{"id":310092,"date":"2026-06-17T03:34:25","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T03:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/310092\/"},"modified":"2026-06-17T03:34:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T03:34:25","slug":"the-free-program-in-florida-that-rewards-you-for-hiking-in-florida-state-forests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/310092\/","title":{"rendered":"The Free Program In Florida That Rewards You For Hiking In Florida State Forests"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Brandy Jo Hastings \/ Static Media<\/p>\n

When I decided to take a break from my go-to trails near my central Florida home, I\u00a0ventured out to hike the Kolokee Trail in\u00a0Little Big Econ State Forest<\/a>. While I\u00a0was there, I\u00a0stumbled across signage for the Florida State Forest Trailwalker Program<\/a>,\u00a0an\u00a0initiative that rewards people for hiking in Florida state forests. I\u00a0enjoy hiking, and finding a way to earn prizes for what I\u00a0already loved sounded like a no-brainer, so I\u00a0gave it a shot.\u00a0<\/p>\n

That one decision to explore a different trail led me down a scenic path through the woods\u00a0alongside the Econlockhatchee River \u2014 a pristine river between Orlando and Daytona that’s called one of Florida’s best-kept secrets<\/a>. But it did much more than that. It also set me on a journey that would take me to forests across the state as I explored trails new to me. It’s easy to get burnt out on the same scenery and crave something different. Having the inspiration and motivation to discover new places to enjoy nature was perhaps the biggest reward. Of course, the prizes don’t hurt, either. Better yet, you\u00a0can complete the free program at your own pace, taking as little or as much time as you need.<\/p>\n

If you’d rather explore Florida’s state forests on horseback than on foot, you can do that, too. The\u00a0Florida Trailtrotter Program<\/a>\u00a0is a similar initiative geared toward equestrians. Many wooded natural areas, including the\u00a0Etoniah Creek State Forest<\/a>, allow horseback riding on designated trails, giving riders several ways to participate in the free rewards program.<\/p>\n

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How the Florida State Forest Trailwalker Program works<\/p>\n


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Brandy Jo Hastings \/ Static Media<\/p>\n

To get started on the Florida State Forest Trailwalker Program, you’ll need to create a free account online<\/a>\u00a0and log your hikes as you complete them. The program also helps monitor trail conditions and collect needed feedback. As you document each walk within the portal, you’ll be asked to share your thoughts on the trail, onsite facilities, signage, and other features. If something needs attention, there’s a place to leave comments so that staff from Florida State Forests can address any maintenance issues on the trails.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To obtain the official “Florida State Forest Trailwalker”\u00a0status, you’ll need to complete 10 designed trails from\u00a0the program’s\u00a0trail list<\/a>.\u00a0Some forests include multiple qualifying trails.\u00a0For example, Withlacoochee State Forest \u2014 a massive Florida forest with unique ecosystems that’s one of the coolest places you’ve probably never been<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 offers a\u00a0total of eight trails that count toward the program.\u00a0However, you’ll still need to branch out.\u00a0The interesting thing about this program is that it serves as an incentive to explore new areas. To attain your first level as a “Trailwalker,” those 10 trails have to be in at least five different state forests.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Once you’ve hiked and documented 10 qualifying trails, you’ll earn your first rewards. When I completed the requirement, I got to score some cool goodies, including\u00a0a patch, a hiking stick medallion, and a sticker. I was also awarded a certificate declaring me an official Florida State Forest Trailwalker.<\/p>\n

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There are more prizes you can earn, too<\/p>\n


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Brandy Jo Hastings \/ Static Media<\/p>\n

Lately, I’ve been getting the itch to achieve a higher\u00a0level of hiking esteem. Fortunately, the program offers opportunities to keep going. Once you’ve\u00a0completed 20 of the trails bearing the yellow “Trailwalker” emblem at the trailhead, you can achieve “Trailblazer”\u00a0status.\u00a0Complete 30 trails, and you’ll achieve the coveted title of “Trailmaster.”\u00a0Beyond that, you can\u00a0work toward various levels of “Trailwarrior” by logging between 250 and 1,000 miles. Each milestone comes with additional\u00a0rewards, including T-shirts, water bottles, medallions, and, of course, bragging rights.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wildlife enthusiasts may be especially interested in learning that some of the trails in the Trailwalker and Trailtrotter programs are located in forests known as birding hotspots.\u00a0One trail I recently checked off my list was the Mud Spring Trail in Welaka State Forest. Located in\u00a0Welaka \u2013\u00a0Florida’s little city calling itself “The Bass Capital of the World”<\/a>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0the trail is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail<\/a>. Birders hoping to add new species to their life lists may also enjoy\u00a0Wings Over Florida<\/a>, another free program that rewards participants for spotting birds and butterflies.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While these programs are free to join, it’s worth noting that some Florida state forests charge day-use fees. As of this writing, it’s just $2 per person for visitors aged 7 or older. However, for just $45, you can get an annual state forest pass that lets you visit as often as you want for an entire year. The pass covers up to six people,\u00a0so depending on how many trails you plan to visit and how many hiking buddies will accompany you, it may be the most cost-effective option.\u00a0<\/p>\n


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