For those who love the benefits of running enough to brave the humidity in Florida, we salute you. But not all running paths were built the same. Which is why you should Google “running trails near me” before you head out.

It’s important to know the best places to head to when going for a run. A running trail is the best since they’re safe and free from moving vehicles.

Florida is known for some of the best hiking trails in the US. Whether you’re out for a run or a hike, we want to share with you the best running trails in Florida to check out.

Keep reading to learn which running trail you should try next.

Withlacoochee State Trail is One of the Longest Running Trails Near Me

There are several reasons Withlacoochee State Trail is one of the best running trails near me because it’s so long. At 46 miles long, it’s one of the longest trails in the state.

You will run through Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties. You’ll also find 10 trailheads, parks, artwork, and tons of shade.

It’s a mostly flat trail but has amazing scenery. And if you want to stop and grab some food and drink there are plenty of local establishments you can check out as you make your way through six localities.

You may even see deer, gopher turtles, and rabbits along the way. And if nature isn’t enough, maybe you’ll enjoy its history and find a few places where whistle markers were left from the trail’s early railroad days.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Jacksonville

If you’re in the northern part of Florida, the running trail located in Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is one you shouldn’t miss. It’s 17-miles of a singletrack trail.

These trails are well-maintained and they’re even great on rainy days thanks to their sandy make-up. It rates from easy to difficult. You’ll find the easy section located at sea level.

The different sections you come across are largely due to roots and a few technical challenges along some of the trail. Thanks to the park’s pine, bay, and oak trees covered with Spanish moss, the trails are stunning and can help shelter you from the sweltering sun.

And for those looking for a little extra challenge in their workout, there are 1.5 miles of beach within the park you can run on.

This is a great place to figure out the best compression socks for running on different types of surfaces.

Okeeheelee Nature Center in West Palm Beach

The Okeeheelee Nature Center is one of the best running trails near me for those looking for a trail that caters to beginners and intermediates. Here you’ll find 2.5 miles of trails that make their way through 90 acres of wetlands and pine flatwoods.

But there’s more to do here than just take a walk or run through a nature preserve. It’s a great place to bring the whole family to spend the day looking at the hands-on animal exhibits such as touching a live snake or viewing our birds of prey.

Many of the trails are paved and are wheelchair and stroller-accessible. However, there is also a 3.2-mile single-track trail designed specifically for mountain bikers. Make sure you run responsibly.

Ocala North

Ocala North is located in the Ocala National Forest. It’s a great place to go hiking, fishing, swimming, and even off-roading.

Not only are there great running trails, but if you’re looking to head out on a multi-day backtracking hike through some beautiful terrain, Ocala North is a great choice. It’s one of the most popular areas of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

You’ll see tons of wildlife but take caution, especially when camping. While you might see something benign like a tortoise, black bears are also commonly seen here.

Some of the terrains here are only for vehicles such as ATVs and UTVS. Make sure you stick to the proper trails.

Amelia Earhart Park

For those in Miami, they make think the beaches are the only place to get in a good run. However, there are over eight miles of lakeside trail located inside Amelia Earhart Park.

It’s considered intermediate to advanced, but please keep in mind that these trails were designed for mountain biking, not running. Run responsibly.

Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is 47-miles long and goes through Pinellas County. This isn’t an old trail, the first stretch was opened in 1990 but it does follow a portion of an abandoned railroad corridor.

However, it quickly gained attention and is now one of the busiest trails in Florida. There is an average of 977,241 people using this trail each year.

The trail begins in St. Petersburg and crosses a few dozen scenic pedestrian bridges. You’ll also pass by historic downtowns such as Dunedin, Palm Harbor, and Tarpon Springs.

Little Talbot Island

If you want to get more than exercise from your run, Little Talbot Island is the place for you. As you go along the four-mile trail, you’ll pass through five different ecosystems.

Each ecosystem boats its own special varieties of plant and animal life. The reason this exists is that this island is one of a handful of barrier islands that still remains in Northeast Florida.

As a result, there are pristine beaches boasting white sand while at the same time you’ll find fallen trunks of cedar adding another depth to the natural, untamed beauty you’ll find on this island.

Cross Seminole Trail

For those runners and hikers looking to get away from everything, including off-road vehicles, the Cross Seminole Trail is a great choice. It’s easy to access it and it’s always well maintained.

The Cross Seminole Trail is 22.8-miles that goes through Winter Springs, Lake Mary, and Oviedo. It also runs through Central Winds Park and Spring Hammock Preserve.

At the preserve, you’ll find some of the oldest cypress trees Florida has to offer. You can also find connections to two other trails. The Cross Seminole Trail is also the first Purple Heart Trail honoring America’s wounded veterans.

Keep Reading

Whether you’re a local or a visitor looking searching the web to find the best running trails near me, we have tons of articles to inform and entertain you.

If you’re looking to stay healthy while you check out all the trails, we can help. Click here to find out what the 10 healthiest sandwiches you can eat are.