Hiking

• Overview
  & Background
• Recreation
  Site Map
• Recreation
  Matrix
• Florida National
  Scenic Trail
• Rules and
  Regulations
• Safety
  Information

Overview and Background

FNST  | Olustee Battlefield  |  Trampled Track Trail  |  Mt. Carrie Trail

Florida National Scenic Trail

A 23 mile section of the Florida National Scenic Trail meanders its way through the Osceola National Forest. There are 20 boardwalks located on this section of the hiking trail that offer a drier view of swamps and wetland habitat. A primitive camp shelter is located along the Florida National Scenic Trail and is available on a first come first served basis. The trail also passes through the Olustee Battlefield. Olustee Battlefield is a state Historic Site where Confederate soldiers pushed back Union troops in route to Tallahassee. A reenactment of this historic event is held each February. Click here for a map of the area.

Located at the Battlefield is an accessible portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The Nice Wander Loop Trail consists of 3 loops of 0.9 miles, 1.2 miles and 2.1 miles that are accessible with assistance. From the trailhead parking area the trail follows an old road past the fire tower and through an open picnic area of the Olustee Battlefield Museum. The trail then passes through lovely pine flatwoods to the top of the loop. Watch for the white-ringed trees indicating Red-Cockaded Woodpecker nesting sites. Click here for those nesting sites. Click to view the Florida Trail Association (hikers) website.

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Olustee Battlefield Trail

The Olustee Battlefield Trail lets you discover what life was like for soldiers who fought in the Battle of Olustee. This loop trail walks you through the events that led up to the battle, the tactics used during the battle, and the aftermath, all from personal accounts, diaries and letters from soldiers who fought in the battle. Click here for a map of the area.

Trampled Track Trail

A short .1-mile barrier-free historic trail is located at Olustee Beach. This trail shows the history of a sawmill and community that thrived along the shores of Ocean Pond at the turn of the century.

Mt. Carrie Trail

Visitors can stop at the Mt. Carrie Wayside and discover a new experience along the one-mile barrier free trail. This is a place where unique species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker and the gopher tortoise make their homes. One has to only search for sounds and enjoy the beauty while standing in this longleaf pine forest. Click here for a map of the area.

Fanny Bay Trail

Fanny Bay Interpretive Trail is accessible from the I-10 Rest Area within the Osceola National Forest when you are travelling west on the interstate. This one-mile round trip trail brings you eye to eye with towering cypress trees, barking frogs and iridescent dragonflies. Follow the painted, leaping frog from the I-10 Rest Area sidewalk, walk across the truck parking lot until you see the kiosk with a large butterfly, this is the entrance to the trail. The trail is also accessible via Forest Road 257-E off of Forest Road 207, northeast of Ocean Pond.