Did you know that you can follow in the footsteps of Florida Cracker Cowboys? The Florida Cracker Trail marks some of the historical routes that our cattle ranchers and their helpers traveled, as they moved vast herds of cattle across the state.
On November 20, 2000 the Florida Cracker Trail was designated as a Community Millennium Trail and protected. The Millennium Trails is an initiative by the White House Millennium Council, and the Federal Department of Transportation, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the National Endowment for the arts. Other private agencies and charitable organizations participated in protecting this important piece of Florida history for future generations to enjoy.
In this article, we’ll share some interesting facts about the historical Cracker Trail in Florida that you might not know. If you are looking for a great family excursion as a resident of Florida, we encourage you explore the trail and learn more about our rich cattle ranching heritage. You will be able to walk the same paths that the Florida Cracker Cowboys rode.
Where Do You Find the Florida Cracker Trail?
The Florida Cracker Trail spans a full 120 miles, and it runs from Bradenton Florida, and it ends in Fort Pierce. Parts of State Road 66 and 64, as well as U.S. Highway 98 are also designated as part of the historical trail.
Many tourists and even residents of Florida don’t know that hidden just off the highways, and away from the hustle and bustle of theme parks, resorts and golf courses a historical gem waits to be explored in the rural areas just above Lake Okeechobee. It’s also a beautiful location to enjoy a slower pace and stay in some of Florida’s oldest grand hotels that were built over one-hundred years ago. Accommodations near the Cracker Trail are also very affordable, with most room rates below $99 per night for visitors.
Three Beautiful Stops Along the Florida Cracker Trail
If you are ambitious and ready to hit the trail and travel the full 120 miles, you can grab your bicycle and enjoy some beautiful scenery and historical stopping points along the Cracker Trail. In fact, for twenty-six years, Floridians have re-enacted history annually during the last week of February, traveling the trail on horseback for a recreation of the Cracker Trail Ride.
The Cracker Trail Ride takes days to finish on horseback (and it’s only for the toughest folks who don’t mind a little saddle burn). But for other tourists the Cracker Trail can also be traveled by car, in a beautifully scenic trip that takes you through some of our state’s most beautiful protected parks and conservation areas.
Each day participants of the annual Cracker Trail Ride complete about 20 miles, and it takes just under five days to travel by horseback. Consider adding that experience though to your bucket list, because it is a life changing experience.
There are seven main stops along the Florida Cracker Trail worth checking out, but these are the three most popular:
1. The Highland Hammocks State Park (Sebring)
The love of the land and preserving nature is something that is ingrained in us all, as residents of Florida. Who can blame us? Have you ever seen a state with more beautiful lakes, canals, natural grasslands and the amazing array of biodiversity (plant and animal life) in any other state? There is a reason why people love to visit Florida, and as residents, we know how lucky we are to live in a diverse and thriving tropical paradise.
Going back to 1931, residents of Florida sought to protect Highland Hammocks and make it a state park. It was the local residents (and many cattle ranchers) who acknowledged the importance of preserving the land. During the Great Depression, some construction and improvements were made to Highland Hammocks State Park, and that original office is now a little museum that shares the story.
One amazing location not to miss in Highland Hammocks State Park (part of the Cracker Trail) is the Cypress Swamp Trail. This walking excursion starts on land with a boardwalk and then leads you through a path where you are walking over a series of floating planks over the swamp. Or you can take a free tour with a Park Ranger on a tram and listen to some interesting ecological facts and history about the beautiful area.
2. The Henscratch Farms and Winery
Florida has wineries too? You bet we do! And wait until you sample the wine. They are naturally sweet and made from muscadine and scuppernong grapes, which have a juice like sugary flavor. Every August the winery holds a ‘grape stomp’ to celebrate the historical methods of crushing grapes for wine. And if you are wondering about the winery’s name; you’ll see more than a few chickens roaming happily around the property, scratching around for something to eat.
3. Avon Park and Sebring
Both these small towns are beside the historical Florida Cracker Trail, and they are part of the National Register of Historic Places in America. In Avon Park, the oldest hotel (Hotel Jacaranda) has been a restaurant and accommodation provider since 1926. It was so popular, celebrities like baseball legend babe Ruth and Clark Gable stayed there, and it also hosted soldiers during World War II.
The South Florida State College purchased the Hotel Jacaranda in 1988, and one section of the hotel is used as a dormitory for students. There is an old-fashioned elevator, artwork by the Florida Highwaymen, and on Sunday’s it has a legendary Grand Buffet. The hotel is located on Lake Jackson.
The Kenilworth Lodge was built in 1916 by George Sebring (who the town is named after). The hotel architecture is Mediterranean Revival, with an expansive 4,000 square foot lobby and a sweeping grand staircase. It is fully booked annually on Labor Day, when cyclists from across the State and country come to participate in the Tour of Sebring.
There are many more stops along the Florida Cracker Trail to explore, but we hope this has inspired you to take a trip to cattle country and immerse yourself in some of the amazing history, ecology and experience of old-Florida like you’ve never seen it. Giddy up Cracker style!
Featured photo: TCPalm.com