Highlands Hammock Webster defines hammock as " a fertile area in the southern U.S. and especially Florida, that is usually higher than its surroundings and that is characterized by hardwood vegetation and deep humus-rich soil." True enough. But visitors to Highlands Hammock State Park know exactly what it means -- " Beautiful!." Stroll along the elevated boardwalk over Charlie Bowlegs Creek and search the tea-colored water for alligators. Walk along the boardwalk of the Memorial Trail and view the colorful, scattered leaves. See fall in Florida, and maybe observe a flock of White Ibis feeding. Walk deep into the woods under the expansive tree canopy of the Ancient Hammock Trail. Wonder over the giant oaks and their airplant-laden branches. Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park is located 20 minutes from HHSP, and offers hiking opportunities through rare scrub habitat. Current amenities include a picnic pavilion, composting toilet, and short ΒΌ mile nature walk through scrubby flatwoods and bay communities along a spring-fed creek. This nature trail is a delightful oasis, providing a quiet and shady spot in this predominantly scrub and scrubby flatwoods ecosystem. Another brief walk will offer beautiful views of Lake June in Winter, a 3500-acre lake that lies west of the property. Hikers may enjoy several miles of firelanes that transverse this hot, sunny habitat. From these firelanes, you may see Gopher Tortoises, Florida Scrub Jays, Bald Eagles, Wild Turkeys, Bobcats, Florida Scrub-Lizards and more! Rare, endemic plants of the Florida Scrub can be discovered by those interested in botany. Full sun and deep sands should be expected. Be sure to bring plenty of drinking water, suitable shoes, sunblock and perhaps a cell phone. This park is remote and quiet, affording a very relaxing and peaceful wilderness experience.
Located on County Road 634, four miles west of Sebring.
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