5. Gator Hook Trail

Gator Hook Trail is 4.7 miles of muddy terrain and you’ll often have to walk through water up to your waist. Gator Hook Trail is off of Loop Road and has an interesting past. Loop Road was used by bootleggers during the prohibition era, smuggling alcohol from Cuba to Miami and Tampa. At the end of the road, there was a town called Pine Crest, which was a thriving, raucous town; it was not kid-friendly. The town has now disappeared into the wilderness. Gator Hook Road is named after the gator poaching that happened in the area. The history of this trail is incredible, but the hike needs experience and is not easy as some say.

4. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary  

This is the easiest hike on the list and some elementary schools in the area even take field trips here. The hike is on a boardwalk and you’ll walk through a variety of different ecosystems from pine Flatwoods, wet prairie, stands of pond cypress, bald cypress, and marsh throughout the sanctuary. It’s also home to a ghost orchid, but it’s only able to be seen in certain parts of the year, it’s very rarely in bloom. I was lucky enough to be able to see it last time I went. You enter through a building with a little cafe, museum, and gift shop. Then you walk out to the boardwalk. It’s an incredibly safe hike, but it can be quite crowded. You have to go, tourist or not! 

3. Fakahatchee Hilton

Fakahatchee Hilton is a 5-mile hike just west from Copeland Florida that leads to an old cabin and a dock that you can walk out on. At the end, there is a beautiful lake with many alligators. Though gators on the trail are not super common it still happens, so exercise caution! The hike is reasonably easy, so you can bring some kids on it. I wouldn’t recommend bringing them if you have a lot of little kids. You cannot enter the cabin, but it is still super interesting to look at from the outside. It was made in 1957.  There is a little outhouse, but I wouldn’t recommend using it. This would be the perfect hike for a date, you could even have a picnic at the end. It’s not crowded so it is perfect if you want some alone time, though there still will be one or two people. It’s a nice simple and easy hike with an outstanding view.

2. Deep Hole

Deep Hole is located in Myakka State Park, Myakka is known for its abundance of gators. There is a fee to enter Mayakka, so be aware of this. Deep Hole Trail is 4.4 miles long but has little coverage so avoid hiking it on hot days. This coming from personal experience, I’ve hiked it with a heat index of 102 degrees, not fun. The hike brings you to the deepest sinkhole in Florida that is filled with water and currently is home to over 100 alligators! The Deep Hole Trail is also a spot for bird watching. When the water levels are higher you won’t have access to Deep Hole and if you do there will not be able to see many Gators. Once you finish your hike there is a little restaurant, gift shop and they offer boat tours and canoeing in Myakka Lake and River. It’s also a prime fishing spot. Though the hike can be a bit painstaking, the view and experience at the end make it worth it. Also with a large number of gators, be careful and exercise caution!

1. Bird Rookery

Bird Rookery Trail is a hike for someone who understands wildlife, especially gators and water moccasins. Gators are often on the trail so beware and careful. It’s 11.9 miles, but signs are telling you your exact distance you’re in and you don’t have to do the full trail. During the wet season, many spots of the hike are submerged and you’ll have to hike through puddles of water.   Because of the distance and Florida’s heat, I recommend you bring more water than you think you’ll need, as well as some snacks. Throughout the trail, there are many spots for a nice picnic and even some picnic tables. Once you’re done with the hike there are some good restaurants nearby such as a Mexican Restaurant called, Mi Ranchito. Overall Bird Rookery is a beautiful hike, just hike with caution.