Celebrate National Park and Recreation Month

Since 1985, Americans have been celebrating National Park and Recreation Month during July.

It’s no coincidence this is recognized when people want to get outside and enjoy a wide range of activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, swimming, snorkeling or paddling, Florida’s state parks offer family-friendly outdoor fun.

Hiking Trails

Hiking is a great way to explore Florida’s natural areas. Whether you prefer a short nature trail or a longer hike, Florida's state parks offer more than 3,000 miles of trails.

Check out the Lake Overstreet trail at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park in Tallahassee. This 5-mile, double-loop trail winds around Lake Overstreet and offers views of a pristine shoreline, gently sloping hills and ravines, and forests of mixed pine hardwoods. If you walk quietly, you might see white-tailed deer, bald eagles or a barred owl.

Whenever you visit Florida State Parks, it is important to remember these safety tips: 

• Bring drinking water and sun protection and wear comfortable shoes.
• Give wildlife plenty of space by remaining at least 25 yards away. If you are close enough for a selfie, you are too close. Binoculars will help you see wildlife from a distance.
• Do not attempt to feed wild animals. It's dangerous for you and for the animals. 

Swimming and Snorkeling

Freshwater springs are terrific places for swimming and snorkeling. Northeast Florida offers several locations for springs hopping and outdoor fun. Check out these parks along the Suwannee River – Lafayette Blue Springs State Park, Madison Blue Spring State Park, Fanning Springs State Park, Manatee Springs State Park, Troy Spring State Park and Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park. Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Spring State Park feeds into the Santa Fe River and Ichetucknee Springs State Park is the headwaters of the Ichetucknee River.

Plan ahead to arrive early. Parks with springs tend to reach capacity quickly. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day enjoying the clear 68- to 72-degree waters of the spring.

Remember these safety tips:

• Never swim alone.
• Always keep a watchful eye on children near the water.
• Rest when you are tired.
• Wear a life jacket if appropriate.
• Apply sunscreen to protect your skin.

Paddling

Kayaking and canoeing are an amazing way to see Florida's waterways and are popular in parks across the state. Florida’s state parks feature miles of some of the most diverse aquatic ecosystems in the country.

Colt Creek State Park in Lakeland offers two lakes where you can launch your own canoe or kayak. If need to rent equipment, park staff can help with that, too.

The Estero River is a popular spot for paddling. Launch from Koreshan State Park in Estero. The river is a brackish waterway that leads to Estero Bay approximately 3 miles to the west. Equipment rentals are available.

For safety, remember to wear your life jacket, bring a sound-producing device and pack drinking water and sunscreen.

• Use the Online Trail Guide compiled by DEP's Office of Greenways and Trails to locate the statewide network of trails. This guide features paved and unpaved trails for hiking, biking, equestrian, multiple-use, paddling and motorized use. All are open to the public.

Picnicking

Pack a picnic lunch and head to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach. After a morning of walking the beach and exploring the nature center, you can enjoy a picnic lunch under the covered pavilion.