Hiking

Enjoy the beauty of west-central Florida at its best by hiking on miles of natural trails.

Take a Hike

District lands are open for hiking and related activities that can be enjoyed on foot, such as nature study, bird watching, outdoor photography, jogging and backpacking. Most trails are located on old roadbeds and have a natural surface that changes constantly depending on weather and soil conditions. Hikers should expect trail conditions that may be seasonally wet, dry and sandy, or may even require fording shallow creeks.

Trails are primarily multiuse and are also open for horseback riding and bicycling. Some lands have single-track, hiking-only trails or paved trails that provide unique hiking experiences. Check the individual property descriptions for specific details.

The Florida National Scenic Trail, located in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, is the premier hiking trail on District lands. This 35-mile, hiking-only trail provides opportunities for day hikes and multiple-day backpacking trips through more than 110,000 acres of natural lands. Maintained by Florida Trail Association volunteers, information on the trail can be obtained by calling 1-877-HIKE-FLA or online at FloridaTrail.org. The 1,400-mile Florida Trail network winds through District lands on its way from the Big Cypress National Preserve in south Florida to Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola. These single-track, hiking-only trails provide great opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy a solitary experience in a natural setting.

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Best Opportunities

Virtually all District lands have hiking trails to explore. Below are some trails chosen for their unique experience.