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Hike the Ancient Hammock Trail

Sebring, Florida

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

0.6 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jess Curren

Hike beneath the beautiful canopy of a virgin forest. Walk along planks and a boardwalk to see a ton of wildlife and feel completely removed from the rest of the world.

Highlands Hammock State Park is one of the best places in all of Florida! There are multiple trails to choose from, but if you want to see ancient oak trees in a quintessential swamp then the Ancient Hammock Trail is your best bet. The boardwalk meanders through the swampy forest and you can be on the look out for herons, birds, frogs, and other wildlife. 

The trail is short but can be combined with other trails in the park for a longer hike. You can ride your bikes from the campground to the trailhead, walking the path, and then ride back the same way you came. There's just something magical about being in the midst of those ancient trees with the dark, brackish water underneath. 

While you are here, don't forget the tram tour! The ranger was awesome and we saw tons of alligators, turtles, and birds along the route that's inaccessible any other way. Fantastic state park all around!

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Forest
Wildlife

Reviews

Was fun with a group of friends. Love the 1000 live oak tree.

We do lots of nature-exploring throughout Florida. When I came across Highlands Hammock, it seemed interesting. So glad we took a drive here for the day. This park might be on the smaller end, but you'd never know it. The nature trails are fabulous - some are boardwalks others are just typical trails. Each trail shows some unique aspect of the area and most trails are interconnected. We saw owls, otters, frogs, hawks and ancient oaks during our visit. You can bring or rent a bike too. Highly recommend.

Highlands Hammock is a gorgeous state park. We camped for 4 nights and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The large trees are spectacular and we loved looking at the wildlife. This trail, in particular was very stunning!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Escape to the Sunshine

VISIT FLORIDA, serves as Florida's official source for travel planning. What can be discovered beyond Florida’s 825 miles of beaches? How about 320 freshwater springs, 175 state parks, infinite mangrove tunnels and hidden caverns. Let your adventure begin. Follow Your Sunshine.

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