Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by JJ
Florida is widely known for its beaches, wetlands, and palm-lined boardwalks, but tucked quietly throughout the state are rare remnants of old-growth forest—timeless places where massive cypress, towering longleaf pines, and moss-draped oaks have stood for centuries. These hidden treasures are a gateway to Florida’s wild past, surviving development, logging, and storms to offer a living museum of the natural world. Visiting them is more than a hike—it’s a walk through deep time.
Here are the best places to experience Florida’s ancient forests, complete with historical context, hiking trail details, and nearby tips for making your journey immersive and rewarding.
Highlands Hammock State Park – Sebring
Established in 1931, Highlands Hammock is one of Florida’s oldest state parks—and it was saved thanks to its ancient oak and cabbage palm hammocks, many over 1,000 years old. This park offers an unmatched glimpse into what Central Florida looked like long before highways and subdivisions. Trails like the Ancient Hammock Trail and the Big Oak Trail wind through swamps and shaded hardwood canopies, where you can walk under massive oaks draped in Spanish moss. The park also features an elevated boardwalk that gives you an up-close look at cypress knees and swamp flora. Wildlife is abundant here—look for barred owls, deer, and even the occasional alligator. The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum on site adds a fascinating historical layer to your visit. RV and tent camping are available inside the park, and Sebring’s historic downtown is just a short drive away. This is a perfect destination for photographers and naturalists alike. Visit in the cooler months (November–March) for the best hiking conditions.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – Naples
Operated by Audubon, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary protects the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. Some of these towering trees are over 500 years old and reach heights of 130 feet. The 2.25-mile boardwalk trail is an easy, accessible path through an ancient wonderland of cypress, ferns, orchids, and rare ghost flowers. During rainy seasons, the swamp fills with mirror-like reflections, and the sounds of pileated woodpeckers and tree frogs echo in the canopy. This sanctuary is a haven for birders—expect to see herons, wood storks, and barred owls year-round. The sanctuary is open daily and offers guided nature walks and seasonal programs. While camping is not allowed on-site, you’ll find eco-lodges and resorts in nearby Naples. Corkscrew is best visited from late fall through spring to avoid the summer heat and mosquitoes. It’s an unforgettable stop for families, photographers, or anyone seeking peace beneath ancient boughs.
Torreya State Park – Bristol
Tucked along the Apalachicola River in North Florida, Torreya State Park is home to some of the rarest plant species in the Southeast and one of the state’s most rugged forest landscapes. The park gets its name from the endangered Torreya tree, a conifer species found almost nowhere else. The Gregory House Trail and Torreya Loop Trail pass through deep ravines, limestone bluffs, and old-growth hardwood forests, offering sweeping views of the river below. Fall is particularly stunning here, with fiery maple leaves and crisp air that’s rare for Florida. This is also one of the best spots in the state for tent or RV camping with a sense of elevation and mountain-like terrain. Birders, botanists, and history buffs will find plenty to love—including a preserved 1849 plantation house. The terrain is moderately challenging, ideal for more experienced hikers or adventurous families. Torreya’s remote feel offers a true escape, yet it’s only 1.5 hours west of Tallahassee.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve – Copeland
Known as the “Amazon of North America,” Fakahatchee Strand Preserve is Florida’s largest state park and a mysterious, swampy wilderness famous for its royal palms, ancient bald cypress, and wild orchids. The Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk gives visitors an easy path into the oldest parts of the forest, where massive trees and wildlife sightings abound. For the more daring, guided swamp walks are available—prepare to get wet and experience the forest at eye level with ghost orchids and tree snails. This is one of the last places where Florida panthers and black bears roam freely. The park is also home to the elusive ghost orchid, made famous by the book and film The Orchid Thief. Camping is limited and primitive, so most visitors stay in nearby Everglades City or Naples. The remote and wild feel of Fakahatchee makes it perfect for serious naturalists or photographers seeking rare beauty. Be prepared for mosquitoes and muddy trails—this is raw Florida at its finest.
Ravine Gardens State Park – Palatka
Though not an old-growth forest in the traditional sense, Ravine Gardens showcases one of Florida’s most unique and ancient landscapes—steep, shaded ravines formed over centuries by water erosion. The towering hardwood trees here, including magnolias, southern red oaks, and hickories, create a temperate forest microclimate uncommon in Florida. The park is known for its suspension bridges and formal gardens, but the ravine trails wind through incredibly lush, almost Appalachian-like forest. Some of the trails involve steep inclines, offering a rare challenge for hikers in the state. Spring brings blooming azaleas and vibrant color, but the forest is green and shady year-round. While these aren’t technically “virgin” trees, many are over a century old and give visitors a true sense of ancient woodland ambiance. Palatka’s historic downtown is nearby for dining and antique hunting. The park is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. RV campers can find sites just outside the park, with riverside views along the St. Johns.
Tips for Visiting Florida’s Old Growth Forests
- Wear waterproof boots or shoes with good traction—many trails can be muddy or slippery.
- Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months.
- Visit early in the morning for the best light, quiet, and wildlife activity.
- Respect all wildlife and stay on designated trails—these ecosystems are delicate.
- Consider bringing binoculars and a field guide for birds or trees.
- Avoid peak heat in summer; winter and spring are ideal for most visits.
- Call ahead to check trail conditions after heavy rain or hurricanes.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s old growth forests are more than a scenic destination—they’re a living time capsule, reminding us of the wild world that once covered the Southeast. Walking among trees that have stood for centuries changes your perspective, slowing time and sharpening your senses. Whether you’re exploring the towering cypress of Corkscrew or the shaded bluffs of Torreya, these forests whisper stories of resilience, biodiversity, and quiet grandeur. Take the time to listen—and leave only footprints behind.
