Volusia County is home to some of the best of Florida living and unique experiences all wrapped up in one place. It features over 45 miles of beaches, famous sporting events, and is packed full of history, but some of the most loved recreation in the area is discovered by foot.
Thanks to the variety of state parks, county parks, nature refuges, and more - Volusia County has become one of the most popular areas for hiking and enjoying Florida's nature for local residents and traveling visitors.
Here's a look at some of the top places to hike in Volusia County:
Tiger Bay State Forest
Made up of over 23,000 acres, the Tiger Bay State Forest provides almost 20 miles of interpretive and multiuse trails from 4 separate trailheads. Specific for hiking, the park has 3 designated trails including a 2-mile hiking trail loop, the Buncombe Hill Hiking Trail, and a few other smaller trails, totaling almost 5 miles between them.
Visitors can take a stroll on one of Florida's earliest highways by way of the Pershing Highway Interpretive Trail. This mile-long trail is lined with preserved brick road and gives a glimpse into early Florida auto travel. The final hiking trail is a half-mile trek around its namesake pond, the Rattlesnake Pond Hiking Trail, on the forest's southernmost part.
Long Leaf Pine Preserve
Long Leaf Pine Preserve is a 12,000-acre preserve consisting of 4 trails, flatwoods, cypress strands, fresh air, and more. The two main hiking trail loops feature a 6-mile red-blazed trail and 11-mile blue-blazed trail.
Access to the Long Leaf Pine Preserve can be found through its east entrance at Pioneer Trail in New Smyrna Beach and through its west entrance in DeLand along E. New York Avenue.
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 22,000 acres of numerous habitats, including marshes, swamps, creeks, hammocks, and uplands. Exploring the surroundings can be done through its 10+ miles of hiking trails. From the 3 shorter trails to a longer loop of trails and more, 1000s of visitors are attracted to this diverse and unique refuge each year.
One unique aspect of the refuge includes how the St. Johns River makes up its western borders. Hikers can make their way over to the St. Johns border and observe even more incredible sights, including the ruins of an 1800s steamship town abandoned in the 1920s.
Lyonia Preserve
Known for being home to a rather colorful bird only found in the Sunshine State, the Florida Scrub-Jay is a popular attraction for the Lyonia Preserve. Hikers can walk 2.2 miles of trail loops and explore one of the highest points in Volusia County, all while taking in the rare sights of the beautiful native bird. The 360-acre Preserve is truly a serene haven for wildlife and a favored hiking spot for seeing some of the best natural Florida.
Image provided by Erica Group
It's also a site of one of the many murals that make up the 'Wings of the West' series showcasing life in Volusia County!
Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve
Featuring 1,637 acres between Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach, this picturesque Preserve provides over 3 miles of hiking trails. Hikers can enjoy a 536-foot boardwalk and a 15-foot observation tower overlooking the majestic Spruce Creek marsh area.
The Rose Bay Legacy Project Program has been an on-going effort in the area by local students. It focuses on helping to continue to restore and safeguard this beautiful Preserve for years to come.
Lake George Forest and Wildlife Area
Over 8,000 acres, the Lake George Forest & Wildlife Area is another great outdoor spot for experiencing real Florida. Home to a large population of bald eagles and other various wildlife, hikers can take in the sights via a 4.2-mile trail alongside Lake George, water oaks, palmettos, pine flatwoods, and more.
Spring to Spring Trail
This trail system is still under construction in some places, but when complete will provide 26 miles of multiuse recreational trails. The name of the Spring to Spring Trail references the connection it will provide from the Gemini Springs Park to DeLeon Springs Park.
Today, at least 15 miles of the trail has already been completed through Volusia County. Access points can be found at 5 different trailheads at the DeBary Hall Historic Site, along Grand Avenue in Glenwood, Gemini Springs Park, Lake Beresford Park, Blue Spring State Park, and Lake Monroe Park.
Lake Monroe Park is actually one of the oldest and favored parks in the Volusia County area for getting outdoors. It went through a renovation project and reopened in 2004 and now sits even more beautiful for visitors to enjoy!
Calling Volusia County Home
There are so many diverse habitats throughout Florida. From the tropical sandy beaches to the lush botanical landscapes and abundance of wildlife, it's truly amazing what you can do and see throughout the state and, particularly, Volusia County.
Volusia County provides unique experiences and easy access points for residents and visitors to continue their explorations of the great outdoors - it's one of the many reasons why so many locals love calling the area home!
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https://floridahikes.com/tiger-bay-state-forest
- https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Tiger-Bay-State-Forest
- https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Lake_Woodruff/about.html
- https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Lake_Woodruff/visit/plan_your_visit/
- https://visitnsbfl.com/outdoors/parks-and-trails/doris-leeper-spruce-creek-preserve
- https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/land-management/conservation-lands-map/lake-george-forest-and-wildlife-conservation-area.stml#
- https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/trails/spring-to-spring.stml
- https://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/park-facilities-and-locations/ecological-nature-parks/lake-monroe-park.stml
