Florida in winter is not what most people expect. Instead of snow and bare branches, you get cool, crisp air, clear skies, and trails that feel almost magical without the brutal heat and bugs of summer.
A 2.4-mile loop through an ancient cypress swamp, surrounded by towering old-growth trees and jet-black water, becomes something truly special when temperatures drop and the crowds thin out. This is the kind of hike where you spot alligators gliding silently through the water, hear owls calling at dusk, and walk boardwalks that feel suspended between two worlds.
If you have ever wanted to see what Florida looked like before highways and theme parks, this trail delivers that experience in the most honest and peaceful way possible. Keep reading to find out why winter is the absolute best time to hit this trail.
Where the Trail Begins: Address and Location
Florida’s oldest state park sits quietly off a two-lane road in Sebring, and the moment you pull through the entrance, the outside world starts to feel very far away…