As you drive into this portion of the state forest, watch for Florida Scrub-Jays along the south side of Lake Arbuckle Rd. and along Rucks Dairy Rd. in areas of five-foot tall oak scrub. Stop at the entrance kiosk at the intersection of Rucks Dairy Rd. and School Bus Rd. to pick up a map and a bird list, and proceed to one of the several trailheads along School Bus Rd.
Located just west of the Kissimmee River, this site can be explored as either a quick stop or as part of a longer adventure on adjoining public lands. Long-distance hikers will enjoy the section of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) which runs the full length of the WMA (approx. 5 miles). Just south of the Bluff Hammock trailhead, the trail leads to a boardwalk and 25-foot high bridge along the Kissimmee River with an impressive view of the restored river floodplain. Biking is allowed in the southern portion of the WMA on a 2-mile bike trail and on the interior "woods road" along the hammocks. Primitive and equestrian camping are allowed by permit, call for details.
This site is one of Florida's oldest and most scenic state parks. At the entrance, pick up maps and a bird checklist. For Florida Scrub-Jays, veer right just after the ranger station, pass through the family campground, and explore the biking trails (3 miles are paved). Eight additional short hiking trails, including the Ancient Hammock Trail and Alexander Blair Big Oak Trail, and an 11-mile equestrian trail provide plenty of birding action. One-hour guided tram tours run daily; other educational programs and tours are available (call ahead for details). Multiple camping options and a full-service restaurant are available; bikes may be rented on-site.
Located on the north shore of Lake Istokpoga, this small county park has one of the largest numbers of Osprey nests in the United States. When approaching the park from the southeast on US 98, watch the pasture on the south side of the road for Crested Caracaras. The park has a boat launch, and an ADA-compliant boardwalk and pier on the lake. Follow the foot trail along the water's edge, which runs east and then north along the boardwalk through the cypress margin.
Enjoy a remote-feeling, wilderness experience within 15 minutes of historic downtown Lake Placid at this state park. This scrub sanctuary on the west side of Lake June-in-Winter is nestled in the highlands of the Lake Wales Ridge, a series of ancient sand dunes home to numerous rare plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Bring a canoe or kayak if you are up for paddling the lake. The park has very few amenities other than the 4 miles of hiking trails, picnic area and a composting toilet. Bring plenty of water (no drinking water is available here), plus a hat, sunglasses and sun protection.
You will be rewarded by the scenery and solitude at this beautiful property. Walk the trails that loop through oak scrub, pine flatwoods, seasonal wetlands and cutthroat grass seeps in the central portion of the area. You may also hike on the unpaved service roads to reach the floodplain of Fisheating Creek. There are few amenities here, so bring your lunch, water and sun protection.
This well-managed, 1,350-acre preserve is located between Avon Park and Sebring. Sun 'N Lakes is perfect for the adventurous wildlife watcher, who will find 6.5 miles of casual and challenging multi-use trails to roam. Follow the maintenance trail from gate 6 (or from the intersection of Picnic Loop and North Trail) westward to the edge of the preserve for a chance to observe Short-tailed Hawks. Named trails are marked and color-coded, download a trail map prior to visiting. Trail sections may be flooded at times, particularly after summer rains.
Stop by this park anytime you're in the area for a nice birding break and picnic lunch. Check the small, seasonal pond east of the parking lot and scan the lake for waterbirds. North of the parking area lies a larger pond with an observation deck/fishing pier. Northwest of the large pond, the trail continues around a small patch of hardwoods and wetlands good for migratory songbirds. All of the trails at the park are paved and wheelchair-accessible.
As you drive into this portion of the state forest, watch for Florida Scrub-Jays along the south side of Lake Arbuckle Rd. and along Rucks Dairy Rd. in areas of five-foot tall oak scrub. Stop at the entrance kiosk at the intersection of Rucks Dairy Rd. and School Bus Rd. to pick up a map and a bird list, and proceed to one of the several trailheads along School Bus Rd.
Located just west of the Kissimmee River, this site can be explored as either a quick stop or as part of a longer adventure on adjoining public lands. Long-distance hikers will enjoy the section of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) which runs the full length of the WMA (approx. 5 miles). Just south of the Bluff Hammock trailhead, the trail leads to a boardwalk and 25-foot high bridge along the Kissimmee River with an impressive view of the restored river floodplain. Biking is allowed in the southern portion of the WMA on a 2-mile bike trail and on the interior “woods road” along the hammocks. Primitive and equestrian camping are allowed by permit, call for details.
This site is one of Florida’s oldest and most scenic state parks. At the entrance, pick up maps and a bird checklist. For Florida Scrub-Jays, veer right just after the ranger station, pass through the family campground, and explore the biking trails (3 miles are paved). Eight additional short hiking trails, including the Ancient Hammock Trail and Alexander Blair Big Oak Trail, and an 11-mile equestrian trail provide plenty of birding action. One-hour guided tram tours run daily; other educational programs and tours are available (call ahead for details). Multiple camping options and a full-service restaurant are available; bikes may be rented on-site.
Located on the north shore of Lake Istokpoga, this small county park has one of the largest numbers of Osprey nests in the United States. When approaching the park from the southeast on US 98, watch the pasture on the south side of the road for Crested Caracaras. The park has a boat launch, and an ADA-compliant boardwalk and pier on the lake. Follow the foot trail along the water’s edge, which runs east and then north along the boardwalk through the cypress margin.
Enjoy a remote-feeling, wilderness experience within 15 minutes of historic downtown Lake Placid at this state park. This scrub sanctuary on the west side of Lake June-in-Winter is nestled in the highlands of the Lake Wales Ridge, a series of ancient sand dunes home to numerous rare plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Bring a canoe or kayak if you are up for paddling the lake. The park has very few amenities other than the 4 miles of hiking trails, picnic area and a composting toilet. Bring plenty of water (no drinking water is available here), plus a hat, sunglasses and sun protection.
You will be rewarded by the scenery and solitude at this beautiful property. Walk the trails that loop through oak scrub, pine flatwoods, seasonal wetlands and cutthroat grass seeps in the central portion of the area. You may also hike on the unpaved service roads to reach the floodplain of Fisheating Creek. There are few amenities here, so bring your lunch, water and sun protection.
This well-managed, 1,350-acre preserve is located between Avon Park and Sebring. Sun ‘N Lakes is perfect for the adventurous wildlife watcher, who will find 6.5 miles of casual and challenging multi-use trails to roam. Follow the maintenance trail from gate 6 (or from the intersection of Picnic Loop and North Trail) westward to the edge of the preserve for a chance to observe Short-tailed Hawks. Named trails are marked and color-coded, download a trail map prior to visiting. Trail sections may be flooded at times, particularly after summer rains.
Stop by this park anytime you’re in the area for a nice birding break and picnic lunch. Check the small, seasonal pond east of the parking lot and scan the lake for waterbirds. North of the parking area lies a larger pond with an observation deck/fishing pier. Northwest of the large pond, the trail continues around a small patch of hardwoods and wetlands good for migratory songbirds. All of the trails at the park are paved and wheelchair-accessible.
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. When you want to know where to go in Florida to see native birds, butterflies and more, head for the Trail.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Russell Office Park
1875 Orange Ave. East
Tallahassee, FL 32311