Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring Sebring
Sebring is in the heart of South Florida, more than an hour north of Lake Okeechobee and an hour south of Lake Wales, a half-hour west of the Florida Trail.
It is surrounded by ranches and citrus groves as well as some significant natural areas along the Kissimmee River and the Lake Wales Ridge.
Home to one of Florida’s oldest state parks, Highlands Hammock, Sebring is known as a destination for speed. Among the lakes of Highlands County, it hosts top-flight auto racing events with drivers from around the world.
Sebring is also known for golfing and bass fishing in its lakes, particularly Lake Istokpoga to the south of town.
Trails and Parks near Sebring
Allen Altvater Trail A walk in the uplands of Highlands Hammock State Park, this 0.6-mile nature trail features dry habitat succession from flatwoods to scrub.
Ancient Hammock Trail At Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, the Ancient Hammock Trail shows off the glory of towering cabbage palms and live oaks centuries old.
Archbold Biological Station A pair of short loops provide close observations of rare scrub habitats at a historic research facility on the Lake Wales Ridge south of Lake Placid. 
Fern Garden Trail A reminder of the botanical garden planned for what is now Highlands Hammock State Park, the Fern Garden Trail loops a fern-edged swamp on boardwalks and footpath
Florida Trail, Chandler Slough East 2.7 miles. Burrow deep into the oak hammocks surrounding a beauty spot of the campsite near the Kissimmee River on this short but satisfying hike.
Florida Trail, Chandler Slough West 3.7 miles. It looks like a mountain ridge from a distance, but Chandler Slough is a ribbon of cypress strand through the flat Okeechobee prairies. Follow its rim through beautiful oak hammocks and soggy marshes. 
Florida Trail, Kissimmee Following the Kissimmee River for 112 miles, this is a scenic section of the Florida Trail with levees, woods, river views, open prairies, and cattle ranches.
Florida Trail, Micco Bluff 11.4 miles. Ancient riverside forests and picturesque prairie panoramas along the Kissimmee River make a hike to Micco Bluff worth the walk
Hickory Hammock Trail In deep shade near the Kissimmee River, a former section of the Florida Trail leads to a primitive backpacking site under majestic live oaks covered with ferns and Spanish moss. 
Highlands Hammock Cypress Boardwalk Teeter-tottering above a swamp, experience a stretch of old-time catwalk through the cypress swamp on the Cypress Boardwalk at Highlands Hammock State Park.
Highlands Hammock Nature Trails Three interconnected nature trails on the east side of Highlands Hammock - Wild Orange Grove, Big Oak, and Hickory - provide a gentle introduction to this wild place.
Highlands Hammock State Park One of Florida's oldest state parks, Highlands Hammock protects an old-growth forest while enabling you to explore it on a network of fascinating interpretive nature trails. 
Jack Creek Tract, Lake Wales Ridge WEA The remarkably unique Florida scrub habitat is on display at the Jack Creek Tract of Lake Wales Ridge WEA, home to rare endemic species.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park Enjoy Florida's own big sky at the only state park in Florida where starry skies fill the horizon and an extensive network of trails - including the Florida Trail - provides access for exploration.
Lake Istokpoga Park The best access for boating and the only hike along one of Florida's largest lakes lies southeast of Sebring along US 98, combining boardwalks and footpath for a short loop.
Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park Atop 845 acres of the Lake Wales Ridge in Lake Placid, Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve has one of the highest concentrations of rare plants in North America.
Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Trails A trio of trails following established firelines provides a challenging 3.5 mile walk in Florida's own desert for an up close look at uncommon species endemic to ancient scrub.
Lake June-in-Winter Tomoka Trail Following the tannic flow of Tomoka Run, this short nature trail traversing scrub and bayhead at Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve is an introduction to the diverse nature of the Lake Wales Ridge. 
Richard Lieber Memorial Trail Burrowing deeper into the swamps than the adjoining Fern Garden Trail, the Richard Lieber Memorial Trail spans from an enormous oak to a wonderland of wet.
Young Hammock Trail Walk beneath immense oaks and pines on the Young Hammock Trail at Highlands Hammock State Park, a half-mile nature trail that showcases the succession of habitats.