Whether it’s from the top of a five-level observation tower or at ground level with the land crabs, Anne Kolb Nature Center focuses on the urban mangrove forest that it protects and interprets
Observation towers in Florida
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
At the edge of Boynton Beach, where historic farmlands have given way to subdivisions, Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a 145,000 acre buffer between suburbia and the Everglades
Bayard Conservation Area
Bayard Conservation Area preserves an untouched riverfront forest on the St. Johns River. Follow this route through the John P. Hall Nature Preserve to visit the river
Big Lagoon Hiking Trails
Near Perdido Key, Big Lagoon State Park is best known for its (really big) lagoon, but the scenic trail system through the scrub is a delight for hardy hikers, involving much trekking through soft white sand.
Boca Ciega Millennium Park
With its highlight an observation tower providing you a sweeping view of Boca Ciega Bay, Boca Ciega Millenium Park is a popular family-friendly getaway in Pinellas County
Cabbage Key Nature Trail
Hike the Cabbage Key Nature Trail for a step back in time on an island known for its great cheeseburgers and layers of mystery, from Calusa times to a mystery writer’s family retreat
Cary Nature Trail
In the vast mosaic of pines and cypress swamp west of Jacksonville protected by Cary State Forest, the 1.4 mile Cary Nature Trail makes a great family outing
Centennial Trail
Designed the first Federal Bird Reserve in 1903, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge celebrated its century mark by creating this short, scenic, accessible trail for birding
Clay Island Trail
Expect plenty of birds in the marshes where farms are being restored to wetlands along a segment of the Lake Apopka Loop Trail with its own series of cross trails
CREW Corkscrew Marsh
Explore the northwestern boundary of Corkscrew Marsh – one corner of a massive conservation area surrounding Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and protecting the watershed feeding the swamp – on a series of trails that traverses through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, and palm hammocks.
Cruickshank Trail
The longest hiking trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the 4.8-mile Allan Cruickshank Memorial Trail loops out to the Indian River Lagoon.
Daggerwing Nature Center
Behind Daggerwing Nature Center in busy South County Regional Park, an accessible boardwalk trail leads you into a remnant of tropical habitat with ancient trees.