Florida is renowned worldwide for its beaches and seafood, but there’s plenty of other natural wonders at work here. Take a break from the surf and you’ll find that Florida offers many beautiful forests that, when fall rolls in, are flourishing with brilliant warm colors that signal slightly cooler temperatures ahead. If you can’t make it to the mountains to see the leaves change colors, enjoy fall’s arrival on one of these stunning foliage hikes in Florida.
This 30-mile network of roadways makes for a stunning fall drive. However, if you prefer to get out and enjoy the reds, oranges, and yellows on foot, make your way to Bulow Creek State Park and hop on one of the nature trails. The Bulow Woods Trail gives you your best chance of soaking in the scenery. At just over 13 miles round-trip, the trail will take you over a bridge, through the live oak hammock, and along some of the most beautiful fall scenery you’d have never known Florida was hiding.
With over 16 miles of challenging trails, the fall colors here make your trek worthwhile. Here you’ll find a landscape that’s more akin to the mountains of North Carolina than Florida flatlands. However, it’s also the perfect terrain for Florida’s native southern sugar maples that turn ablaze with color in late October/early November. You’ll also get breathtaking views of the Apalachicola River from 150-foot bluffs inside the park.
Aside from playing home to the world’s largest, deepest freshwater spring, this park also provides pristine fall foliage views. There are over 10 miles of trails throughout the park that lead through hardwood hammocks, champion trees, floodplains, and other sights. There’s also plenty of wildlife to see along your journey—alligators, birds, and even the occasional manatee are known to make an appearance within the park.
Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.
