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.
We would like to invite you to join a Ranger-guided leisurely hike on Christmas day down the 1 mile round-trip ADA accessible Tarkiln Bayou Trail, an "easy" degree of difficulty. Along the way, the ranger will share their knowledge of various native plants found in the park and you can participate in a scavenger hunt. 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.
A wonderful holiday tradition in South Walton! Enjoy a walk through luminary lined pathways at Eden Gardens State park after sunset, and tour the historic Wesley house with each room decorated for Christmas.
There will be live music, cookies and hot beverages provided by the Friends of Eden at the Pavilion area.
Bring water, snacks, and your sense of adventure and join us for First Day Hike 2025 at Crystal River Preserve State Park's 7 Mile Loop Trail! We will offer guided hikes of 1, 3, and 7 Miles all led by experienced park volunteers. The 7 Mile Loop Trail is a National Recreation Trail with stunning views of the marsh. Start the New Year out on the right foot, we can't wait to see you there!
Join Park Biologist Andy Kilmer for a field trip at the Dixie Shores portion of the Crystal River Preserve State Park. Andy will discuss the state park's upcoming flatwoods restoration project and the reintroduction of fire after mulching. We should be able to see the ecotones of several systems in this area and the diversity that comes with it. Total distance will be about 2 miles, and we should return by noon. Please bring your own water and snacks. There are no restrooms or facilities available. We will park along the south side of W Dixie Shores Drive at the SE corner of W Fort Island Trail and W Dixie Shores. RSVP with Ben at bfberauer@aol.com, or call or text at 727-217-5971.
Ring in the New Year with a First Day Hike at Fort Cooper State Park, 3100 S. Old Floral City Road, Inverness! Join us as we venture along one of three nature trails: Dogwood (.9 miles), Seminole Heritage/Fort Site Trail (1.5 miles), or the Sandhill Loop Trail (1.9 miles). All ages are welcome. Meet at the Park Pavilion. Organized in state parks across the country, thousands of people participate in First Day Hikes every January 1. Varying from short strolls to longer treks, these hikes offer a variety of ways for people to get outdoors and start the new year on the right foot! For many, a new year is a chance to reconnect with nature and commit to spending more time outdoors in the months ahead. Fort Cooper's First Day Hikes will be guided by either a Ranger or a volunteer. A portion of the Seminole Heritage Trail is paved and accessible for baby strollers, walkers and/or wheelchairs. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Bring supplies: drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen and/or a hat. Wear close-toed, sturdy, comfortable shoes.
The story of nature changes greatly at night! Come explore Blue Spring with us to learn about those changes and how animals adapt to them! We have seen everything from owls to slumbering manatees!
*This event is for Junior Rangers and their accompanying guardian*
This program is free with park admission.
Arrive to the park no later than 5:30 PM! We will meet in front of the Roadside Pavilion located in the Lower Parking Lot next to the restrooms.
You will be given an after-hours pass to place on your dashboard. We recommend you bring flashlights, bug spray, closed-toe shoes, and water. Please do not wear flashing, light-up sneakers. We ask that you do not bring pets to this program.
The walk will take place on sidewalk and sandy soils with some potential roots and trip hazards. At the conclusion of the program, all visitors will be asked to promptly exit the park.
Please note: This program could be canceled due to inclement weather.
Send your RSVP and questions to connor.wagner@floridadep.gov
Blue Spring manages two dozen natural communities. Join us as we guide you through one of our most unique habitats, the Florida scrub, which is vital for many rare species and benefits water conservation. Be on the lookout for some of our park's residents including the Florida scrub jay and gopher tortoise.
Let the Ranger Station know you are here for the tram ride when you pay the entrance fee. You will take the first right turn on the dirt road shortly after the Ranger Station. From there, you will park and go over safety precautions before loading onto the tram. The ride itself is a short loop that takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on stops. Hazards include inspects, temperature, and uneven terrain/ bumpiness. The route is unshaded so please make sure you plan accordingly with water, sunscreen, hat, etc. No pets are allowed on the tram.
Please RSVP to Connor.Wagner@FloridaDEP.gov