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Nature|Hiking

The Landbridge Trailhead In Florida Is The Very First Wildlife Bridge In The State

The Landbridge Trailhead in Florida offers a unique trail experience with a wildlife-friendly bridge over I-75.

Published Oct 28, 2021

Written by 

Angie Slayton

Each trail in Florida offers something totally unique to visitors, whether it’s a natural beauty, a special hidden attraction, or a rich history. The Landbridge Trailhead is no different, and in fact, deserves all the accolades it has received over the years. Guests who hike or bike the Landbridge trail will come across the actual land bridge, which was developed for wildlife to safely receive passage over a busy I-75. Come enjoy this natural bridge, the first of its kind in America.

In Ocala, Florida there is a trail that is unlike any other - the first of its kind in the United States.

Sign for "Land Bridge" along a paved path in a wooded area, part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.
AllTrails Rich Stackon

The Landbridge Trailhead in Florida was developed to provide access across I-75, not just for people, but primarily for wildlife!

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Wooden signpost with trail distances: Land Bridge Over I-75 (2.3 miles), Land Bridge Trailhead (3.5 miles), 49th Ave Trailhead (0.2 miles).
Google Brian Lindenberger

This land bridge structure is 52 feet wide and 200 feet long, following a natural ridge 100 feet high.

A scenic pathway lined with stone walls and lush greenery, leading through a tranquil outdoor setting.
AllTrails Brian Lindenberger

With planters on both sides of the bridge, there is natural vegetation to make the landbridge more wildlife-friendly.

A peaceful pathway lined with stone walls and greenery, leading through a sunny, wooded area.
AllTrails Bob Reed

The bridge has wildlife cameras across which are monitored by staff, capturing photos of coyotes, wild turkeys, bobcats, and even black bears crossing the bridge.

View of a highway through a metal fence, flanked by trees under a partly cloudy sky.
AllTrails KAL Sr

Visitors can access the pedestrian trail too, for free as they hike from 8 a.m. to sundown every day.

A winding dirt path through a lush, green forest with large trees and dense foliage on either side.
AllTrails Carrie Hyde

There are even ways for visitors to take a horseback riding trail along the bridge from companies like Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides.

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View from a horse's back overlooking a highway through a decorative gate under a blue sky.
AllTrails Kristie Heredia

Whether you’re hiking, biking, horseback riding, or just strolling, come check out this wildlife bridge and see for yourself why this unique bridge became the model for safe passage for animals across the country.

A narrow dirt path winds through a dense forest of tall pine trees under a clear blue sky.
AllTrails Carrie Hyde

Click here to find out where the Landbridge Trailhead is in Florida.

Map showing the location of Florida Trail Land and the Eagle Trailhead, near Belleview, Florida.
Google Maps

Have you ever been to the Landbridge Trailhead in Florida before? What do you think about this trail and bridge? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you're looking for more information about this trail, including current conditions, then check out the Florida State Parks website.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Iconic Trail in Florida Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

The Sawgrass Lake Park Trail is a 1.1-mile trail that takes visitors through areas of lush vegetation and along a lake, Sawgrass Lake. There are numerous opportunities to view wildlife, including alligators, birds, and reptiles. The area also has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.

Published Oct 21, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

Florida is a fantastic place to hike with its quiet forests, thriving plants and wildlife, white sandy beaches, and abundant sunshine. I especially love hiking early in the day when the trails are peaceful and my energy is high. The temperatures and humidity also tend to be lower this time of day, making the sun and heat a bit more manageable. Sawgrass Lake Park in Lealman, Florida, is a great place to hike and lets visitors enjoy much of what is unique about Florida. The Sawgrass Lake Park Trail takes hikers along lush vegetation, with water views and plenty of opportunities to enjoy wildlife.

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A wooden boardwalk winding through lush greenery and tall trees in a serene natural setting.
Teagan Kronbeck / AllTrails

The Sawgrass Lake Park Trail is a 1.9-mile hike that's fairly flat. The entire trail only gains nine feet in elevation. The trail is considered easy and open year-round to hikers. Dogs are not allowed. It starts at the John A. Anderson Environmental Education Center, where visitors can learn about the area. The trail continues north and forms a loop before returning south. Then, it takes hikers west to Sawgrass Lake. Portions of the trail are wooded boardwalks, elevating hikers above the ground.

The trail offers fantastic opportunities to view wildlife. Hikers have seen ducks, birds, lizards, armadillos, and turtles. Some have also seen alligators, and the trail has signs reminding hikers not to feed or disturb them. Observation decks along the trail let hikers observe the wildlife below from a distance. In the spring and fall, many birds migrate through the park, making it an excellent place for birdwatching.

A crocodile resting on the grassy bank of a river, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Eduardo Toledo / AllTrails

This hike is located in Sawgrass Lake Park, a 400-acre park managed by the Pinellas County parks system. The park protects one of the most extensive maple swamps in the Gulf Coast region. Maple swamps are wetland areas in which maple trees make up the majority of the tree canopy. The thriving maple swamp supports the growth of many animal species, creating the varied wildlife in the park. The park is open year-round except for two holidays: the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. In addition to the hiking trails, the park has restrooms, a picnic shelter area, and grills for visitors to use.

A serene waterway surrounded by lush greenery and lily pads, reflecting a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Alexandra Williamson / AllTrails

For more information, visit the Sawgrass Lake Park website and the Sawgrass Lake Park Trail listing on AllTrails.

Have you visited Sawgrass Lake Park? Where is your favorite place to view wildlife in Florida?

The St. Petersburg and Pinellas County areas of Florida have much to offer, including Sunken Gardens, a lush and immaculately maintained botanical garden. The area also has fantastic restaurants, including Spinners Rooftop Grille, a seafood restaurant with 360-degree views of the Gulf.

To prepare for your next hike, check out our ultimate hiking packing list. The list includes backpacks, water bottles, shoes, and more.

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Nature|Hiking

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in Florida That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Explore hiking trails, wildlife, and historic CCC-built cabins at Gold Head Branch State Park. Enjoy swimming, fishing, and camping in a scenic natural setting.

Published Oct 11, 2024

Written by 

Megan Todaro

I don't know about you, but I love it when a little bit of history is thrown into the mix of my nature trips. Sure, I love a good hike through the wetlands or just sweating it out on an oceanfront trail through the tilting mangrove branches. But when you throw in those little tidbits of history, it really makes that particular place or park shine. Take Mike Roess, Gold Head Branch State Park, as the perfect example. As one of the oldest state parks in Florida, it still remains much of a hidden gem. But maybe after this quick history lesson and a few must-try trail recommendations, you'll add this spot to your list.

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A wooden boardwalk winds through a lush, green forest with trees and a small stream visible below.
Alltrails Lisa Pelican

Gold Head Branch State Park spans over 2,000 acres of pine forests, marshlands, and sandhill habitats, making it an excellent spot for experiencing Florida's natural diversity. Established in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the small town park has a unique historic charm and an incredibly biodiverse landscape.

A moss-covered tree trunk beside a gently flowing stream in a lush, green forest setting.
Alltrails Mike (GruncleMike) Coughlin

Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities here, from hiking and swimming to fishing and canoeing. Speaking of hiking, the park features several hiking trails, including a portion of the 5.44-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, which offers excellent views of the ravine and surrounding ecosystems. Little Lake Johnson is perfect for swimming (no lifeguard on duty!), canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with bass and bream among the popular catches. The park also rents canoes and kayaks if you don't have your own to bring.

Sign indicating Ridge Trail and Loblolly Loop Trail directions, with distances of 1 mile and 0.75 miles, respectively.
Alltrails Alex Bolles

For those interested in wildlife and who brought their cameras, the park is home to gopher tortoises, deer, and a variety of bird species. Keep your eyes peeled as you hike. You never know who is rustling in the treetops or meandering through the long grass.

A wooden boardwalk winding through a lush, green forest with trees and plants on either side.
Alltrails Mike Courville

Fall through spring is the best time to visit, offering cooler temperatures and better wildlife activity. Although visiting during the warmer months is tempting, summer visitors can cool off by swimming in the lake! For anyone who wants to spend more than just the day, camping is available in the form of primitive sites, RV spots, and historic CCC-built cabins that overlook the lake. Park hours are from 8 a.m. to sunset, with an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle.

A forest path with wooden stumps leading across a shallow, reflective pool of water surrounded by trees.
Alltrails Brian Courchrsne

Have you ever been to Gold Head Branch State Park before? What was your experience during your visit? Let us know in the comments section!

Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way, you can get even more information before you start your journey.

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