Highlands Hammock State Park

Highlands Hammock State Park is one of Florida’s oldest state parks, opened in 1931 and officially dedicated in 1935 — a living monument to the Civilian Conservation Corps and a refuge of old-growth cypress swamp, ancient hammock forest, and subtropical wildlife just minutes from Sebring. With elevated boardwalks winding through towering bald cypress draped in Spanish moss, alligators basking below, and a dedicated CCC Museum, Highlands Hammock offers an immersive journey into both Florida’s natural and cultural history.

Quick Facts at a Glance

The Cypress Swamp Boardwalk

Highlands Hammock’s crown jewel is the elevated boardwalk through old-growth bald cypress swamp. Ancient trees tower overhead, festooned with Spanish moss, their buttressed roots plunging into black water. Below, alligators sun themselves while anhingas dry their wings and great blue herons stalk the shallows.

It’s one of the most atmospheric walks in Florida’s entire state park system.

CCC Heritage

The Civilian Conservation Corps (1934–1941) built much of Highlands Hammock’s infrastructure — trails, pavilions, and the iconic structures that remain in use today. The park’s CCC Museum documents the program’s enormous impact on Florida’s state parks and showcases Depression-era tools, photographs, and artifacts.

Trails

• Cypress Swamp Trail — elevated boardwalk through old-growth cypress (the must-do)
• Ancient Hammock Trail — hardwood hammock with massive live oaks
• Fern Garden Trail — lush tropical fern understory
• Young Hammock Trail — younger forest regeneration
• Big Oak Trail — features one of the park’s largest live oaks
• Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve Trail — longer backcountry hike
• Loop Road — 3-mile scenic drive/bike loop through the park

Wildlife

• American Alligator — regularly visible from the cypress boardwalk
• White-tailed Deer — often seen along the scenic loop road at dawn/dusk
• Anhinga & Great Blue Heron — wading in the swamp
• Barred Owl — calling from the hammock canopy
• Wild Turkey — roaming the upland areas
• Florida Black Bear — rare but present

Camping (2026 Status)

Note: The family campground and primitive wilderness campground are currently closed for renovation. Group and youth camps remain available for organized groups. Check the Florida State Parks website for reopening updates before planning an overnight visit.

Insider Tips

1. Walk the Cypress Swamp boardwalk early morning — best light, most wildlife activity, fewer crowds
2. Visit the CCC Museum — it’s small but fascinating, and helps you appreciate the park’s historic structures
3. The Loop Road is excellent for cycling — flat, shaded, and scenic
4. Winter (Dec-Mar) is peak season — pleasant temps, fewer mosquitoes
5. Check campground status before planning overnight stays — renovations ongoing

Explore More Florida State Parks

Discover more in our Best State Parks in Florida guide, or use our Park Finder.

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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