20 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Florida (2024 Guide)
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Florida is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from lush wetlands to scenic coastal views.
For outdoor enthusiasts who also want to bring their furry friends along, the Sunshine State offers a variety of dog-friendly hiking trails.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, there are plenty of options to explore with your canine companion.
Here’s a guide to 20 dog-friendly hiking trails in Florida for 2024.
1. Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail
Location: Black Bear Wilderness Area, East of Orlando
Distance: 7.1 miles
Highlights: This trail offers a mix of swamp views and forest scenery.
It’s ideal for spotting wildlife like black bears and various bird species.
Dogs must be kept on a leash.
2. The Florida Trail
Location: Across the State of Florida
Distance: 1,300 miles (various segments)
Highlights: The Florida Trail traverses diverse landscapes, including swamps, pine forests, and prairies.
Many segments are dog-friendly, but check local regulations and trail conditions before heading out.
3. Everglades National Park – Anhinga Trail
Location: Everglades National Park
Distance: 0.8 miles (loop)
Highlights: This trail features boardwalks and views of Everglades wildlife, including alligators and wading birds.
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
4. Honeymoon Island State Park – Osprey Trail
Location: Dunedin
Distance: 1.4 miles
Highlights: This trail offers coastal views and opportunities to see local wildlife.
Dogs are allowed on-leash, and the park provides a dog-friendly beach area.
5. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park – Lake Overstreet Trail
Location: Tallahassee
Distance: 2.5 miles
Highlights: The trail loops around Lake Overstreet, providing scenic water views and shaded paths.
Dogs are permitted on-leash.
6. Torreya State Park – Torreya Trail
Location: Bristol
Distance: 15 miles
Highlights: This trail features rugged terrain and scenic overlooks.
It’s perfect for adventurous hikers and their dogs.
Be sure to check the weather and trail conditions before setting out.
7. Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail
Location: Gainesville to Hawthorne
Distance: 16.4 miles
Highlights: This paved trail runs through forests and wetlands, offering a flat and easy hike.
Dogs are welcome on-leash.
8. Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve – Cedar Key Scrub Trail
Location: Cedar Key
Distance: 2.6 miles
Highlights: A trail through scrub habitat with opportunities to see unique plant species and local wildlife.
Dogs are allowed on-leash.
9. Little Talbot Island State Park – Blackrock Trail
Location: Jacksonville
Distance: 4.5 miles
Highlights: A scenic trail that passes through maritime forests and along beach dunes.
Dogs are welcome on-leash.
10. Wekiwa Springs State Park – Wekiwa Springs Trail
Location: Apopka
Distance: 13.1 miles
Highlights: This trail offers lush forest views and the opportunity to see Wekiwa Springs.
Dogs are permitted on-leash.
11. Jonathan Dickinson State Park – Kitching Creek Trail
Location: Hobe Sound
Distance: 7 miles
Highlights: A trail that winds through pine forests and along scenic creeks.
Dogs are welcome on-leash.
12. Tampa Bay Area – Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Location: Tampa
Distance: 7.2 miles
Highlights: A multi-use trail that offers scenic views of Tampa Bay.
It’s perfect for both walking and biking with dogs on-leash.
13. Myakka River State Park – Canopy Walkway
Location: Sarasota
Distance: 0.25 miles (Canopy Walkway), 7 miles (loop)
Highlights: A short canopy walkway with spectacular views of the park’s wildlife and forest.
Dogs are allowed on-leash.
14. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge – Cypress Swamp Trail
Location: Boynton Beach
Distance: 0.5 miles
Highlights: A trail through cypress swamps with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Dogs are permitted on-leash.
15. Fort De Soto Park – North Beach Trail
Location: Tierra Verde
Distance: 1 mile
Highlights: A trail that leads to North Beach, a dog-friendly beach area where dogs can enjoy the sand and surf.
Leashes are required.
16. Everglades City – Loop Road Trail
Location: Everglades City
Distance: 4.5 miles
Highlights: A trail through the Everglades with opportunities to see diverse wildlife.
Dogs are welcome on-leash.
17. Bok Tower Gardens – Pine Ridge Trail
Location: Lake Wales
Distance: 2 miles
Highlights: This trail offers scenic views of the gardens and surrounding landscape.
Dogs are allowed on-leash.
18. Panhandle Trail – Blackwater River State Forest
Location: Holt
Distance: 7 miles
Highlights: A trail through the Blackwater River State Forest with views of the river and surrounding forest.
Dogs are permitted on-leash.
19. Hillsborough River State Park – Rapids Trail
Location: Thonotosassa
Distance: 5 miles
Highlights: A trail that follows the Hillsborough River with opportunities to see the park’s rapids and wildlife.
Dogs are allowed on-leash.
20. Lake Louisa State Park – Lake Louisa Trail
Location: Clermont
Distance: 6.5 miles
Highlights: A trail around Lake Louisa with scenic water views and opportunities for birdwatching.
Dogs are welcome on-leash.
Conclusion
Florida offers a wealth of dog-friendly hiking trails that cater to a variety of interests and skill levels.
Whether you and your furry friend are exploring coastal paths or venturing through lush forests, these trails provide fantastic opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Always remember to bring water, waste bags, and follow local regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike for you and your dog.
Happy hiking!
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