Florida Hikes

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

Porter Lake, Apalachicola National Forest

National Forest Recreation

Hundreds of miles of trails and dozens of campgrounds and recreation areas make the Ocala, Apalachicola, and Osceola National Forests compelling outdoor destinations.

INTERACTIVE MAP

Alexander Springs

Astor   1.2 miles

Surrounding one of Florida's most picturesque first magnitude springs, Alexander Springs is a prime destination for a summer swim or snorkel.

Apalachee Savannas Scenic Byway

In the Apalachicola National Forest, the Apalachee Savannas Scenic Byway is a winding stretch of scenic road through expansive wet flatwoods and open pine savannas

Apalachicola National Forest

Noted for its botanical beauty, the Apalachicola National Forest is the largest National Forest in Florida, sweeping south and west of Tallahassee.

Bear Swamp Trail

Salt Springs   1.3 miles

Little known except to those who frequent Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest, the Bear Swamp Trail provides a walk into an ancient forest.

Camel Lake Loop

Camel Lake Recreation Area   1.3 miles

Explore robust sandhill habitats on a short loop hike around cypress-lined Camel Pond at Camel Lake Recreation Area in the Apalachicola National Forest.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day

The last Saturday of September is National Public Lands Day, celebrated across America with fee-free entry to Federal public lands and volunteer activities at the state, local, and national level.

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area

Paisley   1.3 miles

With a campground and lakeside day use area at the southeast corner of the Ocala National Forest, Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers an easy loop hike and access to the Florida Trail.

Davenport Landing Trail

Salt Springs   0.7 miles

Deep in the Ocala National Forest, the Davenport Landing Trail provides a scenic loop to a historic landing and archaeological site along the Ocklawaha River.

Every Kid Outdoors

Got kids? If any of them are in fourth grade, they can get a free pass to ALL Federal public lands good for the whole family through the end of August. Here's how.

Fanny Bay Trail

Sanderson   1.2 miles

Starting at the westbound Sanderson rest area along Interstate 10, the Fanny Bay Trail leads you through pine flatwoods into a cypress swamp with ancient cypresses.

Florida Trail, Apalachicola

Panacea to Bristol   77.6 miles

In Florida’s largest national forest, this 78 mile segment of the Florida Trail through the Apalachicola means soggy feet and spectacular botanical diversity south of Tallahassee.