Florida is renowned for its beautiful beaches and bustling theme parks, but beyond these well-trodden paths lie some of the state's most captivating natural treasures: It does so, for example, with the goal of protecting a portion of its state parks. Of course, people go to the most famous places, but rising into the Florida state parks means a calmer and more harmonious dive into the wilderness. These parks, less well-known than their more illustrious counterparts, offer a nice atmosphere away from the noise of the others, allowing visitors to enjoy the states scenic wonders. In this article, you will find some of the least recognised state parks in Florida, and it is about time to let them shine.
Hidden Gems in Floridas State Parks
Big Shoals State Park
Located deep in North Florida, Big Shoals State Park is famous for its shire numeric, the largest of its kind in the state. As a result of the difficult terrain and fantastic overlooks that cant be found in less out-of-the-way places, this park is an adventurers dream. Among them, Big Shoals Rapids, in particular, will be of interest to those who enjoy considerable excitement in kayaking. Because of this, its possible to witness these eye-pleasing wonders in isolation. No matter if one is walking along the trails, canoeing, watching geese, or enjoying the picturesque surroundings, Big Shoals State Park provides for a tranquil yet adventurous environment.
Torreya State Park
This park is named after Torreya, the tree unique to this area. One of the most beautiful areas in the whole state could be seen along some of the parks more rigorous trails that follow steep ravines and the river bank. The plants in Torreya State Park and the overall biology that makes up the park are reason enough to go to the park for a hike. The parks location makes it rather isolated, making it an even more idyllic place to visit and to be close to nature.
Myakka River State Park
It is rather large and, at the same time, quite old, but it stays rather unrecognized. This park, found in Sarasota County, comprises an area of extensive wetland and dense hammocks. Tourists can hike on comparatively empty routes passing through these diverse terrains, across which they can observe alligators, deer, and multiple types of birds. The main attraction of the park is a calm river, which is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, or any other activity that does not disturb the animals peace. This means one can canoe close to these animals. As this park has remained very untouched and offers really diverse wildlife, it is a true oasis of peace for every admirer of nature.
Why These Parks Are Underrated
Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations
This is one of the major reasons why these parks are underrated, as they are situated in hard-to-reach places. Unlike the popular parks, most of which are well marketed and can be accessed easily, the lesser-known parks are usually situated in the remote corners of the state. Thus, this kind of seclusion is rather beneficial, as it provides them with a character that is more authentic and less touristy. Such places are generally quiet and beautiful, and anyone who tries to drive to them becomes a winner because he will be far from civilisation.
Unique Features and Experiences
These are small parks that are relatively unknown, and each of them has peculiarities that make it different from others. From the thrilling shuga shoals of Big Shoals State Park to the rare flora that still grows in Torreya State Park, these parks offer the chance to discover parts of the natural face of Florida that cant be viewed elsewhere. Not the popular parks filled with crowds, which are always welcoming but not exciting for tourists, these spots can be explored for a true Florida experience.
A More Peaceful, Natural Experience
For those hikers who dislike being surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of people, these overlooked parks are just the right fit. This brings a closer interaction with nature, considering that one is either walking through the forests, boating along the rivers, or sitting by the river banks. Lack of large crowds is also beneficial to animals and birds, giving travellers less interference with wildlife and nature, so that photography is well enhanced. That said, it is perfect for individuals seeking to view Florida natural scenery in parks that are not as popular or commercialised as the ones listed above.
Tips for Visiting Floridas Underrated State Parks
Best Times to Visit for Optimal Experience
Of course, it is almost mandatory to visit these places at the right time of the year in order to get the full picturesque view. Regarding most of these parks, the best times to visit and engage in hiking and other activities are during the cool season, which is during the seasons of fall and winter, and there are relatively few aggressive insect life forms during these seasons. In order to have the chance to explore the parks at their best and unrestrained by huge masses of people, it is better to attend the parks in the early morning and during the weekdays. With planning, it is possible to predict the probability of meeting crowds in the forest and have a warmer welcome there.
What to Bring for a Memorable Trip
As it will be seen when visiting these somewhat overshadowed parks, proper preparation is fundamental. Food and drinks, strong shoes, hats, and sunscreen are also always needed, particularly if one is planning to climb up some of the more difficult hills. It is also very advisable for you to take photographs of the beautiful scenes and different animals that you will come across. If you plan on canoeing or fishing, dont forget to carry this equipment because it is one of the special attractions of the parks, such as the Myakka River and Big Shoals. This article will be beneficial for anyone planning to visit any of these natural parks.
Respecting Nature and Park Guidelines
It is very important that some of the less-known beautiful places are kept and maintained to offer the same experience to future generations. When hiking, it is important to always practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace, which include littering, camping at established campsites, and controlling your pets. Some of these parks have certain procedures that have been put in place to ensure the conservation of the different ecosystems within the park; thus, it is advisable to go through the ethical codes of the park. By applying nature and sticking to the rules of parks, you stand for these unappreciated parks to stay clean and stunning in the future.
Conclusion
Select state parks in Florida can provide some of the most picturesque and quiet nature experiences, and the ones that are outlined here are no exception. Myakka River, Big Shoals, and Torreya are some of the scenic state parks that offer a tranquil experience while being secluded from crowded areas of the world. Its a great chance to get off the tourist track and explore forgotten Florida with these hidden gems of the park system. These parks are definitely essential to travellers, adventurers, hikers, or anyone who could just use a breather amidst a natural setting.
