Hike the Florida Scrub Nature Trail at Archbold Research Station

The Archbold Research station has plenty to see as they have a visitor center with exhibits, but the main attraction for me is the great nature trail that takes you through a very unique habitat called Florida Scrub. In this habitat you find a diverse amount of wildlife that is only found in these areas of Florida, and you will also find that the trail is white sand because it located in what is called the Lake Wales Ridge. Many years ago this is one of the few places in Florida that was above the sea level due to its high elevation. Fortunately the sand is still there all these years later and compact enough to be comfortable to walk on which provides a unique feel to this trail.

The hike starts by the visitor center on the right hand side when you drive in, and there are plenty of signs to point you to the starting point. As the trail begins you will be able to see wildflowers unique to this habitat in Florida and you are surrounded by slash pine and saw palmetto. If you are quiet as we were you may be able to spot some deer and Florida Scrub Jays. As you continue on the last half of the trail it does chance slightly as you go through an area that doesn't resemble Florida Scrub however it is just as nice. The trail is a loop and I found the best time to visit here to be during sunset.