The best walks and hikes in Highlands County

Highlands County offers a diverse range of natural landscapes, including ancient hammocks with towering live oaks and cabbage palms, cypress swamps often accessible via boardwalks, and pine flatwoods. You'll also find unique sandhill and scrub habitats, particularly along the Lake Wales Ridge, providing a glimpse into 'old Florida' ecosystems.

Yes, Highlands County has several trails suitable for families. Highlands Hammock State Park is an excellent choice, offering multiple shorter trails like the half-mile Ancient Hammock Trail and the Cypress Swamp Trail boardwalk, which are easy to navigate and great for wildlife spotting. The Old Cabin Nature Trail – Lakes Wales Ridge State Forest is another easy option, just under two miles, perfect for a quick family outing.

Many trails in Highlands County are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park or management area regulations before you go. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in state parks and wildlife management areas. For example, trails within Highlands Hammock State Park and Lake Wales Ridge State Forest typically allow leashed dogs.

You'll encounter several unique natural features. Highlands Hammock State Park is famous for its ancient woodlands with thousand-year-old live oaks and cypress swamps, where you might spot alligators and various birds. The Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, including the Arbuckle Tract, features rare sandhill and scrub habitats, home to unique flora and fauna like Florida scrub-jays and gopher tortoises. The county is also dotted with nearly 100 freshwater lakes, enhancing the scenic beauty.

Yes, Highlands County offers several circular routes. A popular option is the Arbuckle Tract Yellow & Blue Trail loop in Lakes Wales Ridge State Forest, which is a moderate 8.2-mile loop exploring pine forests and open scrub. Highlands Hammock State Park also has an extensive trail system where you can combine several shorter loops, like the Ancient Hammock Trail and Cypress Swamp Trail, to create a longer circular walk.

The best time to hike in Highlands County is typically during the cooler, drier months from late fall through early spring (roughly November to April). During this period, temperatures are more comfortable, humidity is lower, and there are fewer insects. Summer months can be very hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

The trails in Highlands County are generally accessible, with minimal elevation changes due to the region's flat terrain. You can find options ranging from easy, short walks suitable for all skill levels, such as the Old Cabin Nature Trail, to moderate loops like the Hiking loop from Highlands Hammock State Park, and even some longer, more difficult paths for experienced hikers.

Highlands County is rich in wildlife. On trails through cypress swamps and hammocks, especially in Highlands Hammock State Park, you might spot alligators, turtles, snakes, and various bird species. In pine flatwoods and scrub habitats, such as those in Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, keep an eye out for Florida scrub-jays, gopher tortoises, and various raptors like short-tailed hawks.

Highlands County offers a number of hiking routes, with komoot featuring several curated tours. These include a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult trails, providing options for different preferences and fitness levels.

The hiking experience in Highlands County is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, diverse ecosystems, and the opportunity to experience 'old Florida' charm. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths and the chance to observe abundant wildlife.

For those seeking a longer challenge, the Micco Landing Trailhead to Kissimmee River via Florida Trail offers a difficult 13.7-mile route. Additionally, the Arbuckle Wildlife Management Area, part of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, features over 23 miles of interconnected trails, allowing for extended hikes through pine forests and open scrub areas.

Public transport options to reach specific trailheads in Highlands County are generally limited. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles to access parks and wildlife management areas. It's advisable to plan for car travel and check individual park websites for specific directions and access information.

Parking information is typically available on the official websites for individual parks and management areas. For example, Highlands Hammock State Park has designated parking areas, and trailheads within Lake Wales Ridge State Forest or Arbuckle Wildlife Management Area usually have clear signage for parking. Always check ahead for any fees or specific regulations.