Less than 15 minutes west of downtown Sebring is Highlands Hammock State Park! The natural gem offers an enchanting escape into one of Florida’s oldest protected natural areas. With sweeping canopies and serene trails to connect you with nature, this 9,000-acre park is nestled on the Lake Wales Ridge- this land is rich in biodiversity, ancient landscapes, and “New Deal-era” history.

Established in 1931, Highlands Hammock became one of Florida’s first four state parks when the system was formed in 1935- making it a foundational part of the Florida State Parks legacy. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which was founded as part of President Roosevelt’s “New Deal”, built key infrastructure like trails, campground buildings, and botanical features during the 1930s. Today you can visit the on-site CCC Museum which honors their craftsmanship and the park’s role in early conservation efforts.

As a key natural preservation space on the Lake Wales Ridge, Highlands Hammock protects more rare and endemic species than nearly any other Florida state park. The park’s stunning old-growth bald cypress swamp is draped in ferns, bromeliads, orchids, and towering live oaks- some with girths over 36 feet and estimated to be centuries old. Keep your eyes open because wildlife sightings include deer, alligators, gopher tortoises, endemic scrub jays, barred owls, and even the occasional Florida panther or bear!

Because it’s just minutes from Sebring’s downtown hotels, shops, lakes, and restaurants, Highlands Hammock makes for a seamless half‑day outing or peaceful afternoon after exploring around Circle Park. To capture all of Sebring’s charm, we recommend staying a day or two so you can dedicate plenty of time to sightseeing. 

For our outdoorsy folks, Highlands Hammock also offers camping sites so you can fully experience the wonders of “real Florida”. 

Highlands Hammock State Park is more than a scenic retreat—it’s a living reminder of Florida’s natural and conservation heritage. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, its moss-draped oaks, diverse wildlife, and rustic CCC charm make it an unmissable addition to your Sebring visit.