Hiking

Walking along our trails is a great way to experience the forest, especially in the fall, winter and spring. The heat and mosquitoes often put a damper on even the shortest hike during the summer. All three national forests offer a variety of opportunities from short, interpretive trails at developed recreation areas to long-distance backpacking along the Florida National Scenic Trail. Visitors can hike anywhere on the forest, on or off trail. Grab your water bottle and start stepping today!

Backpacking

Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family picnic, there are many ways to make sure that your experience is fun and safe.

• Be prepared
• Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. Tailor your kit to your family's special needs.
• Learn ABC - Airway, Breathing, & Circulation. Know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
• Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, you should also have a map of the area, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, water-purifying tablets, and insect repellant.

Day Hikes

Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Visit your forest’s ranger district office, our All Maps page, or National Forest Store to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest. 

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Recreation Opportunities

Backpacking (20)

Day Hikes (33)

Hiking (13)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 48 results

Alexander Springs Recreation Area

Site Open

   Only 27 first-magnitude springs exist in Florida, and Alexander Springs is by far one of the easiest to enjoy. A broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool is a constant 72°F and…

Alexander Springs Wilderness

Site Open

Encompassing 7,941 acres, this wilderness area between Alexander Springs and Lake Dexter - one of the many lakes in the St. Johns River chain of lakes - is a trackless place, with a paddle down the…

Apalachicola National Forest

Site Open

 The Apalachicola National Forest is home to some of the most unique animal and plant species in the world. Here, visitors can enjoy safe, family-friendly activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking…

Big Gum Swamp Wilderness

Site Temporarily Closed

 This large, nearly level area consists primarily of a poorly drained to very poorly drained freshwater swamp of cypress and gum. The surface is a thick, spongy mat of organic material, sluggishly…

Bradwell Bay Wilderness

Site Open

 A swamp thick with titi trees, distinguished by their leathery leaves and fragrant white flowers, dominates the second largest Wilderness in Florida. Here, you'll also find a swampland of hardwoods…

Buck Lake Group Camp

Site Open

 Looking for a secluded camping spot, which can be reserved by a group (for up to 50 people)?The Buck Lake Group Camp provides primitive camping for large groups.BoatingSemi-private boating with…

Camel Lake Recreation Area

Site Open

 Surrounding one of the few crystal-clear lakes in the Apalachicola National Forest, Camel Lake Recreation Area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest.…

Camel Lake Trail

Site Open

If you want to go for an easy walk near the Camel Lake Recreation Area, then this 1-mile loop trail is for you. This gentle exploration of upland areas around Camel Pond starts and ends at the…

Clear Lake Wilderness Study Area

Site Open

 Designated by Congress in the Florida Wilderness Act of 1983, Clear Lake Wilderness Study Area could be considered "the future of wilderness." Wilderness study areas have many of the same…

Clearwater Lake Nature Trail

Site Open

The Clearwater Lake Nature Trail is a 1.3-mile loop starting at the day use area. It is an easy walk that traverses the major habitats around the lake, including pine flatwoods, freshwater marsh…