University of Florida

Trail Hiking

Off the Beaten Path

 

Where to Go

Take a hike to discover Florida's natural wonders! Trails and nature walks can give you a chance to explore caverns, wetlands, hardwood forests, undeveloped beachfronts, whitewater rapids, and more.

Hiking Florida's Trails

Florida's trails vary widely across the state and within each park—ranging from grassy paths to wooden boardwalks to paved walkways. Before you go hiking, make sure that you have appropriate gear for the terrain.

With Florida's sporadic weather, call the park to make sure the weather conditions are suitable for hiking, too.

Wildlife & Plants

As you hike, you may see some of the animals, plants, and insects chosen to be Florida's state symbols. While some of these creatures, such as poison ivy and alligators, should be avoided, others, such as mockingbirds, zebra butterflies, and coreopsis flowers, provide lovely sights and sounds along the trail.

Many of Florida's animals and plants are protected under state laws. Do not interact with wildlife, and do not pick or disturb plants. These laws are for your safety, and they help protect Florida's plants and wildlife for future generations.

What To Look For

Animals

Squirrels and rabbits can often be seen along Florida trails. While other animals, such as deer, hogs, and panthers, may be hidden, you may find their tracks along the path.

Keep your eyes and ears open for Florida's many species of birds. In addition to bird calls, you may hear the distinctive sound of woodpeckers digging into trees in search of bugs to eat.

Plants

Depending on the season, you will probably see wildflowers along the trail. Try making a game of identifying these plants as you walk. See our lists of common native wildflowers to aid your observation.

Insects

Look for butterflies. These colorful insects can often be found around Florida's wildflowers. Several state parks feature butterfly gardens in addition to hiking trails.

What To Avoid

In general, do not approach any wildlife you may see on the trail. Animals that feel threatened may become aggressive and attack. Besides being dangerous, it is also illegal to feed some animals, such as alligators.

Animals

Raccoons and opossums may look cuddly, but these animals can be very fierce if approached. If you are camping, be sure to store food in locked containers and to dispose trash properly.

Although alligators look slow and clumsy, they can move very quickly over land. Do not approach these animals under any circumstances!

Florida also has a number of venomous snakes. To avoid being bitten, do not approach or handle any snakes that you may see along the trail.

Plants

Beware of poison ivy, oak, sumac, and other poisonous plants. The most common of these—poison ivy—is often found at the edges of trails, along old fences, and deep in the woods.

All parts of these plants—leaves, stems, and roots—are poisonous at all times. You can even be poisoned indirectly if sap from the leaves or stems rubs onto your clothes or equipment. See Poisonous Plants for information about identifying these plants.

Insects

Florida's warm climate makes the state an ideal location for insect life. Until cooler winter weather sets in, you are likely to encounter mosquitoes, biting flies, and gnats (also called "no-see-ums"). Bring insect repellent with you, as well as an anti-itch product in case you do get bitten.

To avoid picking up ticks along the trail, tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your boots. Wear tick repellent, and try not to sit down in bushy areas.

Do not disturb nests or hives—this will anger the insects and cause them to attack. If you do disturb a nest of flying insects and are stung, run away to a safe distance, then seek treatment.

Food & Water on the Trail

Drink plenty of water while hiking. Dehydration can make you think less clearly, putting you at risk. Bring water that you know is safe to drink. If you choose to drink water from streams or ponds along the trail, you must filter, boil, or chemically treat it first.

In sealed bags or containers, pack nonperishable items and food that does not need to be kept cold. Many of Florida's parks only allow campfires in designated areas, so you may not be able to cook on the trail. Check with the park first and pack accordingly.

Pick up after yourself as you hike. Open food wrappers will attract animals, and trash spoils the environment for others.

Safety

What to Bring

  • Map and a compass
    Always pack these in addition to your guidebooks.
  • Water
    Bring more than you think you will need; in case you need to drink from streams along the trail, bring a filter or chemical treatment.
  • Food
    Bring more than you think you will need.
  • Warm clothes and rain gear
    Even if the weather is hot, dress in layers and pack warm clothing and extra socks. Always pack rain gear, since Florida weather is unpredictable.
  • First-aid kit
    Be sure to bring along bandages, antiseptic, anti-itch medication, sunscreen, and sunburn ointment.
  • Whistle
    The piercing sound of a whistle carries farther and takes less energy than shouting—three blasts is the international call for help.
  • Flashlight
    Before you set out on the trail, make sure that your flashlight works. Don't forgot to pack extra batteries and an extra bulb.
  • Fire starter and waterproof matches
    Check the park rules before building a fire.
  • Sharp knife
    You can use the knife to cut through underbrush if you should get lost.

Before You Leave

Familiarize yourself with a map of the trail and the surrounding area and make sure that your compass is reliable. Other navigational equipment, such as a GPS locator, can also help you find your way. You may want to bring your cellphone, walkie-talkie, or other short-range radio.

Leave a travel plan with your family or friends. Include a copy of the route you plan to take and an estimate of when you expect to return.

On the Trail

To preserve the environment, try to make as little impact as possible. Take pictures, but do not remove anything from the trail. Do not leave trash on the trail.

If you get lost, do not panic. Use your map and compass to orient yourself, and use the whistle to call attention to yourself.

After the Hike

Before you leave the trail site, check your clothing and equipment for plants or insects that you may have picked up along the way. Several woodland plants produce seeds with burrs, hooks, or hairs that can cling to your clothes and hitch a ride. Insects, such as ticks and spiders, can fall into your pant cuffs or shoes.

When you get home, wash your clothes and wipe down any equipment that might have come into contact with poisonous plants.

More to Do

If you want a more goal-oriented hike, try geocaching—a combination of hiking and scavenger hunting. If hiking's not your style, Florida's parks and trails also offer excellent areas for biking, canoeing or kayaking, swimming, fishing, camping, and other activities.

Some parks provide horses to rent, while others do not. In addition, not all parks allow the use of motorized boats in park waters. Review the park-specific rules to make sure that you bring approved equipment only.

Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's Wildlife Management Lands web page and the Florida Online Parks Guide's Activity Listing to find out which parks and trails offer activities that you enjoy.

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