Trail Highlights
Threading its way from the sugar sand beaches of Gulf Islands National Seashore in the Florida Panhandle to the cypress domes of Big Cypress National Preserve in the Everglades, the Florida Trail connects the state's most outstanding scenic, natural, cultural, and historic resources. Explore below to read about the top destinations on the Florida Trail with links to the respective trailheads.
Panhandle
Gulf Islands National Seashore is the Northern Terminus of the Florida Trail and home to the only National Scenic Trail beach hike in the nation. Get immersed in colonial history at Fort Pickens, search for wildlife along Santa Rosa Sound, or simply enjoy the white quartz beaches on Florida's Gulf coast.
Learn more here and find directions to a nearby Northern Terminus.
Econfina Creek Wildlife Management Area, co-managed with the Northwest Water Management District, travels along bluffs, deep ravines, and first magnitude springs. Cross two of the trail’s largest suspension bridges, while strolling along beautiful, spring-fed Econfina Creek.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is world renowned for the more than 300 species of migratory birds who find habitat here. A trip here is not complete without a visit to the 2nd oldest lighthouse in Florida, or a hike along the abundant salt marshes throughout the refuge. Make sure to bring binoculars!
North Florida
Suwannee River is considered an artery of Northern Florida, providing stunning views of sandy beaches, Florida springs, and even whitewater rapids. The Florida Trail follows conservation lands along the river for more than 60 miles, intersecting with everything from Florida folk culture to secluded swimming holes. There are many land manager entities along the Suwannee River, you can explore our map to see which area you want to explore!
Learn more about one of the many parks along the Suwannee River here and find a nearby trailhead.
Central Florida
The Ocala National Forest is known as the heart of the Florida Trail. From shady wilderness hikes through hydric hammocks or open prairies filled with wildflowers, the Ocala NF is known for its diversity of ecosystems and recreation experiences. Don’t leave without jumping into sparkling Alexander Springs.
Learn more here and find a nearby trailhead.
Withlacoochee State Forest is known for its abundant wildlife and challenging loop hikes, which have helped many outdoor enthusiasts train for the Appalachian Trail. The “crooked river” connecting its three large tracts helped this location earn the title of “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Been in North America” by the World Wildlife Fund.
South Florida
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is one of South Florida’s premier locations for birding, wildlife viewing, and stargazing as a designated Dark Sky Park. Discover this successful restoration project and the vast biodiversity of the state’s largest dry prairie by foot, bike, or horse.
Lake Okeechobee is the 2nd largest freshwater lake in the continental United States, encircled by 113 miles of the Florida Trail. Whether you take a paved levee walk around its eastern shore or explore the more remote marshlands to the west, make sure you’re there in time for an unforgettable sunrise.
Big Cypress National Preserve is often noted as the most remote wilderness hike on the Florida Trail. Get your feet wet while you trek through cypress groves in search of rare ghost orchids, migratory bird populations, or even a glimpse of the endangered Florida panther.
Learn more here and explore the Southern Terminus.