- Attraction: Highlands Hammock State Park
- Location: 5931 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872
- Industry: State Park
- Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/highlands-hammock-state-park
Deep in Central Florida’s heartland lies a treasure that predates Mickey Mouse by decades.
Established in 1931, Highlands Hammock State Park stands as Florida’s very first state park, preserving 9,000 acres of ancient wilderness that transports you to the Real Florida.
This magnificent preserve showcases towering thousand-year-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating cathedral-like canopies over boardwalks where alligators bask and rare birds nest.
What makes this park truly special is its distinction as home to more rare and endemic species than any other Florida state park, making every visit a potential wildlife discovery.
You’ll find yourself walking trails built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, where Florida panthers and black bears still roam beneath massive hydric hammocks.
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Keep Exploring →The park’s remarkable diversity spans 15 distinct natural communities, from cypress swamps to pine flatwoods, each harboring unique flora and fauna that tell the story of Florida’s ecological heritage.
Must-Experience Adventures
The Famous Tram Tour: This hour-and-45-minute guided journey takes you deep into restricted areas where you’ll see wildlife up close that most visitors never encounter.
You’ll cruise through four different ecosystems while knowledgeable rangers share fascinating stories about everything from alligator gender determination to gopher tortoise underground cities. The tram stops frequently for perfect photo opportunities of basking alligators, soaring birds, and ancient trees.
Cypress Swamp Trail: This elevated boardwalk trail is absolutely breathtaking and consistently rated as visitors’ favorite experience. You’ll walk through a mystical cypress swamp on planks that narrow into the famous “catwalk” section, forcing you to be mindful of each step while becoming completely immersed in this primordial ecosystem. The trail showcases towering cypress trees overhead while you spot alligators, turtles, and exotic birds in the dark waters below.
Nine Diverse Hiking Trails: Each trail offers a different ecosystem experience, ranging from 975 feet to just over 3,000 feet in length. You can explore the Alexander Blair Big Oak Trail to see the massive 36-foot girth remains of an ancient live oak, or venture through pine flatwoods where gopher tortoises forage. Trail connections via bridges and catwalks let you customize your adventure length.
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Discover MoreHistoric CCC Museum: This fascinating museum brings the Great Depression era to life, showcasing how young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps built this park and seven others across Florida. Interactive exhibits and films detail their remarkable legacy, and you can explore the actual CCC-built structures throughout the park that are still in use today.
Three-Mile Scenic Loop Drive: Perfect for cycling or driving, this paved route winds beneath a beautiful shaded canopy of ancient oaks and offers access to all major trailheads. The loop provides constant opportunities to spot deer, wild boars, and various bird species while enjoying the park’s signature Spanish moss-draped atmosphere.
Atmosphere & Natural Beauty
Ancient Forest Cathedral: The park’s most striking feature is its old-growth hammock, where massive live oaks create natural cathedrals with their intertwining branches. Spanish moss drapes like elegant curtains while filtered sunlight creates an almost spiritual atmosphere. You’ll feel transported back centuries as you walk these same paths where indigenous peoples once traveled.
Pristine Wetland Boardwalks: The elevated walkways over cypress swamps and marshes provide stunning views of untouched Florida wilderness. Morning visits offer the best lighting for photography and wildlife viewing, when mist rises from the dark waters and birds are most active.
Year-Round Wildlife Activity: The park buzzes with life throughout all seasons. Spring brings coral bean blooms and returning swallow-tailed kites, while winter welcomes migratory warblers. Summer showcases fireflies lighting up the hammock, and fall offers perfect weather for extended exploration.
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Keep Exploring →Multiple Ecosystem Transitions: You’ll experience dramatic landscape changes within short distances, from dense hardwood hammocks to open pine flatwoods to mysterious cypress swamps. Each area has its own distinct feel, plant life, and wildlife populations.
Other Considerations
Very Affordable Pricing: At just $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people), park entry is an exceptional value. The tram tour costs $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-12, making it one of the most reasonably priced wildlife experiences in Florida. The quality and duration of experiences far exceed what you’d expect for these prices.
Convenient Location: Located just four miles west of Sebring, the park is easily accessible with well-maintained paved roads suitable for any vehicle size. Ample parking is available at the visitor center and all major trailheads, though arriving early for tram tours is recommended as they fill up quickly during peak season.
Family-Friendly Design: The park excels at accommodating all ages and ability levels. Most trails are flat and easy to navigate, the tram tour is fully wheelchair accessible, and multiple short trail options prevent anyone from becoming overwhelmed. The playground and picnic areas provide perfect spots for families to relax between activities.
Pet-Friendly Policies: Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome throughout most of the park, though they’re not permitted on boardwalks or tram tours for safety reasons. The park provides waste bag dispensers throughout the grounds.
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Discover MoreSeasonal Considerations: The park operates year-round from 8 AM until sunset. Fall through spring offers the most comfortable weather and active wildlife viewing, while summer can be buggy and humid. Tram tours run seasonally through fall, winter, and early spring.
Note on Current Conditions: The family campground is currently closed for renovations, though day-use facilities remain fully operational. The historic Cypress Swamp Trail catwalk section is temporarily closed for repairs, but the boardwalk to the scenic vista remains open.
Highlands Hammock State Park
📍 5931 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872
