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"The best time to catch a glimpse of wildlife is early in
the morning—so be there when the park opens,"
Tyrone advises.
The early bird catches the worm, those that get to the
park early are in for a treat as some of their shy residents
are rustling up breakfast. Guests may see bobcats,
otters, white-tailed deer, Florida black bears, bald eagles,
and the rare Florida panther. Early morning hours are
filled with sound. Guests hear pileated woodpeckers
knocking on trees in search of insects and cricket frogs
croaking, warning of impending summer storms.
Animals take it easy during the heat of the day, so the
next best time to see the animals is in the late
afternoon said Tyrone. That’s when you’re more likely
to see red-shouldered hawks and barred owls.
Dusk brings out the bats, owls, nighthawks and twinkling
fireflies abound in the Hammock especially in mid-March.
RARE AND EXOTIC PLANT LIFE
Be prepared to be amazed! Highlands Hammock State
Park has a bounty of indigenous native plant life that you
can’t see any place else. Some of the plant life includes
cabbage palmettos, lots of ferns like royal and cinnamon
ferns, bromeliads, orchids and epiphytes that proliferate
the branches of the many trees.
“ Here in the Hammock we have extremely
rare air plants, bromeliads and orchids
not even found in other places in Florida,”
— V. Morgan Tyrone
WHEN YOU GO
According to Tyrone, there are at least three don’t miss
things to do at Highlands Hammock State Park—the first
is just get out there. Go absorb the Hammock by driving,
hiking, biking or walking. The second, take the tram tour.
It’s an excellent way to get an overview of the park,
with guides on board to point out things of interest.
Tyrone also recommends the Civilian Conservation Corps
Museum to get a taste of the historical aspect of the Park.
BIKING
A paved loop ensures a pleasant ride over a three-mile
loop. Along with biking, guests can roller-skate or
inline skate on the loop. For mountain bikers, there is
a six-mile trail. Mountain bikes are available for rent,
call (863) 386-6094.
HIKING
There are nine hiking trails at the Park, ranging from
975 feet to over 3,000 feet. Hikes can be extended by
connecting trails. Trails run through hydric hammock,
hardwood swamp, pine flatwoods, and cypress swamp.
One of the most popular trails is the Cypress Swamp
Trail—a prime spot to look for birds and alligators.
This trail has a sturdy boardwalk that is wheelchair
accessible. The trail leads you into the swamp where
you can take it all in—you’re right there experiencing
the sights, sounds and smells. When you traverse along
Little Charley Bowlegs Creek, there are areas that take
you on more of an adventure as the boardwalk turns to
narrow planks that are closer to the creek’s water.