Highlands Hammock State Park in Avon Park, Florida, invites hikers to step into a living chapter of natural history. Its roughly 9 miles of trails wind through old-growth hammock ecology, where towering hardwoods tower over paths layered with pine needles and the occasional carpet of wildflowers. Practical adventurers will appreciate the mostly flat terrain—gaining no more than 100 feet in elevation—which makes the trails accessible yet rewarding.

Start your hike at the Visitor Center, where well-marked routes fan out to accommodate both quick outings and longer explorations. The Hammock Trail, a gentle 1.2-mile loop, delivers immediate immersion into dense forest and the slow, deliberate pace of the ancient oaks and cypress trees, whose limbs dare you to look up and appreciate their reach. The terrain here is predominantly packed earth with occasional roots and small inclines, requiring sturdy footwear but suitable for most experience levels.

For those seeking more time on the trail, the 3.7-mile Swamp Walk ventures into wetter, shaded areas where cypress knees rise from the ground like natural sculptures. The boardwalk sections give hikers a practical gateway over marshy patches without disturbing the delicate ecosystem, while still offering encounters with egrets, turtles, and shy otters moving stealthily through the water. This route demands awareness of footing and the occasional shift in weather—hokas or trail runners with grip will serve best.

Plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat that actively presses upon the forest during midday. Hydration is non-negotiable; bring at least two liters of water per person. Insects are active, especially in wetter months, so insect repellent and long sleeves are smart choices. While the park remains vigorous year-round, spring and fall deliver a comfortable climate with blooming wild ginger and migratory birds passing through.

Keep your eyes open along the trails—barred owls call quietly among the canopy, while the understory hosts an array of salamanders and armadillos moving with purposeful resilience. The forest here is fiercely itself, shaped by centuries of slight shifts in temperature and water levels, reminding hikers that this place lives beyond human rhythms.

Highlands Hammock’s balance of walkable terrain and ecological diversity offers a manageable challenge for all skill levels. Whether aiming for a refreshing two-hour stroll or an extended daylong adventure, preparation is straightforward but essential: proper shoes, conditioning for humidity, and respect for the living forest surroundings set the stage. This isn’t a race to conquer nature but an invitation to engage with it attentively—a chance to witness a rare Floridian forest that still thrives in a fast-changing world.