Happy National Hike Day, 2021! Since living in Florida, I’ve been enjoying the amazing weather, and spend a lot of time outdoors. And while I’ve always taken pleasure in an occasional hike, I now dedicate at least one day a week to explore one of the many beautiful trails that Florida has to offer. So, in honor of this day, I’m sharing some of my favorite places with 5 Scenic Trails You’ll Love to Hike.
Azalea Trail at Ravine Gardens State Park
Located in Palatka, Florida, you can try this challenging 2.5-mile loop of steep and narrow paths, muddy bottoms, and suspension bridges. The trail slopes up and down the ravines on craggy hills and rugged stairs. If you hike during the season, you’ll be lucky enough to see the beautiful blooming azaleas.
Moses Creek Conservation Area
This 2,173-acre area is in the southern part of St. Johns County. The park is filled with diverse vegetative communities that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife. As you walk the trails, you can enjoy views of sandy bluffs, pine flatwood, and many other natural communities throughout.
Bulow Woods Loop
You can access the trailhead at the Bulow Plantations Ruins entrance in Ormond Beach. The trail leads through an old-growth forest with live oaks rising over a hundred feet tall. Rows of cabbage palms, leather ferns, and dense layers of loblolly pines align the trail. But the highlight of the path is the amazing view of the salt marsh. When you arrive there, stop, and enjoy the cool breeze as you enjoy the view!
Guana Tolomata Matanazas National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Guana Tolomata Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve is in the Ponte Vedra area and is one of twenty-nine such reserves across the country. There are five color-coded trails where you can enjoy beautiful, wooded areas and views of the intercoastal. Here you may find blue herons, storks, egrets, pelicans, and an array of other wildlife crossing your path. There are remnants of Native American history as well.
River to Sea Preserve
Located in Marineland, the River to Sea Preserve totals ninety acres between the Matanzas River and the Atlantic Ocean. There are a few loops to choose from and you can enjoy a variety of habitats such as coastal scrubs and maritime forest. Relax with the sounds of the ocean or sit by the edge of the river and enjoy the views!
Remember, take only pictures and leave only footprints!
love it.
Thanks for reading!
I’m embarrassed to admit that I never think of Florida as a place to hike! I imagine lounging on the beach, going to amusement parks and sitting by the pool. Loved getting a glimpse of these scenic trails! xo Nipa
I was pretty surprised too! Florida has so many trails, and parks to explore. Thanks for reading!
These look like beautiful places to visit! Thank you for sharing.
Glad to share. Thanks for reading!