Hiking

Take a walk on the wild side!

Discover a variety of hiking and nature trails ranging in length from less than one mile to a 5-mile loop!

Choose your trail

Mesic Loop

Purple trail markers. Hikers access the Mesic Loop from a number of other trails: from the Yellow Sandhill Loop, from the Silver Trail using the Silver-Purple connector, or from the Flatwoods Loop using the Purple-Green connector. A 1.4-mile loop trail with deep sugar sand in some areas, the Mesic Loop takes hikers past open vistas of well-spaced longleaf pine trees and a short herbaceous understory of palmettos and grasses. On the western leg there can also be seen a hammock area with hardwoods and evergreens.

South Silver Trail

Silver trail markers. Accessed from the Ross Allen Boardwalk via a pedestrian bridge over the paddle trail, the South Silver Trail roughly parallels the Silver River. Designated by silver trail markers, it takes hikers through a number of natural communities including a hydric hammock. The South Silver Trail intersects the entrance trail to the Swamp Boardwalk which passes through a floodplain swamp dominated by cypress trees. The South Silver Trail connects the springs to the Silver River Museum parking lot and campground over 2.5 miles of trail. Including the Silver Trail South Loop, this trail is 5 miles one-way, and 10 miles roundtrip if accessed from the Ross Allen Boardwalk.

South Silver Trail Loop

Silver trail markers. Following the old Military Trail, the South Silver Trail Loop takes hikers through several scenic natural communities. This portion of the park trail system is remote and includes narrow, winding portions of trail and uneven terrain. Only adequately prepared, experienced hikers should consider this hiking option.

Sandhill Trail

To hike the Sandhill Trail, park next to the Camping Entrance ranger station. This a 1.3 mile loop trail, blazed yellow, which explores a portion of the park's longleaf pine uplands.

North Silver Trail Loop

Silver trail markers. Accessed from the North Silver Trail or the Equestrian parking lot, the Silver Trail North Loop leads to extremely remote areas designed for equestrian riders. With five spur trails, only adequately prepared, experienced hikers with good navigation and map reading skills should consider the 5-mile (one way) North Silver Loop Trail. Combined with the North Silver Trail, this trail is 12.8 miles roundtrip and does not include the 2.7 miles of spur trails intersecting the loop.

Flatwoods Loop

The Flatwoods Loop, denoted by green trail markers, is a 2.3-mile loop trail. It is an upland trail with mixed hardwoods and several ecotones. This trail can be accessed in the day use area in addition to the Silver-Green connector, the Yellow-Green connector, and the short Purple-Green connector.

North Silver Trail

Silver trail markers. Accessed from the Ticket Booth area, the North Silver Trail begins as a paved walkway around the springhead and along the upper portion of the Silver River for 1.2 miles until it meets the old Creek Trail which was once part of the Jeep Safari tour route. Hard-packed trail under tree canopy, the North Silver Trail follows the pedestrian bridge over Half-Mile Creek toward the Equestrian area and the North Silver Trail Loop. Marked by open palmetto understory in spots along with deep sugar sand, the North Silver Trail parallels State Road 40 before cutting south and then east toward the Equestrian parking area. There it meets the North Silver Trail Loop, a 5-mile circuit intersected by spur trails.

River Loop

The River Loop is a 1-mile loop, blazed dark blue. It is accessed from the South Silver Trail and the Silver-Green connector trailhead at the Museum Parking Lot. Overstory canopy shades the majority of this trail which takes hikers to a portage-only kayak launch and observation dock near the halfway point of the Silver River. The north leg of the loop parallels the river and includes a serene observation point with a bench.

Click on the map to download the hiking map

Remember to dress appropriately and bring plenty of water, sunblock, insect repellent, and anything else you need to be comfortable. For more tips on gear for longer hikes, check out American Hiking Society's top 10 essentials of hiking.

ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (EEC) - HIKING

•Able to independently or with assistance navigate rough terrain, including safely maneuvering around and across rocks, slippery and/or uneven surfaces, soft sand, under low branches, and around vegetation.

•Able to independently or with assistance follow written directions (including maps and signs).

•Able to act responsibly even when not directly supervised.

•Withstand environmental factors associated with outdoor hiking (e.g., extreme temperatures, insects, and inclement weather patterns).

•Perform necessary self-care, including maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration, dressing appropriately for environmental conditions, and managing known medical conditions.

•Remain alert and focused for the duration of your outdoor experience.

•It is suggested to download the park trail map and bring a cellular phone for emergencies.