Highlands Hammock State Park, Florida

The semi-authentic wild places in the world have one thing in common, a large incubator. They have enough land mass to support a healthy population of wildlife, workable eco-systems, and limited access. Although places like Highlands Hammock State Park offer glimpses of historically wild Florida, visitor pressure has tamed it into submission. There is not enough land here to offer any promise of a true wilderness experience with wildlife sightings at every turn in the trail, but it is still an enjoyable place to visit. Early mornings are the best time to hike the swamp boardwalks before the crowds come tromping through. In the days early hours you only hear bird songs, woodpeckers tattooing, hawks screaming, and the sound of silence, which can be very refreshing.