The Sunshine State
Florida
Cypress swamps, longleaf pine savannas, and coastal forests in a state where winter hiking beats summer anywhere else.
Florida at a Glance
Longleaf Pine
Apalachicola National Forest is one of the largest remaining longleaf pine-wiregrass savannas in the South
Springs and Swamps
Florida's national forests contain hundreds of natural springs, cypress swamps, and blackwater rivers unique to the coastal plain
Florida Panther
Ocala National Forest provides key habitat for Florida panthers, black bears, Florida scrub-jays, and gopher tortoises
Florida Trail
The Florida National Scenic Trail runs 1,300 miles through all three national forests, from Big Cypress to Gulf Island National Seashore
Flatwoods
Florida's forests are almost entirely flat, but their ecological complexity rivals any terrain in the country
Winter Season
Florida's national forests are busiest December through March, when northern visitors arrive and temperatures stay in the 50s-70s
When to Visit
November through April for the most comfortable conditions. Summer brings intense heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer good weather with fewer visitors.
Top Activities
Gateway Cities
Ocala
Central Florida hub directly adjacent to Ocala National Forest, with the Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs recreation areas within 30 minutes.
Tallahassee
Florida's capital sits near Apalachicola National Forest, offering access to the longleaf pine savannas and hundreds of miles of the Florida Trail.
Lake City
Northern Florida gateway to Osceola National Forest and the Ocean Pond campground, with good access to the Florida Trail's northern sections.
Did You Know?
Ocala National Forest is the southernmost national forest in the contiguous US and one of the oldest, established in 1908.
Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest pumps 76 million gallons of 68-degree water per day, creating a natural swimming hole open year-round.
The Florida black bear population has recovered from fewer than 300 in the 1970s to over 4,000 today, largely due to protected national forest habitat.
Apalachicola National Forest has more species of carnivorous plants than any other place in the world, including five pitcher plant species.
The Florida Trail through Osceola National Forest crosses Ocean Pond, one of the state's largest natural freshwater lakes.