February is Florida Hiking Trails Month, and it’s the perfect time to lace up your shoes and head outdoors. With mild weather, hiking offers a refreshing way to get exercise, enjoy wildlife and experience a quieter side of Florida.
Across its 18-county service area, the St. Johns River Water Management District manages approximately 430,000 acres of conservation lands. Within these protected areas, 42 properties feature more than 530 miles of multi-use trails, each showcasing diverse landscapes from coastal marshes to pine flatwoods and oak hammocks. These lands play a key role in protecting Florida’s water resources while offering the perfect backdrop for outdoor recreation.
The best part? District lands are free to enter, and most are open for non-vehicular recreation 365 days a year, making it easy to fit a hike into your schedule.
Here’s a guide to a few standout areas worth exploring as you plan your next outdoor adventure:
J.P. Bayard Point Conservation Area – Clay County
- Trail miles: Nearly 15 miles of blazed trails
- Pro tip: Visit the observation tower from late spring through mid-summer to see one of the densest populations of Bartram’s ixia, a rare, state-endangered wildflower.
Lake George Conservation Area – Putnam and Volusia counties
- Trail miles: About 8 miles of marked trails
- Pro tip: This area has one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles outside Alaska so be sure to keep your eyes on the sky!
Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve – Alachua County
- Trail miles: More than 6 miles of blazed trails
Pro tip: Visit in every season; each brings a new wave of wildflowers, making every hike feel fresh and vibrant.
Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area – Orange County
- Trail miles:3 miles of blazed trail
- Pro tip: Watch for Sherman’s fox squirrels which can periodically be seen in the longleaf pine and sandhills.
Lake Apopka North Shore – Lake and Orange counties
- Trail miles: 39 miles of marked trail
- Pro tip: Try the red trail for a shaded, 2.6-mile beginner-friendly hike that’s perfect for a morning or afternoon.
Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area – Indian River County
- Trail mileage: Over 9 miles of interior trails and 22 miles of levee trails
- Pro tip: The best time to visit this property is during the winter and spring as it can get very wet during rainy season. Park at the Horseshoe Lake parking area (free day-use permit required) and hike the half-mile trail to get to the wooden boardwalk.
Browse all the District lands, learn about their important role in protecting our water resources and explore all they have to offer through our interactive map.
