Florida is a large and beautiful state with tons of nature. There are dozens of different trails that can be accessed and hiked with a dog. There are trails in every part of the state that go through lonely woods, along rivers, to the beach, and more. If you like hiking with your dog, there are numerous amazing options for you to choose from.
Here are 20 amazing dog friendly hiking trails in Florida that you can explore today.
The 20 Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Florida
1. Leon Sinks Geological Area Loop
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZbgPufj9T4/
Located just south of Tallahassee
Experience Old Florida karst formations and deformations
Bring plenty of water and snacks for this moderate trail
Plenty of animals, plants, and geology to observe
Due to a combination of construction and unstable rock formations, trails are subject to close without notice
2. Gap Point Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIECq2rp-Pp/
Located on beautiful St. George Island in the Florida Panhandle
A flat scrubby trail that features dunes, wildflowers, and beaches with gorgeous views of the water
Bring water and sunscreen, these trails can get hot in exposed sun
Be sure to pick up after your dog, this is a heavily trafficked trail
Bring supplies for the day, this state park is fairly isolated
3. River Sink Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ng8zUpe3M/
A short trail popular with hikers, bikers, and bird watchers
Dogs must remain on a leash at all times while on the trail
The trail winds through Florida forests and shows sinkholes, local wildlife, and more
Located close to Gainesville, FL
Open year-round and can be a quiet, isolated trail during off seasons
4. Red Bug Slough Preserve
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXUTp2XF9Kt/
Located south of Sarasota and is perfect for anyone in the Sarasota area
The preserve is over 70 acres and features a series of nature trails that show off wildlife, water features, and more
Dogs must be leashed while on the public trails
The park is free and located near plenty of amenities, so it is great to return to for repeat walks
5. Fort Cooper State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNQNr0yMjm2/
Discover Old Florida history through the bones of an old 19th-century fort
Over 5 miles of trails that are all dog friendly
700 acres of land to explore, including places to fish, relax, and canoe
Located outside of Inverness, Florida
Bring supplies for a picnic and enjoy; not many nearby amenities
6. Mill Creek Preserve
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWbfVafJ0N8/
1,200-acre preserve that features some diverse Florida geography
Located 30 minutes north of Gainesville in Alachua County
Features sinkholes, disappearing streams, pine forests, and rock formations
Dogs must be leashed when on the public trails
Plenty to see and experience for multiple visits
7. Smyrna Dunes Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CooBQC2tNda/
Beautiful sand dunes and beaches to explore
Wide, flat trails are easy to walk on
Plenty of shade and seating for hot days
Stick to dog-approved areas; some nearby beach areas prohibit dogs
New Smyrna Dunes dog beach is nearby and free to use
8. Silver Springs State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cplu3TssoCu/
Some of the most beautiful waters you will ever see
Multiple dog friendly trails to choose from ranging from 1 mile to 4 miles
Dogs must be leashed on the trails at all times
There are tons of things to do inside the park, including multiple amenities, rentals, and more
Plenty to do to occupy a full day or multiple days of fun with your dog
9. Manatee Springs State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/Co3U_24uwxV/
A massive spring that discharges hundreds of millions of refreshing water per day
Ancient site that has been visited for thousands of years
Miles of nature trails snake through gorgeous Florida scenery
Links to Nature Coast State Trail
Hundreds of feet of modern boardwalk go along deep springs and tranquil waters
10. Croom Tract Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CioUOqfNT5u/
Shady trail leads to beautiful views of the Withlacoochee River
Sandy ground is easy on dogs’ feet
Multiple other trailheads and connections nearby
Stock up in nearby Brooksville or Ridge Manor for a fun day out
Bathroom and water available near the road
11. Olustee Battlefield Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSMT4WssNUX/
See the site of one of Florida’s only Civil War battles
Monuments, signs, and markers teach you about the history of the site
Bathrooms available at the visitor center
Always free except during reenactments which take place periodically
Dogs cannot go into the museum or enter any buildings
12. Salt Springs Observation Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cejn61WO0sy/
Beautiful trail features oak hammocks, large pines, a bridge, a boardwalk, a swamp, springs, wildlife, and more
The trail is easy but can get very hot during the summer
Stock up on supplies in Ocala, the trailhead is fairly remote
Large observation platform lets you get great views of local birds and Salt Springs
Bring bags to pick up after your dog
13. Gainesville – Hawthorne State Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CaVxEnKuAgf/
Long trail that links Gainesville to the nearby town of Hawthorne
Runs through Boulware Springs Park and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Multiple places to park along the trail; look up parking areas here
Parts of this trail are used as an equestrian trail, so watch for horses
Plenty to do and see in and around nearby Gainesville
14. Rainbow Springs Blue Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYkxhvJRdp/
This fascinating trail is well maintained and easy to traverse
Dogs must remain on a leash at all times
Meanders through an old zoo where enclosures are still visible
Breathtaking views of the springs and waterfalls
Plenty of amenities inside and around the park
15. Big Shoals Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoC6kdGum5T/
Located within little-known Big Shoals State Park
Some of the most unique sights in Florida including an old bridge over the historic Suwannee River
Winds along high river bluffs
Very secluded so make sure to bring supplies before setting out
Multiple nearby trails and trailheads to explore over multiple days
16. Bulow Woods Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWQhqdILMAn/
🗺️ Address:
📍3501 Old Kings Rd S, Flagler Beach, FL 32136
🕐 Open Times:
9 AM – 5 PM; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
💲 Cost:
$4 per vehicle
🐕 Length:
6.8 miles one way, 13.6 miles round trip
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Trailhead located near the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
Long trail winds through a green area off of I-95 near Flagler Beach
Trail can be swampy, muggy, and buggy
Be prepared for a long hot day if you want to finish the entire trail
Catch dinner on the nearby waterfront after a long day
17. Prairie Lakes Loop
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbdeQ31j8a2/
Located roughly an hour south of Orlando
Six different routes are available to explore
Connects to the Florida Trail
Trailhead is in a remote location, so be sure to pack your own supplies for you and your pup
Sandy trail features old trees, visible markings keep you oriented, and there are multiple lakes and ponds nearby
18. Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckg1EE8uGr4/
Three distinct trails to explore
600 acres of pristine land managed by the National Parks Service
Located 20 minutes west of Jacksonville, FL
Nature area connects to the nearby Saint Johns River
Plenty to do and see in the park and in the nearby area for multiple days of exploration
19. Eagles View Yellow Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/Coi2LNKLC2X/
Excellent trail in South Florida
Located in the beautiful Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Little shade in parts; the trail can get very hot
Watch out for rattlesnakes; dogs might try to play with dangerous snakes if you are not careful
The trail is often empty but watch out for bikers and horseback riders
20. Wakulla Springs Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc1AgU5vFJr/
Long winding trail through Wakulla Springs State Park
Trail can stretch up to 12 miles if you follow it around
Ancient trees tower over the springs offering a stately sight
Located 20 minutes south of Tallahassee
Great views of Old Florida; features rivers, springs, trees, wildlife, bridges, and more
Conclusion
Whether you want to gaze into an ancient sinkhole, explore an old battlefield, or meander along a sandy beach, there is a trail on this list that is sure to bring joy and amazement to you and your dog. All of these trails are dog friendly and make up a diverse set of locations and geography to explore. There are trails less than a mile long and trials that are multiple-mile treks through secluded parts of the state. There is a trail on this list that is perfect for you and your dog.
Featured Image Credit: Skox, Shutterstock