Hiking

Yes, there is hiking in Florida! You don’t need mountains to hike. River of Lakes Heritage Corridor boasts some of the most beautiful Florida landscapes around, with a stunning diversity of wildlife. Winter is a great time to hike in Florida, unlike in the mountains most people associate with “hiking.” If you hike in the warmer months, you will need plenty of water and bug spray.

Many of these trails are shorter, and end in springs where you can cool off in the summer. Winter provides a better climate for long hikes, as well as more wildlife viewing opportunities.

See the Cycling, Paddling, and Equestrian sections for more trail options. Many of the trail systems listed below are multi-use.

TraiLink by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy – Florida Section

Explore Florida trails and find comprehensive trail guides including Florida trail maps, descriptions, photos and reviews. Whether you’re getting outdoors for recreation, fitness, commuting or travel you’ll discover top trails for bicycling, hiking, running and more on TrailLink.com.

If you are a die-hard trails traveler, download the free Rails-to-Trails Conservancy App.

D Ranch Preserve

Welcome to D Ranch Preserve — a hidden gem in Volusia County where wild Florida comes alive. Tucked along Reed Ellis Road and SR 415, this 476-acre preserve is home to diverse landscapes and native wildlife, offering you a chance to slow down and reconnect with nature.Thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor, Conservation Florida permanently protected this special place in 2019. Today, it stands as a gift to the community — a space for outdoor adventure, quiet reflection, and a deeper appreciation for Florida’s natural heritage.open for recreation, D Ranch Preserve features 3.5 miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking, birdwatching, nature photography, and more. Come explore!

D Ranch
2655 Reed Ellis Rd, Osteen, FL 32764
352) 376-4770

The Spring-to-Spring Trail

Currently the trail links Gemini Springs with Lake Monroe (in DeBary), Lake Beresford with Blue Spring (in Orange City), and another nearby portion links Gemini Springs with Green Springs (in DeBary and Enterprise).  When complete, the Spring-to-Spring Trail will stretch 26 miles from Gemini Springs Park to DeLeon Springs State Park. It is being designed to accommodate walkers, joggers, inline skaters, bicyclists and people with disabilities. To date, Volusia County has completed several segments of the trail totaling nearly 15 miles. In addition, five trailheads have been built for your convenience at DeBary Hall Historic Site, Gemini Springs Park, Lake Monroe Park, Lake Beresford Park, Blue Spring State Park and along Grand Avenue in Glenwood.

Spring to Spring Trail – Map and Trailheads

East Central Regional Rail Trail

Volusia County has completed construction of the first segment of the new East Central Regional Rail-Trail, which one day will stretch 52 miles from Enterprise to Edgewater, including a 10-mile leg to Titusville. The segment, which covers 5.7 miles from Green Springs Park to State Road 415, was completed in March 2012. This showcase trail is 12 feet wide and paved, making it accessible to walkers, joggers, in-line skaters, bicyclists, and people with disabilities.

Residents and visitors can access the trailhead at Green Spring State Park.

Printable Map and info at Volusia County
East Central Regional Rail Trail on TraiLink

Blue Springs State Park

The same pristine beauty enjoyed by Florida’s earliest residents can still be seen today. A self-guided boardwalk leads visitors through a lush hammock to Blue Spring.

Blue Springs State Park
2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
(386) 775-3663

Hontoon Island State Park

A 3-mile round trip self guided trail begins at the Ranger Station and follows Huntoon Dead River to the large Indian mound at the southwest corner of the island. Allow 2 1/2 hours for a leisurely walk.

Hontoon Island State Park
2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand, Florida 32720
(386) 736-5309

De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs offers a half-mile paved nature trail that is wheelchair accessible.  This trail passes through a flood plain hammock with many hardwoods, pines and other plants native to this area, including a cypress tree that is more than 500 years old.  A portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail runs through the park.  Various wildlife may be seen from the trail.  Also available is the Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail, a 4 mile loop trail that will lead you through several natural communities. Parts of the trail can flood during wet seasons and biting insects are common, so appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended, along with insect repellent and drinking water. Hikers must register at the Ranger Station.

De Leon Springs State Park
601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
(386) 985-4212

Lake George State Forest

A beautiful natural refuge to get away from it all. Fishing, picnicking, hiking, and horseback riding. Canoes and small Jon boats may be launched from the bank at the Bluffton Recreation Area. Primitive camping by permit.

To access the forest north of State Road 40 (Astor Tract), take Riley Pridgeon Road, located 1/2 mile east of the town of Astor.

To access the forest south of State Road 40 (Mary Farms/Dexter Tracts), take St. Johns River Road, located 1/2 mile east of Astor. This goes to Bluffton Recreation Area. An entrance for hunters is located on State Road 40, 3.25 miles east of Astor.

Lake George State Forest
St. Johns River Road, Volusia/Astor, FL 32102
(386) 985-7822

Lake George Fishing Pier

Lake George is a 7,870-acre park on Lake George that includes a fishing pier, nature/horse trails and picnic pavilion with tables and grills.

To reserve recreational facilities, please call (386) 736-5953.

Lake George Fishing Pier
770 Nine Mile Point Road, Pierson, FL 32180
(386) 736-5953

Lake Woodruff

Lake Woodruff NWR was established in 1964 as a migratory bird refuge, part of five million-plus acres purchased by US Fish & Wildlife Service with proceeds from the Federal Duck Stamp Program. It is located in Volusia County, Florida near the community of DeLeon Springs. The famed St Johns River forms the western boundary of the 22,000-acre refuge. The refuge contains myriad habitats: among them are marshes, swamps, creeks, hammocks and uplands.

Lake Woodruff
2045 Mud Lake Road De Leon Springs,FL32130

(386) 985-4673

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