In today’s fast-paced world, it can be refreshing to escape to a simpler time. Florida offers some remarkable hiking trails that not only allow you to enjoy nature but also take you on a journey through the state’s rich history. The hikes featured here lead you to fascinating ruins that reveal intriguing glimpses into the past. Whether you’re passionate about history or simply looking for a unique outdoor experience, these trails will transport you back in time while you explore Florida’s beautiful landscape. Prepare for your next adventure in the Sunshine State by discovering these historic hiking spots!
1. Crystal River Archaeological State Park, Crystal River
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be refreshing to escape to a simpler time. Florida offers some remarkable hiking trails that not only allow you to enjoy nature but also take you on a journey through the state’s rich history. The hikes featured here lead you to fascinating ruins that reveal intriguing glimpses into the past. Whether you’re passionate about history or simply looking for a unique outdoor experience, these trails will transport you back in time while you explore Florida’s beautiful landscape. Prepare for your next adventure in the Sunshine State by discovering these historic hiking spots!
2. Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Ormond Beach
During the Second Seminole War, Seminole Indians set fire to this plantation and its sugar mill. The buildings, constructed from coquina, housed what was previously the largest sugar mill in Florida. Visitors to this park can wander through the remnants of the site and visit an open-air museum that showcases artifacts discovered in the area.
3. Key West Garden Club, West Martello Tower, Key West
The garden, which has burst forth amidst the decaying remnants of a Civil War-era fort, creates an atmosphere that feels both hidden and hallowed. It brims with a variety of unusual plants, featuring vibrant orchids and towering banyan trees. Nestled directly along the shoreline, this enchanting garden offers stunning vistas of the sea.
4. Egmont Key State Park, St. Petersburg
Visitors to Egmont Key State Park can discover the historical remains of Fort Dade, constructed in the early 20th century in response to concerns surrounding the Spanish-American War. This fort once featured brick pathways, electrical power, a hospital, a movie theater, a jail, and all the amenities required for its population of over 300 individuals. However, in 1923, Fort Dade was decommissioned, transforming it into a ghost town, which would eventually serve as a base for the Tampa Bay Pilots Association.
5. Bellamy Bridge Historic Site, Marianna
The Bellamy Bridge Historic Site, located close to Marianna, stands as Florida’s oldest bridge of its type and is also the backdrop for one of the state’s most renowned ghost tales. Legend has it that the spirit of a young woman, interred close to the bridge, haunts the area. She is often seen either as a ghostly figure wandering the bridge or as a mysterious orb of light gliding through the nearby swamp.
6. Dunlawton Sugar Mill Garden, Port Orange
The historic sugar mill remains at Dunlawton Sugar Mill Garden have attracted visitors since 1939. In 1948, the site briefly transformed into a small amusement park known as Bongoland, named after a resident baboon. The park featured a variety of life-sized concrete dinosaurs, captivating the imagination of its guests. However, Bongoland’s existence was fleeting, and it eventually evolved into the beautiful botanical gardens we can explore today.
7. Indian Key State Historic Site, Islamorada
Located on a small island near Islamorada, the Indian Key State Historic Site was once home to a thriving community that included residences, a hotel, a store, and a post office. Today, however, the site is a ghost town, characterized by the ruins of old cisterns and decaying foundations. The island’s history took a dark turn during the Second Seminole War in 1840 when an Indian raid resulted in the deaths of 13 residents. While around 70 other inhabitants managed to flee, the attackers set fire to every building on Indian Key, leaving behind only traces of its past.
Have you explored any of Florida’s hiking trails? What do you think—are they truly some of the best hikes in the state?