Highlands Hammock

Highlands Hammock SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/highlands-hammock-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highlands_Hammock_State_Park Highlands Hammock State Park is located 4 miles (6 km) west of Sebring in Highlands County, Florida, off U.S. 27. Elevated boardwalks meander through an old-growth bald cypress swamp with cabbage palmettos, ferns, bromeliads, orchids and other epiphytes. Some trees are believed to be over a thousand years old, and one is possibly the largest oak in Florida, with a girth of over 36 feet (11 m). White-tailed deer, American alligators, gopher tortoises, frogs, otters, golden silk spiders, pileated woodpeckers, red-shouldered hawks, barred owls and Florida scrub jays are common in the park. Florida black bears, bald eagles, white ibis, gray squirrels, bobcats and the rare Florida panther are seen on occasion.

Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks History & Nature First opening in 1931, this park is one of the earliest examples of grass-roots public support for environmental preservation. Local citizens, with the financial assistance of the Margaret Shippen Roebling family, acquired the property and constructed trails and basic facilities in 1930. In 1934, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp began working on a botanical garden project on land adjacent to Highlands Hammock Park. When Florida’s state park system was established in 1935, Highlands Hammock became one of the first parks. In 1941, the park and gardens merged as the CCC camp closed due to impending war. During those years, the CCC had planted thousands of plants, constructed roadways, dams, bridges and buildings. Although the gardens never became a reality, the park’s natural beauty endures. Palm trees and massive live oaks, heavy with bromeliads and Spanish moss, characterize the hammock. One oak, measuring 36 feet around, is 1,000 years old. Minimal light filters down to the forest floor, covered with ferns, shrubs and small palms. White-tailed deer, raccoons and bobcats may be glimpsed in the shadows. A cypress swamp borders a blackwater stream in the lowest elevations. A stroll across the elevated boardwalk along the Cypress Swamp Trail offers views of ibis, anhingas, herons, alligators and turtles. Pine forests, marshes and globally imperiled scrub vegetation surround the hammock. Highlands Hammock State Park 5931 Hammock Road Sebring, FL 33872 (863) 386-6094 FloridaStateParks.org • • • • • • • • • • • • Park Guidelines Southwest Florida Highlands Hammock State Park One of Florida’s first state parks Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. An entrance fee is required. All plants, animals and park property are protected. Pets are permitted in the park. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and well behaved at all times. Fires are allowed in designated areas only. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Please be aware of through traffic on the county road and practice safety at all times. Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station. For information about joining Friends of Highlands Hammock State Park, call (863) 386-6094. For camping information, contact Reserve America at (800) 326-3521 or (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica. com. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. FLORIDA State Parks Created on 11/14 Photo by Darrel Smith SM National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in SM Encompassing more than 9,000 acres, this park is known for its beautiful old-growth hammock, cypress swamps, the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and an abundance of wildlife. Nine different nature trails take visitors through lush, jungle-like foliage and deep into the heart of one of the oldest state parks in Florida. Natural fun is waiting for visitors at Highlands Hammock. A large picnic area with convenient facilities, 159 campsites (most with water and electric, some for wilderness, youth and equestrian use), horse trails and playgrounds make this park ideal for family gatherings. In the winter months, enjoy special programs like walks, slide shows and evening tours. Visitors can ride the tram for a one-hour tour, learn about park history and natural communities while traveling through remote areas and along the historic “South Canal.” Take photos of alligators and other wildlife. Hikers can enjoy one of the leisurely half-mile trails or bike the 3.1-mile Loop Drive. Bicycle rentals and bicycle trail maps are available at the ranger station. The bike trails link to the county’s multi-use path and several miles of paved routes through Sebring, including one around Lake Jackson. Early park history can be experienced at Florida’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum. Housed in a CCC-built structure, the museum offers a glimpse of life in the CCC camps. Visitors can hear a “Fireside Chat” with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, try on a CCC jacket and view early films and photos of park construction. Food, beverages, snacks and some camp supplies are available in another historic CCC building. Directions From U.S. Highway 27, turn west onto County Road 634 (Hammock Road) and travel four miles to park entrance. 

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c