6 Beautiful Florida Hiking Trails To Put On Your Post-Quarantine Bucket List
Nature lovers may have been itching to get back to their favorite stomping grounds, and they don't have to wait much longer now with Florida’s state parks reopening this week. Governor Ron DeSantis declared in a press conference last week that state parks were considered a low-risk environment, as long as people didn’t gather in large groups. If you’re already lacing up your hiking boots, you’ll want to check out this list of Florida State Park hiking trails to add to your post-quarantine bucket list.
80 of Florida’s parks are set to open with some restrictions and limited hours after having been closed since March to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Guests will still be expected to practice social distancing, maintaining a 6-foot distance and with group sizes no larger than 10 people allowed as the state moves into its first phase of reopenings.
There are still 97 Florida state parks that didn’t make the reopening list, including Wekiva Springs, DeLeon Springs, and Blue Spring. You can find a full list of reopening parks on the Florida State Parks website.
Be sure to double-check your favorite spots for changing times, and add these dreamy trails to your list of adventures!
Seven-Mile Loop Trail at Crystal River
Address: W997+PG Crystal River, FL
Why You Need To Go: Check out the longest unpaved loop in Citrus County via mountain bike, flat tire bike, or lace-up those hiking boots. Admire the estuary chain and see if you can glimpse some cute river otters and manatee.
Florida National Scenic Trail at Big Cypress National Preserve
Address: 33100 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, FL
Why You Need To Go: The southernmost part of the Florida National Scenic Trail can be found within the Big Cypress National Preserve. Along with native orchids and dwarf cypresses, you might even be lucky enough to spot a Florida panther here.
Bulow Woods Trail
Address: 3351 Old Dixie Hwy., Ormond Beach, FL
Why You Need To Go: This trail is 6.8 miles of secluded bliss, far from the noise of the city. It’s a one-way trail that runs from the Fairchild Oak all the way to the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park.
Torreya State Park
Address: 2576 NW Torreya Park Rd., Bristol, FL
Why You Need To Go: Both Rock Creek and Torreya Challenge Loop offer easy hiking, and the hardwood trees give one of the best displays of fall foliage in Florida, so you’ll definitely want to come back again when the weather starts to cool.
The Woodpecker Trail at Big Shoals State Park
Address: 11330 SE Co. Rd. 135, White Springs, FL
Why You Need To Go: There are over 28 miles of trails to explore at Big Shoals, but the Woodpecker is a quick and easy 3.4 paved miles that connect the two entrances of Little Shoals and Big Shoals. Quiet and serene, you can even bring bikes and pets. If you plan to check out all this park has to offer you can also find Florida's largest white water rapids here.
Florida National Scenic Trail at Fort Pickens
Address: 1400 Fort Pickens Rd., Pensacola Beach, FL
Why You Need To Go: Breath in the crisp salty air on the section of the National Scenic Trail that follows the Gulf Island National Seashore. The hike totals about 7.5 miles and starts at the entrance of historic Fort Pickens.
Which will you be marking off your hiking bucket list first? Happy trails!
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.