TOP 5 HIKING TRAILS IN FLORIDA
With its diverse topography and incredible natural richness, Florida offers hikers of all ability levels the ideal setting for fitness and adventure. Paths that wind around perfectly clear springs, wind through tranquil woodlands, and reveal secluded, sandy beaches may be found. Here are a few that you won’t want to miss.
1- THE FLORIDA TRAIL
This is the greatest hiking trail in the state, and it ranks first on practically everyone’s list. The path is about 1,400 miles long and has been classified as a National Scenic Trail. The objective is for hikers and others to observe Florida’s incredible wildlife, history, and culture. This path connects the Everglades to Pensacola Beach and is one of only eleven National Scenic Trails in the United States.
2- PRAIRIE PAYNES LOOP TRAIL
The Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, located between Micanopy and Gainesville, preserves a vast natural area. One of the greatest paths in the area. Prepare to appreciate the vast Alachua Savannah when hiking in Florida. Bison and wild horses wander freely on the state’s biggest meadow, which spans 22,000 acres. Wildflowers can blanket the fields at times. During the wet season, the prairie might turn into a vast lake. If this is your first visit, start with the South Rim. The Wacahoota Trail leads from here into a hardwood hammock filled with beautiful Southern magnolias. From the viewing tower, you can see wild horses and bison grazing.
3- LITTLE MANATEE RIVER HIKING TRAIL
One of Florida’s best hidden secrets is Wimauma. The Little Manatee River Hiking Trail, created by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Trail Association, is one of the greatest hiking routes in Florida and their masterwork. The river banks and stream bottoms of the Little Manatee River Hiking Trail offer beautiful vistas. You’ll have a great time hiking through the water-carved terrain. With a choice of a 6.5 mile walk or a 3 mile circle, you would like to avoid weekends here because they’re very crowded. Follow the fence line until it turns a left into the forest as signs welcome you to Little Manatee River State Park. The boardwalk is shaded by loblolly bay trees, and ferns sprout through the planks.
4- CITRUS HIKING LOOP
Inverness, located about 40 miles southwest of Ocala, is a natural wonderland surrounded by lush forests and tranquil lakes. It offers more than 40 miles of Florida hiking routes through the Citrus Hiking Loop in the Withlacoochee State Forest, a series of loops ideal for long-distance backpacking training. Day hikers can appreciate shortened loop walks with several entry locations by connecting cross paths. With undulating hills that wander through oak thickets, aromatic longleaf pines, and eye-pleasing craggy hammocks, the terrain may be hard.
5- ANHINGA TRAIL
The Anhinga Trail is one of the first sights most tourists see of the Everglades National Park. The Anhinga Trail, located near the Royal Palm Visitor Center, is one of the greatest Everglades destinations. The Anhinga Trail, which is less than a mile long, is one of the most accessible in the Everglades, also for inexperienced hikers. Kids and pets are welcome, however parents are advised to keep a tight check on their children because predators are close.