Fall is the start of Florida’s hiking season and here are five favorite hikes around the state to inspire you. Florida hiking trails are incredibly varied and can be full of all sorts of wildlife.
Bike & Hike Trails
Best Florida trails
Stories about Florida trails, hiking trails, bicycle trails, rail trails, walking trails, equestrian trails, off-road vehicle trails, nature trails, mountain biking trails, boardwalk trails.
Top hiking trails near Orlando: Little Big Econ State Forest
Some of the best hiking near Orlando can be found at the Little Big Econ State Forest, where bluffs along a scenic river add interest. The forest is 5,000 acres preserved in a suburban area in the middle of the triangle formed by Orlando, Cocoa and Daytona Beach.
Great hiking, biking trails at Grassy Waters Preserve
Grassy Waters Preserve in West Palm Beach is a rare South Florida spot to hike or bike for miles in a wild area. It also offers a great family-friendly boardwalk through a lovely cypress swamp.
Exploring the St. Johns River: Springs, kayaking, hiking near Welaka
This out-of-the-way rural area on the St. Johns River offers good hiking, kayaking and springs. With Welaka as a base, we explored a place little changed by the years.
Biking Naples, Florida: The best way to sample Naples beaches
A bike ride along the Gulf of Mexico lets you ogle the garden-like estates of Naples mansion-owners and stop at pocket parks that give you access to their perfect beaches.
Wellington’s Peaceful Waters: Top birding spot, close to two good nature hikes
Peaceful Waters Sanctuary is an outstanding birding site and a particularly good destination for nature-starved folks from Broward and Palm Beach counties. It’s also close to two good places for 3-mile-long walks in natural settings.
Old Cutler Trail: Bike path along beautiful road passes iconic Miami parks and gardens
This paved trail in Coral Gables lets you experience one of Miami’s most beautiful public spaces — Old Cutler Road. It passes several special gardens and parks and is shaded by historic ficus trees, It’s a delightful way to experience one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami.
Biking in Broward: Markham Park trail follows Everglades levee
I’m always looking for scenic, traffic-free bike trails near my Fort Lauderdale home, and this one is good if you like a challenge.
Castle Windy Trail at Canaveral National Seashore
The Castle Windy Trail is a shady respite from the never-ending sun of Cape Canaveral National Seashore, introducing you to the primitive coastal environment that was once typical of Florida’s Atlantic shoreline.
Bike trails on South Florida levees: Bluegill Trail is best of the bunch
Bike trails on South Florida levees offer traffic-free paths along the Everglades, though they can get hot and monotonous. The Bluegill Trail in Palm Beach County is better than most with wildlife and better scenery.
Nature Coast trail: A rural bike ride & fun trestle
The Nature Coast Trail is a high-quality rail-trail with a picturesque train trestle over the Suwannee River and some good scenery. Two great state parks are nearby: Manatee Springs for camping and Fanning Springs for cabins. It makes a great weekend for cyclists.
More than the Rainbow River; Dunnellon is a good base for exploring
Dunnellon is known for its spectacular Rainbow Springs and River, especially during tubing season. But there are more reasons to visit in cool weather, including another exquisite river– the Withlacoochee — several good restaurants, and trails for both hiking and biking.