Welcome to the new online park guide for Florida State Parks. This website will help you plan your visits to Florida’s 171 award-winning state parks and state trails.

During February, take time to explore Florida’s bountiful trails during Florida Hiking Trails Month. With 161 state parks and 10 state trails, you’ll find the perfect spot for hiking, bicycling, paddling and horseback riding. Even though temperatures are moderate this time of year, remember to bring drinking water and bug repellent.

During 2015, we will celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the system of Florida’s state parks. I am especially proud of our park rangers and volunteers who work to reenact events in Florida’s history. This year, the Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee will take place February 13-15 just east of Lake City. This reenactment tells the story of the largest Civil War battle fought in Florida in 1864. Also, mark your calendar now for March 7 and 8. Living historians will reenact the Battle of Natural Bridge (just south of Tallahassee) when Union troops were turned away and stopped from taking Florida’s capital during the Civil War.

Also in February, the Florida Park Service joins with Governor Rick Scott to celebrate Black History Month. The Florida Department of State’s Division of Historic Resources has compiled a booklet highlighting historic sites for the Florida Black Heritage Trail. Several state parks and state trails are featured in this impressive booklet.

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See you at the park!

Donald V. Forgione

Director, Florida Park Service