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12 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Florida You Can Visit in 2024

Jeff Weishaupt

By Jeff Weishaupt

siberian husky dogs on hiking trail

Dog-friendly hiking trails are a blessing for pet parents who want to take their pup along for outdoor adventures. That’s why it’s great news that Florida has an abundance of trails that welcome furry friends.

Here are some dog-friendly trails in Florida for you and your furry buddy to have a fun day outdoors.

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The 12 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Florida

1. Florida Scenic Trail Segment

🗺️ Address: 📍 11650 Munson Hwy, Milton, FL 32570, United States
🕐 Open Times: 6 am to 7 pm
💲 Cost: $4 per vehicle
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • A section on the Florida Trail
  • An easy hike
  • Gets muddy during wet conditions, so bring your waterproof shoes along
  • Look for nearby connecting trails to extend your route

2. Boggy Creek Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 13305 Balm Boyette Rd, Riverview, FL 33579, United States
🕐 Open Times: 8 am to 6 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Combines two loops inside the Triple Creek Nature Preserve
  • Only make the first loop if you’re short of time
  • Second loop is more exposed than the first one and has a sandy trail
  • Look out for stream crossings on both loops

3. Black Creek Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 Black Creek Trail, Miami, FL 33190, United States
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Has been recently developed, making it great for beginner-level hikers
  • Not crowded and provides plenty of shade along the way
  • Has plenty of picnic areas and a playground for children
  • Enjoy boardwalks with observation decks and upland trails along the way

4. Cradle Creek Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 900 S 15th St, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, United States
🕐 Open Times: 7:30 am to 7:30 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Five parking spaces and two short trails
  • Trail goes through a salt marsh, allowing you to enjoy the wildlife in the area
  • Most part of the trail is shaded but there are many exposed overlooks
  • Floods during heavy rainfall (trail might be closed during these periods, so call before visiting)
  • Bring bug spray along in the summer months

5. Yearling Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 FL-19, Fort McCoy, FL 32134, United States
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: In some areas
  • Use the inner cross-trail between the Long Family Cemetery and Jody’s Trace to shorten the hike
  • Be prepared for medium-level foot traffic
  • Don’t forget to visit the movie set sites along the trail

6. Dutton Island Preserve

🗺️ Address: 📍 793 Dutton Island Rd W, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233, United States
🕐 Open Times: 8 am to 6 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Enjoy 9,000 feet of natural trails in the area
  • Has a viewing and fishing pier with picnic areas, parking sites, and pavilions
  • Take the Dutton Island Preserve trail for the best views in the area
  • Use the boat launch at the park’s south end if you want to explore the waterways

7. Lake Parker Park

🗺️ Address: 📍 Lakeland, FL 33805
🕐 Open Times: 6 am to 6 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Read the signs in the park to find the length of each trail
  • Many parts are paved, and there are picnic tables for resting
  • Plenty of amenities, such as picnic pavilions, boat ramp, and fishing areas
  • No off-leash dogs allowed

8. Smyrna Dunes Park

🗺️ Address: 📍 2995 N Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169, United States
🕐 Open Times: 6 am to 7:30 pm
💲 Cost: $10 per vehicle
🐕 Off-Leash: In some places
  • Go on the Smyrna Dunes Boardwalk Trail for the most pleasant experience
  • Enjoy the dog-friendly swimming beaches in the park
  • Or fish at the fishing pier (handicapped accessible)
  • Stop at the gazebo to catch some shade or eat lunch

9. Econlockhatchee River Loop

🗺️ Address: 📍 3995 FL-46, Geneva, FL 32732, United States
🕐 Open Times: 6 am to 9 pm
💲 Cost: $2 per person
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Bring an insect-repellant along as it can get buggy in the summer
  • Most part of the trail is shaded
  • Not many scenic views, but you’ll definitely find some unique flowers
  • Trail gets muddy during winter

10. Croom Tract Trails

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXqZzNRLkn-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

🗺️ Address: 📍 15003 N Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34601, United States
🕐 Open Times: 8 am to 4 pm
💲 Cost: $2 per person
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Situated in the Withlacoochee State Forest and named after a ghost town nearby
  • Plenty of cross trails in the area, labeled Croom A, B, and C
  • Check the signage to ensure you’re not on the biking trail
  • Many of the trails in the area are exposed, so bring a hat and sunblock

11. Woodpecker Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 White Springs, FL 32096, United States
🕐 Open Times: 8 am to sunset
💲 Cost: $4 per vehicle entry fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • A 3.4-mile paved trail for hiking that connects the Big Shoals and Little Shoals park entrances
  • Plenty of freshwater fishing opportunities
  • Check the Little Shoals entrance to see if the picnic pavilion is available
  • The best time to visit the park is during the late spring and early summer months

12. White Trail to Group Camping Site

🗺️ Address: 📍 St. Augustine, FL 32086, United States
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Trail ends at the Moses Creek Conservation Area camping site
  • Most of the trail has a dirt track road alongside it
  • Dress in layers as it can get cold at night

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Final Thoughts

The key to having a fun time with your pup on a hiking trip is to come prepared. Call the national park or conservation area ahead of time to ensure it’s not closed due to flooding or any other reason.

Bring waterproof shoes, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, and extra food in case you end up taking longer than anticipated. Remember to always keep your pet on a leash for everyone’s safety and comfort.

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Featured Image Credit: Osadcha Olga, Shutterstock

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