I have wanted to go to this state park in the fall, but I held off because January through March is the blooming season for azaleas. These beautiful pink, fuchsia, and red flowers cover the hiking trail. On this hike, I joined up with a group called "Girls Who Hike FL." It was awesome to meet some fellow hikers and adventure-seeking fierce ladies. One of them was very familiar with the trail and was a helpful guide. So enjoy these helpful hints I learned and get excited about planning your own adventure here.
This state park has a slightly different entrance and parking set up than most. If you park in the parking lot outside the entrance, it is only a $2 entry fee. If you go through the wooden entrance, it is $5. There isn't a person in the booth, like most state parks. There are blue envelopes where you will put in your payment, of exact change. Then take the blue decal to hang in the window if you parked inside the park. There is plenty of parking and options at this park.
At the end of the parking lot, there is a building with restrooms, water fountains, and snack machines. Us hikers met up in front there before beginning the trail.
We started with the Azalea Trail, of course. It was pretty moderate in difficulty and absolutely beautiful. Again, if you want to experience the full magic of the trail, be sure to visit January through March.
While on this trail, you will cross two hanging bridges. I remember visiting a hanging treetop bridge in Myakka State Park and being very disappointed. These two bridges are legit!
They do have some sway to them as you walk. If you are not a fan of bridges or the swinging effect, you can take the stairs to the side down and come up the stairs on the other side. Down under the bridges is the Spring Trail, which we will get to later.
Much like Black Bear Wilderness Trail, there are roots ready to trip you, so keep your eyes peeled. There are fun boardwalks to cross and stairs to climb. This trail will get your legs working.
The Azalea Trail is a loop (the trail is marked by red dots on the trees). When we made it back to the second bridge, we took the stairs to the spring trail. Underneath this bridge on the other side is a small pond with lots of picnic tables. We took a moment here to grab some water before continuing on.
We followed along the small river which comes from the spring head. There was a boardwalk that we crossed on our right. A sign saying "picnic area" took us back onto the Azalea Trail.
Around this point, there is an out. When you see a "park drive" sign, there is a short path that will take you back up to the main road and parking lot.
If you are good, continue the loop and take in the stunning views.
Once we made it back to the starting point, some of us continued to the Spring Trail. We went back to the first bridge, took the stairs down, and veered to the right. Following the water, you will find the spring head.
Down at the spring head is a wooden staircase that can take you to the main road and the children's playground. A few of us stayed to hike the rest of the Spring Trail (the trees are marked with blue dots for this one).
The trail guided us on a quick loop before taking us back to the wooden staircase was.
If you can, wait and plan this hike around the azalea blooming, it is so worth it! I will say this is the most scenic hike in Florida I have done!
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