Florida National Scenic Trail

With help from partners across the state, Trust for Public Land is working to protect and improve the Florida National Scenic Trail, a 1,500-mile route that stretches from the Panhandle to the Everglades. It’s the longest trail in Florida and one of just 11 national scenic trails in the country, offering an unmatched journey through the state’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and history. For most Floridians, the trail is within an hour’s drive and weaves in and out of the Florida Wildlife Corridor while passing through or near some of the state’s most cherished landscapes, including Big Cypress Preserve, Withlacoochee State Forest, Everglades National Park, and Blackwater River State Forest—all places where Trust for Public Land has worked. This close-to-home access creates more opportunities for everyday outdoor experiences, from morning hikes, weekend camping trips, wildlife viewing, or a peaceful place to unwind.

While much of the trail already exists, critical gaps remain. Some sections are incomplete, inaccessible, or routed along busy roadways that diminish the experience and pose risks to both people and wildlife. Trust for Public Land is working with public and private partners to close these gaps by expanding access, relocating unsafe segments, conserving important natural and cultural sites, and linking the trail to local and regional networks. These efforts will not only improve the trail itself but also connect more communities to nature while preserving and sharing Florida’s rich cultural legacy.

By completing and protecting the Florida National Scenic Trail, we have a chance to create more access to nature, strengthen communities, and preserve the places that make Florida unique for many sunshine-filled days ahead.