Wilderness explorations in Florida

Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park is a sprawling natural oasis located in Naples, Florida. Situated at 810 39th Avenue Northeast, this park offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors. With acres of pristine wilderness to explore, visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and more. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful place to relax or an exciting adventure in nature, Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park has something for everyone.

Crystal Springs Park is a picturesque and serene park located at 10151 Crystal Springs Road in Jacksonville, Florida. This popular tourist attraction is known for its crystal-clear springs, lush greenery, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, birdwatching, and fishing in this beautiful natural setting. The park is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature. With its stunning landscapes and tranquil surroundings, Crystal Springs Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve is a serene oasis located in Wilton Manors, Florida. This beautiful park offers a glimpse into the area's rich history, with historic buildings and artifacts on display. Visitors can explore the lush nature preserve, which is home to a variety of native plant and animal species. The park also features walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground for children. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or learn about the local history, Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor exploration.

Tree Tops Park is a stunning natural oasis located in Davie, Florida. This expansive park covers over 240 acres and is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the lush greenery, winding trails, and serene lakes that make up this picturesque park. With a variety of recreational activities available, such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching, Tree Tops Park offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to relax in the peaceful surroundings or get active in the great outdoors, Tree Tops Park is the perfect destination for a day of fun and adventure.

Girl Scout Camp Wai Lani is a picturesque campground nestled in the heart of Palm Harbor, Florida. Located at 500 Wai Lani Road, this charming retreat offers a variety of lodging options for Girl Scout troops and families looking to connect with nature. With sprawling park grounds, lush greenery, and serene lake views, Camp Wai Lani provides the perfect setting for outdoor adventures and team-building activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent, rent a cabin, or simply enjoy a day of hiking and exploring, this camp has something for everyone. Come experience the beauty and tranquility of Girl Scout Camp Wai Lani and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Silver Springs State Park is a stunning natural oasis located in Silver Springs, Florida. This picturesque park is known for its crystal-clear springs, lush greenery, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the park's many hiking trails, go kayaking or canoeing on the springs, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the underwater world below. The park is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the beauty and tranquility of this unique natural wonder. With its idyllic setting and diverse recreational opportunities, Silver Springs State Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Diamond Oaks Farm Lodging & FL Dude Ranch is a unique institution located in Ocala, Florida. We offer a variety of lodging options including hotel suites, vacation homes, RV lodgings, and stays at our dude ranch. Our guests can relax, reset, and recharge surrounded by horses and nature. We recommend booking your stay soon, especially for weekends, holidays, and winter short and long term stays as we fill up fast. Guests can enjoy immersive stays or day trips for horseback and carriage riding. We offer discounted horse activities for lodging guests and weekday lodging rate discounts for stays Sunday through Thursday nights.

Salt Marsh Trails - Crystal River Wildlife Refuge Complex Trailhead is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 6112 South Mason Creek Road in Homosassa, Florida, United States. This stunning institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful salt marshes and crystal-clear waters of the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge Complex. The trailhead provides access to a network of scenic trails that wind through the lush landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. Whether you're looking to hike, bird watch, or simply relax and take in the sights and sounds of nature, Salt Marsh Trails is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Weekiwachee Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located at 2345 Osowaw Boulevard in Spring Hill, Florida. This park is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Florida wilderness. With its lush vegetation, crystal-clear springs, and diverse wildlife, Weekiwachee Preserve provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking to hike, birdwatch, or simply relax in nature, this park has something for everyone. Come and experience the tranquility and serenity of Weekiwachee Preserve for yourself.

Withlacoochee State Forest is a sprawling natural wonder located in Brooksville, Florida. Covering over 157,479 acres, this park is a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The forest features a variety of ecosystems, including pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and hardwood forests, making it a haven for wildlife and plant species. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping. Withlacoochee State Forest offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors to connect with nature and explore the beauty of Florida's wilderness.

Girl Scouts Camp Wildwood is located at 9583 County Road 223 in Wildwood, Florida, United States. This campground and lodging facility offers a unique opportunity for girls to learn and grow in a natural setting. At Girl Scouts Camp Wildwood, girls can participate in a variety of activities that promote courage, confidence, and character building. Visitors can learn more about the Girl Scouts organization and how to get involved, either by joining a troop or going solo. The Fall Sweets & Treats Program allows girls to explore different cookie flavors and learn important life skills through selling cookies. Those interested in supporting Girl Scouts can donate locally or participate in special programs.

Flat Island Preserve is a botanical oasis located at 2388 Owens Road in Leesburg, Florida. Established to protect native plants, this 2,300-acre preserve offers hikers and paddlers the chance to immerse themselves in the lush wilderness of the Okahumpa Marsh. The preserve features three trails, with the Daubenmire Trail being the oldest and most popular, spanning 3.7 miles of loops. The trail was built and is maintained by volunteers from the Florida Trail Association. Visitors can explore a variety of ecosystems, from hardwood hammocks to hydric hammocks, and may even spot unique plant species like greenfly orchids and collybia mushrooms. The preserve also offers camping and canoeing opportunities, with permits required for both activities. With its rich botanical diversity and scenic trails, Flat Island Preserve is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts in Central Florida.

The US Forest Service, Ocala National Forest is a sprawling park located at 17147 Florida 40 in Silver Springs, Florida. This institution is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural beauty and resources of the Ocala National Forest. Visitors can explore over 600 square miles of lush forests, crystal-clear springs, and abundant wildlife. The park offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an exciting outdoor adventure, the US Forest Service, Ocala National Forest has something for everyone.

Lake George State Forest is a breathtaking natural oasis located in De Leon Springs, Florida. Covering over 21,000 acres of pristine wilderness, this park is a popular tourist attraction for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors can explore miles of hiking and biking trails, fish in the serene lake, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning views. With its diverse wildlife and lush vegetation, Lake George State Forest is the perfect destination for a peaceful retreat into nature.

Little Manatee River State Park, located at 215 Lightfoot Road in Wimauma, Florida, is a hidden gem in Hillsborough County. This park is a nature lover's paradise, with rare ecosystems such as sand pine and oak scrub, oxbow wetlands, and the beautiful Little Manatee River flowing through it. Designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, the river is part of the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and camping. The park features a 6.5-mile hiking trail loop in the wilderness area, as well as a 1-mile Oxbow Nature Trail along the main river.

Alderman's Ford Conservation Park, located at 9625 Canoe Launch Road in Lithia, Florida, is a historic site that offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The park was named after settler James Alderman, who built his homestead near the Alafia River in 1848. One of the main attractions at Alderman's Ford Conservation Park is a 1.9 mile paved loop that follows the north and south prongs of the Alafia River, which is a popular spot for canoeing. The loop is also perfect for hiking, dog walking, and biking, with boardwalks and foot bridges that lead through shaded woods filled with cypress and oak trees.

Back Trail Adventures of Flo is a premier travel agency located in Lake Wales, Florida. Situated at 14248 Camp Mack Road, this institution specializes in organizing unique and unforgettable outdoor adventures for all types of travelers. Whether you're looking to explore the hidden gems of the Florida wilderness or embark on an adrenaline-pumping excursion, Back Trail Adventures of Flo has you covered. With a team of experienced guides and a passion for exploration, this agency is dedicated to providing top-notch service and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Book your next adventure with Back Trail Adventures of Flo and discover the beauty of the great outdoors in Florida.

Myakka Wildlife Tours is a popular tourist attraction and travel agency located at 13208 State Road 72 in Sarasota, Florida, United States. This institution offers exciting boat and tram tours through the beautiful Myakka River State Park, allowing visitors to experience the diverse wildlife and stunning natural scenery of the area. On busy days, boats run every hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing plenty of opportunities for guests to explore the park. However, please note that high water levels may occasionally prohibit tram tours, especially during the summer months.

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is a stunning natural oasis located at 12301 Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda, Florida. This expansive park spans over 45,387 acres and is home to more than 100 miles of pristine shoreline along Charlotte Harbor in Charlotte and Lee counties. As the third largest Florida State Park, it offers a diverse range of natural habitats including mangrove forests, marshes, scrub habitats, and pine flatwoods. Visitors to Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife observation. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with opportunities to spot wading birds, manatees, dolphins, and other wildlife along the shallow waters fringed by mangroves.

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park North Cape Flats Trail is a stunning natural oasis located in Cape Coral, Florida. Covering an impressive 45,387 acres, this park is the third largest in the state of Florida and offers visitors a chance to explore over 100 miles of pristine shoreline along Charlotte Harbor. Visitors to the park can partake in a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife observation. The park boasts diverse natural habitats including mangrove forests, marshes, scrublands, and pine flatwoods, making it a haven for a wide range of plant and animal species. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy the chance to spot wading birds, manatees, dolphins, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Naples, Florida. This park and tourist attraction offers visitors a chance to explore a pristine cypress swamp and see a variety of wildlife up close. From towering cypress trees to colorful birds, this sanctuary is a must-see for nature lovers. For a seamless experience, we recommend purchasing your tickets online before your visit. Located at 375 Sanctuary Road West, Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a peaceful retreat in the heart of Florida's wilderness.

Collier-Seminole State Park, located at 20200 Tamiami Trail East in Naples, Florida, is a 7,271-acre park that showcases the unique blend of temperate and tropical plant communities found in the great mangrove swamp of South Florida. Home to a variety of wildlife, including several imperiled species, the park features rare royal palm stands and extensive mangrove swamps. Visitors to Collier-Seminole State Park can explore the park's wilderness on several trails, including the Prairie Hammock Trail, Flatwoods Trail, and river trail. The park is also home to the last existing Bay City Walking Dredge, a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark used in the construction of the Tamiami Trail Highway.

Serenity Walk Park is a tranquil oasis located at 8962 Collier Boulevard in Naples, Florida. This peaceful park offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. Visitors can admire the lush greenery, colorful flowers, and serene ponds as they explore the well-maintained walking paths. Serenity Walk Park is a popular tourist attraction for those looking to unwind and connect with nature in the heart of Southwest Florida.

The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve Park Office/Ranger Station is located at 137 34117 Coast Line Drive in Naples, Florida, United States. This institution serves as the main entrance to the largest state park in Florida, the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve. The park is a popular tourist attraction known for its unique plant and animal species that cannot be found anywhere else in the continental U.S. Visitors to the park may experience slight delays entering due to maintenance at the main entrance starting March 13, 2024. The emphasis at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve is on preserving its natural character, offering visitors a wilderness to explore and enjoy. The park is divided into four main use areas, each with its own trails and attractions such as the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, East River, Jones Grade lakes, and Janes Memorial Scenic Drive.

Located at 137 Coast Line Drive in Copeland, Florida, the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers. As the largest state park in Florida, Fakahatchee is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species that are unique to this area. Visitors to the park can expect a focus on preserving the natural character of the area, with limited facilities and activities available to ensure a true wilderness experience. The park is divided into four main use areas, including the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, East River, Jones Grade lakes, and Janes Memorial Scenic Drive.

Fire Prairie Trail is located in Ochopee, Florida, within the Big Cypress National Preserve. This park and tourist attraction offers a scenic hiking and biking trail through the grasslands of the Deep Lake Backcountry Unit. The trailhead is easily accessible from Turner River Road, although the road can be dusty and may require a car wash afterwards. The trail itself is flat and smooth, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The terrain transitions from forested areas to open prairie, where hikers can enjoy views of pine trees and palmetto bushes. While the scenery may not change much along the trail, it offers a peaceful and serene natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts.

Big Cypress National Preserve, located at 33100 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee, Florida, is a vast park and tourist attraction dedicated to preserving the unique ecosystem of the Big Cypress Swamp. This preserve plays a crucial role in supporting the health of the neighboring Everglades and the marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Covering over 729,000 acres, Big Cypress National Preserve is home to a diverse range of tropical and temperate plant communities, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife including the endangered Florida panther. Visitors can explore the preserve through swamp tours, ranger chats, and canoe rendezvous, gaining a deeper understanding of this important ecosystem.

Kirby Storter Roadside Park is a must-stop tourist attraction located at 48900 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee, Florida. This park offers a welcome break for travelers looking to stretch their legs and explore the natural beauty of the Big Cypress area. Named after Kirby Storter, a member of a pioneering family in the region, the park features a one-mile boardwalk trail that takes visitors through a cypress swamp and sawgrass prairie habitat. Visitors can enjoy shaded picnic areas, a vault toilet, and the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, reptiles, and mammals. The highlight of the trail is the overlook at a gator hole, where you may catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Don't forget your camera, as the boardwalk offers plenty of photo opportunities.

Otter Cave Hammock Trail is a must-visit destination within the breathtaking Everglades National Park in Miami, Florida. As the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, the park is home to a diverse range of rare and endangered species, making it a crucial habitat for wildlife conservation. Visitors to Otter Cave Hammock Trail can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Everglades while enjoying a variety of ranger-led programs and activities. From easy walks to evening talks, hikes, and paddling tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, park partners and concessions offer tour options for those looking to explore the park with knowledgeable naturalists.

Everglades National Park Tours offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Everglades National Park. Located in Miami, Florida, this tourist attraction provides guided tours led by knowledgeable experts who will educate and entertain guests with fascinating information about the park's ecosystem and inhabitants. Whether you choose an airboat ride through the marshes or a guided hike through the lush forests, Everglades National Park Tours promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Don't miss the chance to discover the beauty and wonder of one of America's most treasured national parks.