Since we showcase more than a thousand trails on this website, our hiking information is broken out by regions, length/type, public lands, and topics.
Essential Articles Our Hiking Books Hiking Videos Our Favorite Hikes
Hikes by Length/Type Hikes by Public Land Hikes by Topic
These are some of our more popular topics for hikers. Look into our Florida hiking guidebooks too. We’ve been writing them for nearly 20 years.
Scenic Hikes Day Hikes Dog-friendly Hikes Family-friendly Hikes
Best Hikes in Florida
We’re always asked which hikes we love the best, and it’s tough to narrow those down! These are our top picks, our favorites to enjoy time and again.
Florida is for Hikers!
Since 1966, Florida’s hiking trails have been a destination for both state park visitors and backpackers, thanks to the efforts of the Florida Trail Association. Our National Scenic Trail in Florida, the Florida Trail, stretches 1,100 miles from Pensacola to the Everglades, offering hundreds of access points for day hiking and backpacking. Major hiking and backpacking loops in our state parks and state forests were also built by FTA volunteers.
Discover the Florida Trail by Region
Hikes by Length and Type
Hikes by the type of hiking experience you are looking for, based on length, difficulty, and logistics required.
Hikes by Public Land
Looking for a hike in a particular type of public land, like a state park, national park, or state forest? You’ll find them here.
Hikes by Topic
Hikes that correspond to a particular area of interest you might have, like big trees, wildflowers, or history.
Hiking Articles
New to Florida? New to hiking? Read these essential articles before you head outdoors.
How to prepare for a backpacking trip
What does a hiker need to spend a week, or a month, or three months on the trail? Here are trail-tested suggestions for backpacking in Florida for trips of a week or more
Alligators Everywhere
In spring, alligators become more active as the days warm up. It’s also mating season, so alligators are on the move. Expect to see them anywhere and everywhere along Florida’s trails.
Finding Your Way
Basic wayfinding – understanding where the sun is, looking at landscape, picking out landmarks as you hike – comes as second nature to some people. It’s an important skill that all hikers should cultivate.
New to Hiking?
Ease yourself into the outdoors step-by-step with this primer on how to get comfortable with getting outside to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty.
Florida is Different
Florida IS different. Water defines our state, and our habitats range from dense tropical Caribbean forests to Appalachian-style bluffs and ravines. We’re a winter hiking state. Come explore with us.
Hiking boots for Florida?
This question keeps popping up: what are the best hiking boots? John explains how, through trial by trail, he figured out what works for him. His advice? Keep trying.
Hiking during hunting season
Florida’s hiking season is also the prime season for hunting in Florida. Be aware of where you’re hiking – many public lands permit hunting – for your personal safety.
Florida’s Venomous Snakes
Florida has four types (six species) of venomous snakes. Here’s where to find information to identify them when you’re outdoors.
How to layer for Florida
Folks who don’t live in Florida assume that we’re warm and sunny all the time. Not so. Winter days can be cold and damp. Your best defense: pile on those layers!
How to deal with feral hogs
One of the more fearless creatures you’ll encounter in Florida’s wilds is the wild hog. Here is advice from Florida Fish & Wildlife on how to cope with hogs.
Hiking Basics for Florida
How to hike in Florida – the basics of what you need to know for hiking in Florida, whether you’re day hiking or backpacking.
How to be safe around bears
Tips from Florida Fish & Wildlife on how best to manage encounters with Florida black bears, which are becoming more common in certain parts of Florida.
Hiking Videos
Virtual walks down Florida’s hiking trails. We have hundreds of them on our YouTube channel. Subscribe to catch our newest ones! We post videos of our hikes very soon after we do them, well before we can add those trails to this website.
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