8 Great Nature Walks in the Tampa Bay Area
3. John Chestnut Park
Suburban Palm Harbor’s top attraction, John Chestnut Park, offers you the chance to walk back in time across swampy boardwalks. Walking amongst the swamps makes you feel as if you are right in the Jurassic Park movie with a dinosaur right behind you! Strolling around John Chestnut is the perfect escape after a stressful, long day. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and almost never crowded.
One particularly attractive nature trail here offers great views of Lake Tarpon. Alligators and gopher tortoises are frequently sighted throughout the park. And there are so many deer – I’ve never seen more just hanging out. Often, you can see groups of 10-15 if you arrive early enough in the morning or around sunset.
Tip: Plan your visit during the evening hours. Sunsets over the lake are fabulous and you will see so many deer on the main driving loop.
4. James E. Grey Preserve
Don’t pass up on this little known gem in New Port Richey. Although small in size (only 80 acres), ample bird watching (the preserve is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail) and plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings (gopher tortoises, wild boar, deer, and manatees are found throughout the park) await you on the trails.
There are 2 miles of easy, relaxing nature trails, suitable for any level. The trails will take you through beautiful Florida wilderness. The boardwalk offers excellent views of a floodplain forest. Take some time off, turn off the TV and internet, and enjoy the relaxed setting of James E. Grey Preserve.
5. Lettuce Lake Park
One of Tampa’s best parks offers the perfect setting for a relaxing morning stroll. The scenic setting along the Hillsborough River leads to some fantastic views. The walk across the swampy boardwalk is a must-do – it’s really a unique place with a strange variety of plant life that you will not see anywhere else. To be this close to nature within the city limits is crazy. The observation tower provides panoramic views of the river. If you come at the right time of the year, you may even be able to spot a gator! In fact, Lettuce Lake is one of the area hotspots for gator sightings.
In addition, you will find a mile long nature trail, kayak and canoe rentals, picnicking areas, and a bike path with fitness stations along the way. Guided tours are offered weekend mornings at 8:30am.
6. Brooker Creek Preserve
Brooker Creek is Pinellas County’s largest park. This beautiful 8700 acre park allows guests to take an escape from bustling suburban life, in exchange for exploring the beautiful serenity of natural Florida flora and fauna. It’s hard to waste all your money on man made attractions when you have a gorgeous natural parks like this in the metro. Your chance of spotting at least one form of wildlife is excellent (gopher tortoises, armadillos, deer, raccoons, and alligators all inhabit the preserve).
5 miles of trails pass through beautiful oak hammocks and pine flatwoods. Shady boardwalks take you through majestic cypress swamps and bottomland hardwood forests.
Be sure to visit the Education Center to learn more information about the different ecosystems found within the preserve. In addition, guided walks are offered throughout the month (you must reserve a spot in advance).
