State trail nature walks in Florida

Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is a unique and beautiful park located in Key Largo, Florida. Originally planned as a condominium development, this park now preserves one of the largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the country. With 84 protected species of plants and animals, including the American crocodile, wild cotton, and mahogany mistletoe, visitors have the opportunity to explore and discover the diverse flora and fauna of the area. The park offers over six miles of nature trails, perfect for birdwatching, photography, and leisurely walks. The paved trails are accessible to bicycles and wheelchairs, making it easy for visitors of all abilities to enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Self-guided nature trails are marked with informative signs about the ecosystem and wildlife, while ranger-guided tours are also available for a more in-depth experience.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is a unique destination in Islamorada, Florida, where visitors can explore the ancient coral formations that make up the park. Originally used as a quarry for building materials, this park now offers a glimpse into Florida's history and natural beauty. Visitors can walk along the quarry walls, reaching heights of 8 feet, to see the cross sections of the fossilized coral. The park also features five short self-guided trails, perfect for leisurely strolls through the island's natural landscape.

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, located at 2860 Ponce De Leon Springs Road in Ponce de Leon, Florida, is a popular tourist attraction with high visitation during the summer months. The park is named after Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer who led the first expedition to Florida in search of the fountain of youth in 1513. The main spring at the park produces 14 million gallons of water daily and maintains a constant temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Visitors to Ponce de Leon Springs State Park can enjoy leisurely walks along self-guided nature trails, learn about the local ecology and wildlife, and participate in seasonal guided walks led by park rangers. Picnicking, fishing for catfish, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish, and enjoying the park's grills and pavilions are popular activities for visitors.

Big Lagoon State Park, located at 12301 Gulf Beach Highway in Pensacola, Florida, is a diverse natural oasis offering a range of outdoor activities. From saltwater tidal marshes to pine flatwoods, the park attracts a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching during migration seasons. Effective February 1, 2025, the campground at Big Lagoon State Park will be closed for renovations until August 1, 2025. However, visitors can still enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and paddling during this time.

The Blackwater Heritage State Trail Parking Lot is a convenient and safe place for visitors to park their vehicles before exploring the beautiful natural surroundings of the Blackwater River State Forest. Located at 5969 Munson Highway in Milton, Florida, this park offers easy access to the scenic walking and biking trails of the Blackwater Heritage State Trail. With ample parking space and well-maintained facilities, visitors can enjoy a day of outdoor recreation and relaxation in this tranquil setting. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or birdwatching adventure, the Blackwater Heritage State Trail Parking Lot is the perfect starting point for your outdoor excursion.

The Soundside Foundation Nature Preserve is a beautiful park located at 4335 Soundside Drive in Gulf Breeze, Florida, United States. This tranquil and scenic preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Soundside waterfront, this nature preserve is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a peaceful picnic, or simply take in the sights and sounds of nature, the Soundside Foundation Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Glenwood Park Nature Trail is a serene and picturesque park located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature with its well-maintained trails and lush greenery. The park is perfect for leisurely walks, birdwatching, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Glenwood Park Nature Trail is the perfect destination for a relaxing day out in nature.

The Florida Trail Red Rock Trailhead Red Clay Cliffs is a beautiful park located at 10090 Red Rock Road in Milton, Florida. This institution offers stunning views of the red clay cliffs and provides access to the Florida Trail for hiking enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful and scenic walk through nature, surrounded by the unique landscape of red rock formations. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, this park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure and exploration.

The Blackwater Heritage State Trail Milton Trailhead is located at 6715 Elva Street in Milton, Florida, United States. This park is the starting point for the 8.1-mile paved trail that winds through the historic town of Milton and into the countryside. The trail features wooden bridges crossing creeks and beautiful native wildflowers along the way. Designated as a National Recreation Trail, this paved trail is perfect for biking, running, walking, and skating, as well as picnicking and bird-watching. Equestrians can use the paved trail or the unpaved shoulder, but are prohibited on the Military Heritage Trail. The trail extends north to join the U.S. Navy's Military Heritage Trail, ending at Naval Air Station Whiting Field. The Elva Street Trailhead offers parking, restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and a playground. Visit the visitor center approximately one mile from the trailhead for more information and amenities.

The Florida Trail Pensacola Beach Dog Park Trailhead is a scenic and pet-friendly park located at Florida 399 in Pensacola Beach, Florida, United States. This trailhead serves as the starting point for the Florida Trail, offering a beautiful and peaceful setting for dog owners to enjoy a leisurely walk or hike with their furry companions. With well-maintained trails and stunning views of the surrounding nature, visitors can explore the area and bond with their pets in a serene environment. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll or a more challenging hike, the Florida Trail Pensacola Beach Dog Park Trailhead is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and their four-legged friends.

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, located at 4281 Florida 20 in Niceville, Florida, is a stunning natural landscape that was once a WWII gunnery and bombing practice range. The park is shaded by majestic longleaf pines, some of which are over 300 years old. The centerpiece of the park is Rocky Bayou, a trailing arm of Choctawhatchee Bay, which is popular for boating and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, and observing the diverse wildlife communities that call the park home.

Turkey Creek Walk is a charming park and tourist attraction located in Niceville, Florida, United States. Situated at 340 West John Sims Parkway, this serene retreat offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. With lush greenery, winding trails, and a peaceful creek running through the park, Turkey Creek Walk is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous hike, this park has something for everyone. Come and experience the tranquility and beauty of Turkey Creek Walk today!

The hiking trail head at 15700 Bowlegs Reef in Pensacola, Florida is the perfect starting point for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. This park offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels, from easy strolls to challenging treks. With stunning views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities to spot local wildlife, the hiking trail head is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to connect with nature. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk in the great outdoors, this institution has something for everyone.

Nature Trail is a serene park located at 357 Main Park Road in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, United States. This institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore and connect with the natural beauty of the area through a variety of walking and hiking trails. With lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and diverse wildlife, Nature Trail provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, this park has something for everyone to enjoy. Come and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature at Nature Trail.

Fanning Springs State Park, located at U.S. Highway 19 in Fanning Springs, Florida, is a popular tourist attraction that offers a refreshing escape along the Suwannee River. The park features a second-magnitude spring that produces 65 million gallons of water daily, providing a perfect spot to cool off on hot days and observe underwater wildlife such as musk turtles, bass, and manatees. Visitors can enjoy picnicking under majestic live oaks, playing volleyball on the white sand court, and exploring a boardwalk through a cypress swamp with towering cypress knees. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, gray squirrels, and red-shouldered hawks.

The Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail is a picturesque park located on Grove Street in Cedar Key, Florida, United States. This tranquil trail follows the path of an old railroad trestle, offering visitors a peaceful and scenic walk through lush greenery and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, this park is a great spot for a relaxing stroll or a leisurely picnic. Come explore the Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this charming Florida town.

Big Cypress Boardwalk Trail is a stunning nature trail located within the Goethe State Forest in Morriston, Florida. This park offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings, with a winding boardwalk that takes you through the cypress swamp and wetlands. The trail is perfect for nature lovers, bird watchers, and photographers looking to capture the beauty of Florida's diverse ecosystem. Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk in the woods or a chance to spot some wildlife, the Big Cypress Boardwalk Trail is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Located at 128 North Ozello Trail in Crystal River, Florida, the Ozello - Marsh Walk Park Gate Crystal River Preserve is a must-visit institution for nature lovers. This park offers visitors the chance to explore one of Florida's most diverse estuaries, where freshwater and saltwater mix to create a unique ecosystem. Spanning over 27,500 acres, the Crystal River Preserve is a mosaic of scrub, pinewoods, hardwood forests, salt marshes, and mangrove islands. Much of the land remains untouched, providing a glimpse into the area's natural state centuries ago.

Gary Maidhof Walk to Nature is a picturesque park located at 12835 West Fort Island Trail in Crystal River, Florida. This serene and tranquil setting offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying a leisurely stroll along the winding pathways. The park features lush greenery, native plant species, and a variety of wildlife, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a place to connect with the natural world, Gary Maidhof Walk to Nature provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

North Anclote River Nature Park is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 467 Dixie Highway in Tarpon Springs, Florida, United States. This serene park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, with lush greenery, winding trails, and stunning views of the North Anclote River. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with family and friends, or simply relax and unwind in a peaceful setting, North Anclote River Nature Park is the perfect destination. Come and explore this hidden gem in Tarpon Springs and experience the tranquility and beauty of the great outdoors.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park West Entrance is a must-visit destination located at 9225 West Fishbowl Drive in Homosassa, Florida, United States. This park offers a unique opportunity to discover the wild side of Florida, featuring endangered species such as the Florida panther, red wolf, manatee, and whooping crane, as well as black bears, bobcats, and alligators. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the park, including the stunning spring bowl where a variety of fresh and saltwater fish can be observed. The Underwater Observatory allows guests to "walk underwater" and observe fish and manatees in their natural habitat. The park also houses a range of captive animals, including alligators, black bears, red wolves, Key deer, flamingos, whooping cranes, and even the oldest hippopotamus in captivity.

Bolen Bluff Trail is a picturesque park located in Micanopy, Florida, United States. This institution offers a scenic hiking trail that winds through lush forests and along the edge of a bluff overlooking the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful and serene environment while exploring the natural beauty of the area. With its diverse flora and fauna, Bolen Bluff Trail is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Located at 64 West Citrus Springs Boulevard in Citrus Springs, Florida, the Withlacoochee State Trail - South Citrus Springs Trailhead is a popular park that serves as the starting point for the Withlacoochee State Trail. This trail is one of the longest paved rail-trails in Florida, spanning 47 miles and offering a flat terrain that is perfect for cycling, running, walking, and skating. The trail provides access to a variety of recreational activities for all skill levels, including an unpaved equestrian trail that runs parallel to the paved trail. As part of the Florida Greenways and Trail System, the Withlacoochee State Trail is also designated as a National Recreation Trail, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Withlacoochee State Forest - Tucker Hill Day Use Area is a picturesque park located in Brooksville, Florida, United States. This beautiful institution offers a serene and peaceful setting for visitors to enjoy a day out in nature. With hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views, it is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to relax and unwind. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll through the forest or have a family picnic, Tucker Hill Day Use Area has something for everyone. Come and experience the beauty of Withlacoochee State Forest at this charming day use area.

Fenney Nature Trail is a serene and picturesque park located in Wildwood, Florida, United States. This institution offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of nature, with winding trails that meander through lush forests and scenic landscapes. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, birdwatch, or simply relax and unwind, Fenney Nature Trail provides the perfect setting for outdoor exploration and enjoyment. With its diverse wildlife and stunning natural surroundings, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Withlacoochee State Trail - Owensboro Junction Trailhead is a beautiful park located in Dade City, Florida, United States. This trailhead serves as a starting point for visitors looking to explore the Withlacoochee State Trail, a scenic trail that stretches for 46 miles through the heart of Florida. The park offers ample parking, restrooms, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy before embarking on their outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or run, Withlacoochee State Trail - Owensboro Junction Trailhead is the perfect place to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

The Florida Trail Withlacoochee State Trail - Ridge Manor Trailhead is located along the Withlacoochee State Trail in Brooksville, Florida. This 47-mile paved rail-trail is one of the longest in the state, offering a flat terrain and multiple access points for cycling, running, walking, and skating. The trail also features an unpaved equestrian trail that runs parallel to parts of the paved trail. Traversing three counties, the trail takes you through small towns, ranches, and six distinct natural communities, providing a varied and enjoyable journey. Designated as part of the Florida Greenways and Trail System and a National Recreation Trail, the Withlacoochee State Trail offers rich opportunities for viewing plants and wildlife, as well as access to outstanding recreational opportunities.

Withlacoochee Bay Trail is a beautiful park located in Inglis, Florida, United States. This scenic trail offers stunning views of the Withlacoochee Bay and is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and birdwatching. The trail is well-maintained and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while getting some exercise and fresh air. Withlacoochee Bay Trail is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Inglis area.

Woods-N-Water Trails RV Community is a cozy lodging option located at 1325 Bay Road in Mount Dora, Florida. This RV park offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Guests can enjoy free boat docking, a resort-style swimming pool, and a community clubhouse with laundry facilities, showers, and a computer. Private mailboxes are available for convenience, and the community is pet-friendly with a spacious dog-walking area. Each site at Woods-N-Water Trails RV Community comes with concrete patios for outdoor relaxation. Year-round lawn care ensures a beautiful and well-maintained environment. For an additional monthly fee, guests can access storage for boats, trailers, and other vehicles. The community also features a well-equipped wood working shop for those who enjoy crafting.

Cypress Creek Nature Preserve in Tampa, Florida, is a 2500-acre park and tourist attraction that is part of a wildlife corridor stretching into Pasco and Polk Counties. The preserve is home to various natural habitats including hardwood forests, swamps, pine flatwoods, wet prairies, cypress stands, and freshwater marshes. Cypress Creek drains into the Hillsborough River, providing important water quality benefits to the region. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the preserve by hiking through the trails, with a walk-through gate located just southwest of the parking area. Pavilions are available on a first-come basis for picnics and gatherings. Explore the diverse ecosystems and wildlife at Cypress Creek Nature Preserve.