A Forest is Reborn in the Green Swamp
From a bleak, charred landscape comes a sharpening of the senses and an unfolding of new life. Author Rob Rogers shares this evocative hike across Green Swamp East.
Colt Creek Flatwoods Trail
Lakeland 10.0 milesMiles of beautifully managed pine forests and cypress domes are on display alongside large areas of habitat restoration on the Colt Creek State Park Flatwoods Trail.
Colt Creek State Park
For a getaway from the busy bustle of the Interstate 4 corridor between Lakeland and Tampa, wander an extensive trail system and camp beneath the twinkling stars at Colt Creek State Park.
Crooked River Preserve
Clermont 1.7 milesOn a 1.7-mile loop, Crooked River Preserve showcases a wide variety of habitats in a short hike on the northernmost extent of the Lake Wales Ridge in Clermont.
Dade City
Gateway to the Green Swamp and the southern terminus of the Withlacoochee State Trail, Dade City offers a launch point for backpacking and bike touring trips.
Flatwoods Park
Thonotosassa 13.4 milesIn addition to the 6.9 mile paved bike path loop at its core, Flatwoods Park at Lower Hillsborough Wilderness provides many different routes for outdoor exploration.
Florida Trail, Green Swamp West
Green Swamp West 7.4 milesTraversing scenic oak hammock, sandhills, and pine flatwood habitats, the southernmost six miles of the Florida Trail in Green Swamp West offers spectacular day hike and backpacking experiences.
Florida Trail, Green Swamp West to Richloam
Green Swamp West 14.7 milesWeaving across rolling sandhills and along the tannic waters of the Withlacoochee River, the River Road to Richloam Loop section is an exceptionally scenic destination along the western corridor of the Florida Trail.
Green Swamp East Weekend Loop
Polk City 15.5 milesConnect the Florida Trail with a side loop through vast pine savannas, floodplain swamps, and cypress domes for a 15.5 mile loop to camp at Tillman Hammock in Green Swamp East.
Lake Louisa State Park
As longleaf pine reaches for the sky, the rolling hills of Lake Louisa State Park near Clermont return to their forested roots
Lakeland
With an array of parks and natural lands and a network of bike trails, Lakeland is a hub for outdoor recreation.
Lower Green Swamp Preserve
Plant City 5.9 milesMiles of mixed-use trail loops traverses riverine forests and pine savanna, offering views of vast wet prairies and cypress swamps.