Opinion
By Megan Todaro, Only in Florida
8/30/25
Think Florida is just beaches? These national forest hikes prove the state has wild, spring-fed, and totally unforgettable trails that rival America’s greatest parks.
Hiking to me is something I will travel for. If you’re in a similar boat, growing up in Florida, you’re used to flat terrain, sandy beaches, and humid temperatures. That’s why I’ve always thought I need to travel somewhere like Utah or South Carolina to get in some decent hiking. That was until I realized I just wasn’t looking in the right places. I didn’t need to go out of state to find the best national park hikes, but rather, I could stay in my home state and just reshape what I always thought hiking to be. It’s not always elevation changes and mountain views, but instead it’s the journey and experience of being present in the great outdoors.
I’ve found a few underrated Florida trails that deliver all the beauty I always hope to find—without the intense crowds and pricey entry fee.
Salt Springs Trail, Ocala National Forest
Rivals: Yellowstone’s Hot Springs Basin
While Florida can’t offer geysers, the Salt Springs Trail showcases bubbling mineral waters that recall the steaming pools of Yellowstone—minus the sulfur smell and imminent danger. The clear, turquoise waters here stay a steady 72 degrees year-round and support a unique mix of freshwater and saltwater fish, thanks to natural mineral content. The surrounding trail winds through hardwood hammocks and offers glimpses of old-growth cypress, giving it the feeling of a prehistoric escape.
Juniper Springs Trail, Ocala National Forest
Rivals: Yosemite’s Mirror Lake Trail
Ocala National Forest, the oldest National Forest east of the Mississippi, is home to the sparkling Juniper Springs. The Juniper Springs Trail winds past tropical-looking palms, lush ferns, and the glittering headwaters of Juniper Creek. Much like Yosemite’s Mirror Lake Trail, this hike pairs reflective waters with still surroundings. Wildlife sightings are common, with otters, turtles, and even manatees appearing seasonally.
Read the full article here: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nature/florida/underrated-national-forest-hikes-fl?utm_source=oiys&utm_medium=email-st&utm_campaign=41359655&utm_content=only_in_florida&campaignid=10046&message_id=41359655&email=microcapmaven%40aol.com&e=bddf21b05a51813829362a56ba9e4bc4&clickid=bddf21b05a51813829362a56ba9e4bc4&lctg=68883b0af01f24199e00a966
