Join us for a First Day Hike of the upper and lower Sandy creek trails at Ponce De Leon Springs State Park.
Please join staff and volunteers for a guided 1 – 1.25 mile walk over Estuary Bridge/Boardwalk, up the main crossover to view the beach, and through the Dune Trail. We will explore the 4 unique natural ecosystems in the park. Although they have distinctly different features, they are all connected. This hike will help raise awareness and appreciation for the connections among habitats, cultural history, as well as our own connection to them. Participants should be prepared for a 30 – 45 min. walk on a variety of surfaces including wooden boardwalk with some uneven surfaces, wooden inclines and stairs, and a packed sand trail with gentle sloping. Participants should have appropriate clothing and shoes (closed-toe recommended), sunscreen, and plenty of water. Participants should know that they may encounter stinging insects such as mosquitoes, no-see-ums, wasps, or bees on the trail. Although uncommon while traveling in groups, snakes may be also encountered along the trail. Park staff or volunteers will be carrying a radio or cell phone by which they can request emergency assistance, and from which they can be contacted by other Park staff. General exposure to the seasonal elements should also be considered.
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park would like to invite you to enjoy a leisurely Ranger-guided hike and a scavenger hunt along the 1.3 mile Tarkiln Bayou Trail. This trail is ADA accessible, with an "easy" degree of difficulty. Along the way, staff will share their knowledge of native plants found in the park and point out red and green plants found during the winter season. Please dress for the weather. 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.
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park would like to invite you to start the new year off on the right foot with a leisurely Ranger-guided hike along the 1.3 mile Tarkiln Bayou Trail. This trail is ADA accessible, with an "easy" degree of difficulty. Along the way, staff will share their knowledge of native plants found in the park. Please dress for the weather. 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.
Start the New Year in a State Park with a First Day Hike! Join one of our park rangers and take a guided hike through the beautiful T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joesph Peninsula State Park. Hike leads from Maritime Hammock Trail, which offers incredible views of St. Joesph Bay.
The program will include a one-mile-long hike, occurring over one hour. Please bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail includes uneven terrain.
Start the New Year in a State Park with a First Day Hike! Join one of our park rangers and take a guided hike through the beautiful natural settings of Tomoka State Park. Along the way, you'll discover the park's fascinating history, including stories of one of Florida's largest Native American villages. Hike leads to the Tomoka Point, which offers incredible views of Tomoka Basin and one of the most scenic vistas in the area.
The program will include a one-mile-long hike, occurring over one hour. Please bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and wear sturdy shoes, as the trail includes uneven terrain.
Directions: Drive into park, 1/2 mile down on righthand side across from Tomoka Outpost
Information: Mark Adams, 386-517-2084 or email
Mark.D.Adams@FloridaDEP.gov
Paddle under the moonlight, cruise through sparkling waters, and maybe spot a few nighttime critters along the way.
Watercraft options include single or tandem kayaks, and canoes. Please be advised that personal canoes, kayaks or SUP's are not allowed for this event. Event cost includes boat, life jackets, and shuttle service.
Flashlights and headlamps are not necessary. However, if a flashlight brings you more comfort, we strongly suggest bringing one with a red-light option in order to reduce disturbance of the nocturnal wildlife and other paddlers.
**Advanced registration online is required to participate.
Paddle under the moonlight, cruise through sparkling waters, and maybe spot a few nighttime critters along the way.
Watercraft options include single or tandem kayaks, and canoes. Please be advised that personal canoes, kayaks or SUP's are not allowed for this event. Event cost includes boat, life jackets, and shuttle service.
Flashlights and headlamps are not necessary. However, if a flashlight brings you more comfort, we strongly suggest bringing one with a red-light option in order to reduce disturbance of the nocturnal wildlife and other paddlers.
**Advanced registration online is required to participate.
Paddle under the moonlight, cruise through sparkling waters, and maybe spot a few nighttime critters along the way.
Watercraft options include single or tandem kayaks, and canoes. Please be advised that personal canoes, kayaks or SUP's are not allowed for this event. Event cost includes boat, life jackets, and shuttle service.
Flashlights and headlamps are not necessary. However, if a flashlight brings you more comfort, we strongly suggest bringing one with a red-light option in order to reduce disturbance of the nocturnal wildlife and other paddlers.
**Advanced registration online is required to participate.
Embark on a captivating journey through Ichetucknee's rich history! This guided van tour takes you to the site of the 17th-century Mission de San Martin de Timucua and the remnants of past phosphate mining operations within the forest. Along the way, you'll explore the fascinating story of the park, from its roots as the ancient Timucuan capital of Aquacalyquen to its modern-day stewardship.
Space is Limited! Reservations are highly recommended. Reservations can be made on our concessionaire's website or by calling them at 386-497-1500.
Some sections of the tour involve walking through brush. We recommend wearing long pants, sturdy shoes, and insect repellent.
Each tour may differ slightly depending on the guide's unique insights.