Florida Hikes

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

Bronson State Forest

Bronson State Forest

Hiking, biking, paddling, camping, and other outdoor recreation in Bronson State Forest, which spans from the St. Johns River to its confluence with the Econlockhatchee River, protecting nearly 11,000 acres of floodplain in Orange and Seminole counties. When it was acquired, the land was primarily used for cattle grazing, and cattle leases are still active. Expect to encounter cows and bulls roaming the forests. The Florida Trail traverses Bronson State Forest between Seminole Ranch and Chuluota Wilderness, with several loop trails affording long walks out to the river.

Address: 1350 Snow Hill Rd, Geneva
Land Manager: Florida Forest Service
Phone: 407-971-3500

Trail Map (PDF) Forest Map (PDF) Official Website

Bronson Northeast Loop

Christmas   7.5 miles

Using Orlando Wetlands to access the northeast corner of Bronson State Forest, this 7.5-mile loop burrows deeply into ancient forests in the St. Johns River floodplain.

Bronson River Trail Loop

Christmas   9.5 miles

In a lush subtropical jungle along the St Johns River floodplain, the 9.5-mile River Trail loop is an exceptionally scenic route connecting three designated campsites.

Bronson State Forest

Christmas   41 miles

Despite more than 40 miles of hiking and multi-use trails, Charles H. Bronson State Forest is a lightly-visited destination hidden behind more popular public lands.

Culpepper Bend

Chuluota   7.9 miles

One of the lesser-known trails of Little Big Econ State Forest, Culpepper Bend leads you to an outstanding panorama where the Econlockhatchee River meets the St. Johns River.

Hiking into Christmas

One of the delights of the Florida Trail is that it passes through Christmas, Florida, a beloved stop for postmarks during this holiday season and cheery all year round.