42 Forests to Explore in Florida

There are 7,941 acres in the wilderness. The Alexander Springs Wilderness is located in the Ocala National Forest, which is the oldest forest east of the Mississippi.

This is a huge biosphere reserve located in the heart of Leon county, Florida. The gardens are also a U.S. historic district known as the Killearn Plantation Archeological and Historic District. According to the National Register of Historic Places, it contains 18 historic buildings, 4 structures, and 4 objects. These beautiful ornamental gardens were first planted in 1923 by Alfred. b and Louis Mc lay after they purchased this as their winter home.

Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offers visitors an incredible opportunity to explore some of the most pristine natural areas in the state. Home to some of the oldest Bald Cypress trees in existence, a 13-mile boardwalk stretching through the swamp, and a variety of wildlife species and plants. It is also home to research facilities conducted by various universities, as well as local artist studios where visitors can join classes to channel their creative energies.

Avalon State Park is a Florida State Park, located on North Hutchinson Island, 4 miles north of Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, along A1A. Florida state parks are open between 8 a.m. and sundown every day of the year .

Belmore State Forest consists of two separate tracts totalling 12,262 acres. On the northern side is the Satsuma Tract, which borders Camp Blanding, while on the southern side is a tract of 8,737 acres.

Big Cypress National Preserve is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 720,000 acres, it is the largest national preserve in the United States East of the Rockies. Within its vast expanse, visitors can experience varied habitats like swamps, estuaries, pinelands and prairies teeming with an abundance of wildlife. This treasureland of natural beauty also boasts spectacular views such as watery grasslands and cypress strands that will mesmerize any visitor.

Big Cypress National Preserve is a United States National Preserve located in South Florida. borders the wet freshwater marl prairies of Everglades National Park to the south, and other state and federally protected cypress country in the west. became the first national preserves in the United States National Park System when it was established.

Big Gum Swamp Wilderness is a protected natural wonder situated in Baker County, Florida. Spanning over 20,000 acres of lush and breathtaking scenery, visitors are offered an adventurous outdoor experience. The area is home to an abundance of native wildlife including alligators, turtles, bald eagles and other birds-of-prey. As part of the Osceola National Forest, Big Gum Swamp Wilderness offers a wide variety of activities such as hiking, canoeing and camping.

Big Talbot Island State Park, is a great destination for who wanting to explore the beauty of nature. It covers around 2,500 acres of salt marsh, maritime forest, and beaches along the Atlantic coast of Northeast Florida. It features opportunities to observe rare birds and marine life while kayaking or canoeing through the waters. There are also trails available to walk or bike, with options ranging from ancient shell middens to serene winding paths transporting visitors back through time.

Biscayne National Park is an American national park in southern Florida, south of Miami. The park preserves Biscayne Bay and its offshore barrier reefs. Ninety-five percent of the park is water, and the shore of the bay is the location of an extensive mangrove forest. Daily a lot of people visit this place and is a famous tourist attraction in Miami Dade county.

Black Point Wildlife Drive is one of the most beautiful and unique nature spots in the area. This six-mile loop located in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge features breathtaking views of a variety of landscapes and animals. Visitors can spot numerous species including alligators, herons, ospreys, bald eagles and many more. The boardwalk also provides opportunities to explore local marshes up close without disturbing the fragile environment.

Camp Milton Historic Preserve is a beautiful 36-acre nature park that contains the last surviving earthen works from the Civil War, making it an important historic site. Inside of the preserve visitors can observe historical monuments such as cannons and earthen walls, constructed to protect Jacksonville during the American Civil War. In addition to its fascinating history, Camp Milton is home to unique wildlife and many outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is a 340-acre part of the Florida State Park system. It consists of beaches, dunes and a coastal hammock between the Atlantic Ocean and the waters of Tucker Cove, an indentation of the Indian River Lagoon.

The Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum featuring more than 2000 different kinds of palm trees, this 5.5 acre outdoor garden is home to the largest collection of palms in the United States. visitors can explore North American and exotic varieties that honor Cuban, South-American and tropical influences -- like Coccothrinax argentea, Microcoelium costatum and Pritchardia thurstonii. A 1/3-mile nature trail meanders through the trails, offering a closer look into the diverse grouping of plants.

The Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail is the perfect way to explore Duval County, Florida! Spanning 13 miles, this scenic trail begins on the south side of Jacksonville and passes through rural neighborhoods and fields before extending into the heart of Yulee. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along this level surface past many offerings such as bird watching, paddling, or fishing, until you reach beautiful views of the Nassau Sound, native wildlife and broad marshlands.

Rare plants such as the Bartram's Ixia and St. John's Susan can be found in the Jennings State Forest.

Jungle Island, formerly Parrot Jungle, is a relaunched eco-adventure park on Watson Island, Miami, Florida. The park features new pop-up waterslides, an outdoor wind tunnel flight experience, zip lines, escape rooms, a Nerf battle stadium and other attractions.

Spanning a lush 11 acres, the garden includes trails lined with exotic flowers, trees of all shapes and sizes, and structures that host events such as weddings and art shows. The property also contains a butterfly sanctuary where visitors can observe native species fluttering about amongst tropical plants. Additionally, birding classes and docent-led hikes take place throughout the year, offering tourists a chance to learn more about the environment while immersed in it.

Lafayette Heritage Trail Park is a beautiful spot located close to the downtown area of Tallahassee and bordered by Lafayette Creek and Chaires Crossroads, the park offers many recreational activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy fishing or kayaking on one of three lakes located within the park, biking along several miles of trails, or geocaching near hidden benches that provide excellent views and relaxation spots. The park also provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching.

The Lake George State Forest is formed from land that was previously used for timber production, production of naval stores, cattle grazing, and hunting.