Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park is located in Florida, and it is a beautiful natural area that provides an opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of the state.


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Summary

The park is home to over 5,000 acres of natural habitat, including pine rockland, hardwood hammocks, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and birding in the park.

One of the main attractions in Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park is the hiking trails. There are several miles of trails that wind through the park's different habitats, providing excellent opportunities to see a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, fishing, and camping in designated areas.

There are several interesting points of interest to see in the park, including the Pine Rockland Trail, which takes visitors through a unique ecosystem that is home to several endangered species. The park is also home to the Florida bonneted bat, which is one of the rarest bats in the United States.

One of the best times of year to visit Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park is in the winter months, when the weather is cooler and drier. This is also a great time for birding, as many migratory birds pass through the area during this time.

Overall, Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park is a beautiful and unique natural area that is worth a visit. With its diverse habitats, hiking trails, and interesting points of interest, it provides an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Florida.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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