Ring in the new year with a hike along the Bayview Trail, a 1.6 mile scenic loop trail, OR the 1 mile Maritime Hammock Trail. Enjoy the view of the St. Joseph Bay and the diversity of the plants and wildlife along the way. Meet at the Bayview trailhead for a longer hike, or at the Maritime Hammock Trailhead for a leisurely walk.
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. We know that communities and parks around the state have been through a lot in 2024. 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.
Birdwatching is one of the most popular pastimes for men, women and children. It's inexpensive, healthy and utterly captivating. The first time one sees a pileated woodpecker can be breathtaking – its size, shape and brilliant red head – a true Woody Woodpecker! The flash of a bluebird leaves one searching for its landing spot for a closer look at its bright blue body and rusty chest. Birding on Thursday at Fort Cooper State Park, 3100 S. Old Floral City Road in Inverness, finds groups of eager birders assembling to glimpse the Park's feathered visitors. Led by Gail King and Dee Bolton, identifications of bird species and their calls can sometimes be quite easy or offer a challenge, leaving one to page through a birding book. Birders often bring a notebook to record their sightings or add to their Life List. The park surroundings are old Florida at its finest and the trek along the trails are easy-going and not difficult. Bring a pair of binoculars (extra binoculars are available), some closed-toed shoes and a bit of patience, as spring birds can be elusive.
Join a Park Ranger for a guided historical tour of the grounds at Camp Helen State Park. Follow along as staff share park history from the Hicks family building the historic structures that still stand on the grounds, all the way through the colorful history of Avondale Mill's utilizing the property as their employee vacation retreat. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
First Day Hike at Bahia Honda State Park. We will be hosting both a guided hike through our newly restored Silver Palm Trail as well as a self-guided hike through the main areas of our park. Visitors who complete our self-guided hike will also be able to obtain a one of a kind postcard at the end.
Head on out to Estero Bay Preserve to join in a group run and attend a ranger led program to learn the basics of running trails in Florida. Attendees will learn tips and ideas to incorporate into their running or hiking experience regarding using map apps (Avenza), gear, nutrition, hydration, running at night, how to find races, and building up to ultramarathon distances in this extreme environment. Winter season is race season so start now and be ready for our own Trail Race event on 3/22/25!
7am: Group run all paces/distances welcome
8am: Trail running program at the pavilion
Pay online before you come at
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/estero-bay-preserve-…
Join a Park Ranger for a kayak tour up the Estero River to explore the natural and cultural history of the river. Learn about the people who lived here during the last thousand years as well as the plants and animals that call the Estero River home!
Must Bring Your Own Kayak, Paddle, Life Vest and Water Bottle.
Join a Park Ranger on a guided nature hike through Camp Helen State Park.
First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America's State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year's Day, hundreds of guided hikes will be organized in all 50 states. Kids and adults all across America will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park.
The hike at Camp Helen will meander through several distinct natural communities, and Rangers will share information about the flora and fauna found throughout the park.
You are invited to savor the beauty of Camp Helen's natural resources with the comfort of an experienced guide so you may be inspired to take advantage of these and other local treasures throughout the year.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear closed toe shoes.
Birdwatching is one of the most popular pastimes for men, women and children. It's inexpensive, healthy and utterly captivating. The first time one sees a pileated woodpecker can be breathtaking – its size, shape and brilliant red head – a true Woody Woodpecker! The flash of a bluebird leaves one searching for its landing spot for a closer look at its bright blue body and rusty chest. Birding on Thursday at Fort Cooper State Park, 3100 S. Old Floral City Road in Inverness, finds groups of eager birders assembling to glimpse the Park's feathered visitors. Led by Gail King and Dee Bolton, identifications of bird species and their calls can sometimes be quite easy or offer a challenge, leaving one to page through a birding book. Birders often bring a notebook to record their sightings or add to their Life List. The park surroundings are old Florida at its finest and the trek along the trails are easy-going and not difficult. Bring a pair of binoculars (extra binoculars are available), some closed-toed shoes and a bit of patience, as spring birds can be elusive.
We would like to invite you to join families across the country by starting the new year off on the right foot with a leisurely Ranger-guided hike along the 1 mile ADA accessible, with an "easy" degree of difficulty Tarkiln Bayou Trail. Along the way, staff will share their knowledge of native plants found in the park. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Suggested items to bring with you include: drinking water, a camera, binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The walk is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.