West

Hardee

Highlands Hammock State Park

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.

» Visit this Site

Paynes Creek Historic State Park

Located in the Polk Uplands of northern Hardee County, this state park preserves 10 natural communities along the Peace River (an Outstanding Florida Water) as well as historic sites pertaining to the Third Seminole War. Five nature trail loops guide visitors through scrub, pine flatwoods, xeric hammock, bottomland forest and bay swamp habitats; a trail along the river connects trail loops on the eastern and western sides of the park. The trails nearest the river and the ecotones between habitats are particularly good for migratory songbirds in fall.

» Visit this Site

Highlands Hammock State Park

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.

Paynes Creek Historic State Park

Located in the Polk Uplands of northern Hardee County, this state park preserves 10 natural communities along the Peace River (an Outstanding Florida Water) as well as historic sites pertaining to the Third Seminole War. Five nature trail loops guide visitors through scrub, pine flatwoods, xeric hammock, bottomland forest and bay swamp habitats; a trail along the river connects trail loops on the eastern and western sides of the park. The trails nearest the river and the ecotones between habitats are particularly good for migratory songbirds in fall.

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Contact Us

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Russell Office Park
1875 Orange Ave. East
Tallahassee, FL 32311

850-559-0503
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