Florida is a large and beautiful state with tons of nature. There are dozens of different trails that can be accessed and hiked with a dog. There are trails in every part of the state that go through lonely woods, along rivers, to the beach, and more. If you like hiking with your dog, there are numerous amazing options for you to choose from.
Here are 20 amazing dog friendly hiking trails in Florida that you can explore today.
The 20 Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Florida
1. Leon Sinks Geological Area Loop
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZbgPufj9T4/
- Located just south of Tallahassee
- Experience Old Florida karst formations and deformations
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for this moderate trail
- Plenty of animals, plants, and geology to observe
- Due to a combination of construction and unstable rock formations, trails are subject to close without notice
2. Gap Point Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIECq2rp-Pp/
- Located on beautiful St. George Island in the Florida Panhandle
- A flat scrubby trail that features dunes, wildflowers, and beaches with gorgeous views of the water
- Bring water and sunscreen, these trails can get hot in exposed sun
- Be sure to pick up after your dog, this is a heavily trafficked trail
- Bring supplies for the day, this state park is fairly isolated
3. River Sink Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ng8zUpe3M/
- A short trail popular with hikers, bikers, and bird watchers
- Dogs must remain on a leash at all times while on the trail
- The trail winds through Florida forests and shows sinkholes, local wildlife, and more
- Located close to Gainesville, FL
- Open year-round and can be a quiet, isolated trail during off seasons
4. Red Bug Slough Preserve
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXUTp2XF9Kt/
- Located south of Sarasota and is perfect for anyone in the Sarasota area
- The preserve is over 70 acres and features a series of nature trails that show off wildlife, water features, and more
- Dogs must be leashed while on the public trails
- The park is free and located near plenty of amenities, so it is great to return to for repeat walks
5. Fort Cooper State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNQNr0yMjm2/
- Discover Old Florida history through the bones of an old 19th-century fort
- Over 5 miles of trails that are all dog friendly
- 700 acres of land to explore, including places to fish, relax, and canoe
- Located outside of Inverness, Florida
- Bring supplies for a picnic and enjoy; not many nearby amenities
6. Mill Creek Preserve
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWbfVafJ0N8/
- 1,200-acre preserve that features some diverse Florida geography
- Located 30 minutes north of Gainesville in Alachua County
- Features sinkholes, disappearing streams, pine forests, and rock formations
- Dogs must be leashed when on the public trails
- Plenty to see and experience for multiple visits
7. Smyrna Dunes Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CooBQC2tNda/
- Beautiful sand dunes and beaches to explore
- Wide, flat trails are easy to walk on
- Plenty of shade and seating for hot days
- Stick to dog-approved areas; some nearby beach areas prohibit dogs
- New Smyrna Dunes dog beach is nearby and free to use
8. Silver Springs State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cplu3TssoCu/
- Some of the most beautiful waters you will ever see
- Multiple dog friendly trails to choose from ranging from 1 mile to 4 miles
- Dogs must be leashed on the trails at all times
- There are tons of things to do inside the park, including multiple amenities, rentals, and more
- Plenty to do to occupy a full day or multiple days of fun with your dog
9. Manatee Springs State Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/Co3U_24uwxV/
- A massive spring that discharges hundreds of millions of refreshing water per day
- Ancient site that has been visited for thousands of years
- Miles of nature trails snake through gorgeous Florida scenery
- Links to Nature Coast State Trail
- Hundreds of feet of modern boardwalk go along deep springs and tranquil waters
10. Croom Tract Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CioUOqfNT5u/
- Shady trail leads to beautiful views of the Withlacoochee River
- Sandy ground is easy on dogs’ feet
- Multiple other trailheads and connections nearby
- Stock up in nearby Brooksville or Ridge Manor for a fun day out
- Bathroom and water available near the road
11. Olustee Battlefield Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSMT4WssNUX/
- See the site of one of Florida’s only Civil War battles
- Monuments, signs, and markers teach you about the history of the site
- Bathrooms available at the visitor center
- Always free except during reenactments which take place periodically
- Dogs cannot go into the museum or enter any buildings
12. Salt Springs Observation Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cejn61WO0sy/
- Beautiful trail features oak hammocks, large pines, a bridge, a boardwalk, a swamp, springs, wildlife, and more
- The trail is easy but can get very hot during the summer
- Stock up on supplies in Ocala, the trailhead is fairly remote
- Large observation platform lets you get great views of local birds and Salt Springs
- Bring bags to pick up after your dog
13. Gainesville – Hawthorne State Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CaVxEnKuAgf/
- Long trail that links Gainesville to the nearby town of Hawthorne
- Runs through Boulware Springs Park and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
- Multiple places to park along the trail; look up parking areas here
- Parts of this trail are used as an equestrian trail, so watch for horses
- Plenty to do and see in and around nearby Gainesville
14. Rainbow Springs Blue Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYkxhvJRdp/
- This fascinating trail is well maintained and easy to traverse
- Dogs must remain on a leash at all times
- Meanders through an old zoo where enclosures are still visible
- Breathtaking views of the springs and waterfalls
- Plenty of amenities inside and around the park
15. Big Shoals Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoC6kdGum5T/
- Located within little-known Big Shoals State Park
- Some of the most unique sights in Florida including an old bridge over the historic Suwannee River
- Winds along high river bluffs
- Very secluded so make sure to bring supplies before setting out
- Multiple nearby trails and trailheads to explore over multiple days
16. Bulow Woods Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWQhqdILMAn/
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍3501 Old Kings Rd S, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 9 AM – 5 PM; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays |
| 💲 Cost: | $4 per vehicle |
| 🐕 Length: | 6.8 miles one way, 13.6 miles round trip |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Trailhead located near the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
- Long trail winds through a green area off of I-95 near Flagler Beach
- Trail can be swampy, muggy, and buggy
- Be prepared for a long hot day if you want to finish the entire trail
- Catch dinner on the nearby waterfront after a long day
17. Prairie Lakes Loop
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbdeQ31j8a2/
- Located roughly an hour south of Orlando
- Six different routes are available to explore
- Connects to the Florida Trail
- Trailhead is in a remote location, so be sure to pack your own supplies for you and your pup
- Sandy trail features old trees, visible markings keep you oriented, and there are multiple lakes and ponds nearby
18. Theodore Roosevelt Area at Timucuan Preserve
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckg1EE8uGr4/
- Three distinct trails to explore
- 600 acres of pristine land managed by the National Parks Service
- Located 20 minutes west of Jacksonville, FL
- Nature area connects to the nearby Saint Johns River
- Plenty to do and see in the park and in the nearby area for multiple days of exploration
19. Eagles View Yellow Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/Coi2LNKLC2X/
- Excellent trail in South Florida
- Located in the beautiful Jonathan Dickinson State Park
- Little shade in parts; the trail can get very hot
- Watch out for rattlesnakes; dogs might try to play with dangerous snakes if you are not careful
- The trail is often empty but watch out for bikers and horseback riders
20. Wakulla Springs Trail
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc1AgU5vFJr/
- Long winding trail through Wakulla Springs State Park
- Trail can stretch up to 12 miles if you follow it around
- Ancient trees tower over the springs offering a stately sight
- Located 20 minutes south of Tallahassee
- Great views of Old Florida; features rivers, springs, trees, wildlife, bridges, and more
Conclusion
Whether you want to gaze into an ancient sinkhole, explore an old battlefield, or meander along a sandy beach, there is a trail on this list that is sure to bring joy and amazement to you and your dog. All of these trails are dog friendly and make up a diverse set of locations and geography to explore. There are trails less than a mile long and trials that are multiple-mile treks through secluded parts of the state. There is a trail on this list that is perfect for you and your dog.
Featured Image Credit: Skox, Shutterstock
