With the spring season underway, we only have a couple of weeks of balmy weather before summer forces us indoors, or at least into whatever body of water we can find. Step outside and embrace this sweet spot with a scenic walk to take in the vibrant blooms, spot local wildlife and enjoy some incredible views.
If you’re looking to do just that, there’s no need to look far! A new study by the entertainment and leisure experts at PlayFame just analyzed the best spring hikes across the U.S., and a beloved trail right in our own backyard took home the silver medal.
Located near Homestead in the heart of Everglades National Park, the Anhinga Trail was named the country’s #2 best spring hike, beating out other famous trails in Colorado, Utah and California.
Why this Florida trail beat the rest
To find the best hikes, PlayFame analyzed thousands of TripAdvisor trail reviews looking for spring-themed keywords like “wildlife,” “wildflowers,” “blooming,” “vibrant” and “birds singing.” They then combined those review scores with ideal spring temperatures and precipitation chances to give each trail a score out of 10.
While Hawaii’s Diamond Head Trail took the #1 spot, Florida’s Anhinga Trail was right on its heels with an incredibly high 8.87/10 hike score. It boasts an average spring temperature of 74.3 degrees and racked up a 686 keyword matches in reviews that specifically highlight its lush surroundings and unparalleled wildlife spotting.
Following Anhinga, Colorado’s Hanging Lake Trail landed at #3 and Utah’s The Narrows at #4. But it’s not the only Florida spot to make the list! The Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail in northeast Florida also cracked the top 20.
Plan your visit
If you’ve never made the short drive down to Royal Palm in the Everglades, spring is the best time to do so! Anhinga Trail is famously accessible, with 0.8 miles of a flat walkway and elevated boardwalk that winds directly over the freshwater sawgrass marsh.
And you’re almost guaranteed to spot wildlife here; from alligators lounging right off the path to turtles swimming through the lily pads and the trail’s namesake Anhinga bird.
You can learn more about Anhinga Trail on the National Park Service website here.
