Rolling Hikes
Rolling Hikes are closed until October 2026 due to the summer heat. If you’d like to contact us, please email rollinghikes@friendsofbluespringstatepark.org.
What Is A Rolling Hike?
Rolling Hikes at Blue Spring State Park is a free accessibility program that helps less-abled guests explore select park trails using an all-terrain tracked chair.
The chair is ADA-compliant, easy to operate, and designed to navigate outdoor terrain safely and comfortably.
Reservations are required at least 7 days in advance so volunteers can be scheduled appropriately. Park admission fees still apply, but use of the tracked chair is completely FREE!
What to Expect
Before your hike begins, a trained park volunteer will provide a full orientation on how to operate the chair using a simple joystick control system.
Guests who prefer not to operate the chair themselves can still enjoy the experience while a volunteer guides the chair remotely.
Volunteers accompany each Rolling Hike and help guests experience the park’s wildlife, native plants, trails, and natural beauty along the way.
A friend or family member should accompany guests. Park volunteers cannot assist with transfers in or out of the all-terrain chair.
Trail Options
Guests can choose from several trail experiences depending on their comfort level and interests, including:
Nature trails
Paved trails
Shaded wooded trails
Longer or shorter hike options
The pace and length of the hike are always determined by the guest.
Please note: The tracked chair cannot be used on the park boardwalk.
Stark Trail
The Stark Trail features a variety of different routes which can be easily adjusted to your comfort level. The mostly-shaded trails cover 3 miles and pass through palmettos, pine scrub, and oak hammock.
Pine Island Trail
This trail is 3.6 miles in length (one way) and takes visitors through numerous plant communities from the desert-like scrub to the blackwater stream known as the St. Johns River.
Features of the All-Terrain Tracked Chair:
FAQs
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The All-Terrain Tracked Chairs can be utilized by anyone and are specially designed for individuals with vision impairment/loss, balance difficulties, or other mobility challenges.
The chair’s weight limit is 300 pounds.
The chairs can be controlled utilizing a simple joystick. Guests may also request to have the park volunteer drive the chair with a remote joystick.
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Most of the trails are shaded because they are under tree canopy. The dirt pathways have gentle curves that wind through the forest. Other paths are paved allowing guests to have a smooth ride.
The chair can navigate over roots, sand, gravel, dirt, pavement, and any other trail surfaces.
You ill be asked if you would like to hike on a dirt or paved nature trail.
The chair cannot be taken on the boardwalk.
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Throughout the entirety of the Rolling Hike, a Blue Spring State Park volunteer will accompany your party to help guide the chair and explain Florida's natural wonders.
A friend/family/care giver should accompany guests who wish to utilize the tracked chair. Park volunteers cannot assist with transfers in or out of the tracked chair.
Things to Bring:
Bottled Water
Hat or Sun Visor
Sunblock
Sunglasses
Bug Spray
Required Medications
Medical Supplies
Camera
Please be sure to check the weather prior to your hike and prepare accordingly.
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Blue Spring State Park has two (2) all-terrain tracked chairs that can be utilized during a rolling hike.
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Guests may see small animals, deer and birds hiding in the dense pine scrub and oak hammocks.
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Rolling Hikes are completely free to park visitors!
We ask that you make a reservation at least 48 hours in advance to give our volunteers time to prepare.
Here’s What People are Saying:
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"I missed hiking and being in nature. Going through the woods reminded me of how much I missed hiking. It was so quiet and peaceful and solved my yearning for hiking in the woods."
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"It was Awesome! It was a great experience to be out in nature and to see everything again."
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"I was thrilled to be back on the trails at Blue Spring. My surgery and recovery won't stop me from seeing the scrub jays!"