Webster's defines hammock as "a fertile area in the southern U.S. and especially Florida, that is usually higher than its surroundings and that is characterized by hardwood vegetation and deep humus-rich soil." True enough. But visitors to Highlands Hammock State Park know exactly what it means - "Beautiful!." The sharp-eyed wildlife observer can catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer and alligators almost every day from one of nine nature trails. Three of these trails are ramped boardwalks bordering cypress swamps and hardwood forest. The other six trails are packed dirt that meander through all of the plant communities found in Highlands Hammock State Park. Otters and Florida scrub jays also make frequent appearances, while bears and the rare Florida panther are seen on occasion.

• Take the paved loop drive through the hammock which offers nature study and is ideal for cyclists as bicycles are not permitted on the nature trails.
• Take one of the nin nature trails; the sharp-eyed wildlife observer can catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer and alligators almost every day from them. Otters and Florida scrub jays also make frequent appearances, while bears and the rare Florida panther are seen on occasion.