is a moderately difficult 4.67km trail that takes around an hour and ten minutes. The trail winds through a mix of hardwood forest and open meadows, providing hikers with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Two overlooks offer beautiful views of the St. Johns River. Remember to carry plenty of water and sunscreen, as the Florida sun can be brutal.
13. Little Big River, Digbat, Ditch of Doom, and Flagler Trail (15.13km) – Geneva
EST: 3h 53min
The Little Big River, Digbat, Ditch of Doom, and Flagler Trail is a challenging 15.13km hike that will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Florida. The hike is rated as difficult, so be prepared for a workout! You’ll start at the Little Big River and go to the Digbat River. Next, you’ll cross the Ditch of Doom and head to the Flagler Trail. The hike finishes with a return trip to the Little Big River. This is a hike you won’t want to miss.
12. Baynard Trail and Seminole Trail (8.85km) – Zephyrhills
EST: 2h 16min
Located in the heart of Seminole County, this hike takes you on a beautiful journey through the woods and alongside the Wekiva River. The trails are well-marked and include a few challenging hills, making them perfect for hikers. The Baynard Trail and Seminole Trail are 8.85km long and should take around 2h 16min to complete. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no stores or restaurants nearby.
11. Guana, Timucuan, and South Point Loop Trail Loop (14.81km) – Ponte Vedra
EST: 3h 44min
Try this 14.81 km loop trail near Ponte Vedra, Florida. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 3 h 44 min to complete. The Guana, Timucuan, and South Point Loop Trail Loop are moderate. This is a great hike for bird watching, as you’ll see plenty of different species. You’ll also catch glimpses of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. There are a few steep sections, but the trail is easy to navigate for the most part. There’s a lot to see and do on this trail, so bring your camera and prepare for a great outdoor day.
10. Virginia Key Trail (6,44km) – Miami
EST: 1hr 40min
The Virginia Key Trail is a 6.4km hiking trail in Miami, Florida. The trail is rated moderate to difficult and has an estimated hiking time of 1hr 40min. The trail is a loop and begins and ends at the same location. Highlights of the trail include excellent views of the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, and the Everglades. The trail is also home to wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and birds. You should wear plenty of sunscreens and bring plenty of water, as there is no shade along the way.
9. Florida Trail: Lockwood to Barr (9.01km) – Oviedo
EST: 2h 20min
The Florida Trail is a hiking trail that spans the entire state of Florida. This particular section of the trail starts at Lockwood and ends at Barr, making for a total distance of 9.01km. The hike should take approximately 2h 20min to complete. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, making it a great choice for hikers of all experience levels. There are a few moderately steep sections, but the trail is relatively flat for the most part. The scenery along the way is varied and beautiful, making for a truly enjoyable hike.
8. Econ River Wilderness Area Red Loop (4.18km) – Old Lockwood Rd, Oviedo
EST: 1h 4min
The Econ River Wilderness Area red loop is a moderate hike that takes around an hour and four minutes to complete. The trail winds through a beautiful forest with plenty of greenery and wildlife. There are also a few river crossings, so be sure to bring some water shoes if you plan to hike this trail during the summertime. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, so carry on with confidence.
7. Econ River Wilderness Area Red Loop (4.18 km) – Seminole County
EST: 1h 4min
The Econ River Wilderness Area is a beautiful and serene place to hike, offering plenty of wildlife sightings and natural beauty. The Red Loop is a 4.18 km hike that takes about 1h 4min to complete and is a great option for those who want to explore the area. There are a few creek crossings along the way, so be prepared for wet feet – but it’s worth it for the incredible views. The hike is mostly flat, making it a great option for those newer to hiking or who want a stroll. You’ll get to see the Econ River in all its glory and can even take a dip if you’re feeling adventurous.
6. Robinson’s Preserve Full Trail System (12.07km) – Cortez
EST: 3h 3min
Robinson Preserve is a 12.07km hike that will take around 3 hours to complete. Rated as moderate, this hike has a bit of everything, including elevation changes, marshes, and hammocks. A few boardwalks also make the trek a bit more interesting. Carry plenty of water and snacks and a few places to stop. The trail is rated as moderate but is a great challenge for looking for something more strenuous. It would help if you carry your camera and binoculars for this hike – you’d see plenty of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Your gear is also a good idea if you plan on camping overnight in the preserve.
5. Shark Valley Tram Trail (25.43km) – Homestead
EST: 6h 22m
This trail is for those who are looking for a more strenuous hike. The Shark Valley Tram Trail will take you up and down hills, through forests, and alongside the Everglades. The best part is that you will be able to see alligators, turtles, and various birds along the way. This trail is 25.43km long, so it will take you about six h 22m to complete it, and it was rated as difficult. Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no stores or restaurants near the trail.
4. Anhinga Trail (1.29km) – Homestead
EST: 19km
If you’re looking for a short hike with plenty of wildlife to see, the Anhinga Trail is perfect. This 1.29km trail is home to creatures, including anhingas, herons, ibises, and turtles. You might also see alligators, raccoons, and deer. The trail is flat, making it a great option for beginner hikers. The trailhead is located in the Royal Palm area of the park, near the Anhinga Observation Tower.
3. Wekiwa Springs Volksmarch Trail (1014km) – Apopka
EST: 2h 41min
The Wekiwa Springs Volksmarch Trail is a 10.1 km loop hike that takes around 2 hours and 41 minutes to complete. The trail is rated easy, making it a great option for hikers of all experience levels. The hike winds its way through the beautiful Wekiwa Springs State Park, offering hikers stunning views of the park’s natural surroundings. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it a great choice for hiking for a peaceful and scenic hike.
2. Kolokee Loop Trail (8.05km) – Geneva
EST: 2 h 4 min
This moderate 8.05-kilometer loop trail in the Ocala National Forest is a great hike. The Kolokee Loop Trail is a great hike for all levels. The trail offers hikers a great view of the Ocala National Forest. The trailhead starts at the Clearwater Lake Recreation Area. The trail winds around through a mixed hardwood and pine forest. There are a few small creek crossings, but overall the trail is very well maintained. The hike is mostly flat with a few small hills, perfect for all levels.
1. Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail (11.75KM) – Sanford
EST: 2 h 57 min
Looking for an exciting and challenging hike, look beyond the Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail. This trail is 11.75 kilometers long and takes an estimated 2 hours and 57 minutes to complete. The trail is known for its steep inclines and rugged terrain, so be prepared for a workout. Be careful, too, as this trail is known for its black bears. Ensure you have all the necessary supplies, like water and snacks, before you set out on this hike.
There are many incredible hiking trails in Florida, making it one of the best places to live.