Many Florida residents aren’t aware that you can hike to one of the oldest, most secluded cave systems in the state. Dames Cave in Florida, located near Brooksville, is one of the simplest out-and-back hikes that will take you to an entirely different world. The hike clocks in at about 1.2 miles roundtrip which makes it simple and straightforward. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker or spelunker in order to enjoy this unique hiking trail in Florida.

Dames Cave in Florida is a unique hiking opportunity that many Floridians might not even know exists.
Google Maps
Dames Cave, also known as Vandal Cave, is mostly known as a local haunt, so finding the trailhead might be a little difficult.
TripAdvisor BelleNovaScotia
The caves are located within the Withlacoochee State Forest, just north of Tampa, and as long as you find the small, free parking area, you’ll be good to go.
AllTrails Sarah Traps
You don’t need to hike far to get to the caves once you get to the trail—it’s just a short jaunt along a sandy trail and then you’ll be at your destination.
AllTrails Sarah Traps

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With about half a mile from the trailhead, you’ll come across an open area with a huge opening—nearly 15-feet deep—this is the cave!
TripAdvisor FlaHarlock
Look down, take some photos, and enjoy this little bout of nature.
TripAdvisor FlaHarlock
What’s even cooler is that these caves are seemingly connected, so you can use the natural bridge to walk by these gargantuan holes in the Earth and just take it all in.
TripAdvisor FlaHarlock
If you’re brave enough to venture inside any of the caves, you’ll see unique rock formations, plants shooting up, root systems exposed, and so much more.
AllTrails Rich Dalessio
You don’t need to be a professional spelunker to enjoy this natural hike in Florida.
AllTrail toby McWhirter

Have you ever hiked to Dames Cave in Florida before? Share with us your experience or your photos in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this trail, check out the AllTrails website.

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