Join us at the farmstead for our Dudley Kids Day event, Treasure Trek. Children and adults alike, ages 5 to 65, can join in the fun! There are hands on demonstrations, crafts, old fashioned games and even some education. Learn about history, and a farming way of life.
Start 2025 off on the right foot! Join our park rangers for our annual First Day Hikes program at Maclay Gardens.
America's State Parks are coordinating with state park systems across the country to celebrate all the ways that individuals and families will be active in the outdoors this new year. Our hope is these First Day Hikes will provide a chance for visitors to reset, refresh, reconnect with nature, and experience the resilience of the Real Florida.
Meet at the Maclay Gardens Trailhead for a 3-mile hike around Lake Overstreet. Please wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. We hope to see you there!
Visitors will enjoy a guided hike with Ranger Kristin around the Mill Creek Loop. The hike is 3/4 of a mile, and the terrain is sandy with exposed roots. Visitors should wear comfortable and appropriate footwear, bring some water and sun protection.
Come join in our annual First Day Hike. Join a Park Ranger on a guided 2 mile hike through Anastasia's Marsh Trail along Salt Run and our Ancient Dunes Trail through our shaded maritime hammock. Discover the park's natural communities while exploring these unique trails. Please meet at the Anastasia Watersports Parking Lot. Suggested items to bring are binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, drinking water, bug spray, and sunscreen. This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation.
Program is free with regular park admission fee. ($8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 per single-occupant vehicle. $2.00 per pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass).
Come meet the birds at Anastasia State Park, proudly part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail!
Join a knowledgeable park volunteer for an informative walk on the beach, boardwalks, trails, and other areas. Participants will observe a diverse variety of seabirds, shorebirds, and wading birds. Open to all birding levels. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars, comfortable walking shoes, and a field guide if you have one.
Meet at the Island Beach Shop & Grill located at the end of the main park drive.
*This event is weather permitting and subject to cancellation.
Join us in First Day hike, where we will lead a 1.5 mile hike through our basin swamp. Please come prepared with water, bug spray, and appropriate shoes. Part of the trail has three-board plank to walk; this is for more advanced walkers.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park invites everyone to come out and start off your year on the WILD SIDE! Visitors of all ages will join Ranger Kris on a one-mile guided walk through the park. The leisurely stroll will wind along paved walkways and elevated boardwalks with multiple stops along the way. Learn about the park's resident native wildlife, including their stories. You will leave the park with a better understanding of how important each animal is to our Florida landscape and what you can do to help protect the wildlife and the wild places they call home.
Join Ranger Laura McMullen on the annual Trek to the Historic Dam. This hike is an "off the beaten path" walk which focuses on the hammock, pineland and swamp communities. Visitors will also learn about the history of the park and its unique hydrology. Visitors will pass through forested wetlands and view New Deal Era structures along the way to the historic dam at Little Charley Bowlegs Creek. Birds and other wildlife may be sighted on this leisurely walk. As parking is limited at the departure point on the service road beyond the Mammal Kiosk, visitors are requested to park in the Cypress Swamp Trail parking area on the Loop Road and walk back over to the kiosk. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and wear hiking shoes, long pants and protective clothing. No flipflops or sandals! Pets are not permitted. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, binoculars, walking sticks and bird guides. This leisurely walk is approximately 1.5 miles and ADA accessible. There is no restroom facility near the trail, so the picnic area restrooms may be accessed prior to the hike.
First Day Hike. A 4 mile hike on the Orchid Hiking Trail at Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park.
Join Ranger Blake Lewis on a guided nature walk where visitors may observe water birds such as herons, ibis, egrets and spot otters, alligators and other reptiles. The hike will focus on the importance of park ecosystems which are critical in providing habitat for winter migratory birds as well as year-round residents. Visitors will also learn about the history of the park and an update on the historic catwalk. Ranger Lewis will share tips for birdwatching in Highlands Hammock and relate some intriguing tales gleaned from his many years of observing birds and wildlife in the field. Meet at the Cypress Swamp Trail parking area. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and wear hiking shoes, long pants and protective clothing. No flipflops or sandals! Pets are not permitted. Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, binoculars, walking sticks and bird guides. This leisurely walk through the cypress swamp is less than 1/2 mile and the boardwalk is ADA accessible.