A Florida Gulf Coast Gem: James E. Grey Preserve in New Port Richey
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Shortly after moving to suburban Palm Harbor, Mike and I began checking out all the beaches and parks in this beautiful region. We stopped in a small coffeeshop in New Port Richey called Oasis one day and found out about this local park that some locals said was a hidden gem. This place called James E. Grey Preserve is a small, but impressive nature preserve home to over 140 different species of birds.
It’s a fantastic place for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Deer, manatee, wild boar, and turtles inhabit the tiny 80 acre park. On our first trip, we saw several turtles walking along the paths.
These massive gopher tortoises, pictured below, are found throughout Gulf area parks (mostly)during the summer months. We have encountered these turtles on pretty much every hike/nature trail in the area thus far. It’s been a fun time as we moved from Massachusetts where we wouldn’t see something like this outside of a zoo.
Update: After several years living in the Tampa metro (in 2014, 2019, & 2023), we pretty much explored every park and saw lots of wildlife and unique birds You can check out a few of my favorite parks for full details on our various hiking and wildlife watching experiences. This is what I love most about this area – there is a great park no matter where you live or travel.
This mini oasis is a nice place to take a break from shopping and crowded beaches. Mike and I enjoy walking the trails through the uninterrupted Florida wilderness. Walking around viewing the exotic plants and breathing in the fresh air was a nice change of pace from the usual weekend beach commotion. These preserves in Pasco County draw much less tourist traffic. So if you are seeking a quiet place to hike, birdwatch, or bike – Pasco aka is the place to do so!
Update: I’ve explored a lot more in this county in my various years living here. You can check out my guide to Pasco fun for more details.
Peaceful Hiking Trails
There are 2 miles of hiking trails within the preserve. Nothing too strenuous, however, a great place for a relaxing nature walk. I love walking the trails here to disconnect from technology for an hour or 2. I like to simply soak in some nature, get some vitamin D, and enjoy a light walk as opposed to a rough workout.
Update: After several visits and in comparison to other parks, I can say that it is one of my favorite low-key destinations when I want to avoid the busy tourist crowds in places like Clearwater and St. Pete. Take a look at some of the beautiful views captured along our walks. The greenery here is beautiful, and it is surprisingly shady.
There are also a few nice views of the river from the observation deck. Take this time to birdwatch or just enjoy the lovely tropical scenery.
Location/Admission
This preserve is located on Plathe Road in New Port Richey. There is no entrance fee. Plenty of parking spaces are available. Other amenities include: picnicking facilities and a canoe launch. We like to pick up some to-go deli sandwiches or salads from Publix or Trader Joe’s and enjoy just a little more time out in nature. It also helps justify the drive.
Pasco County, nicknamed “The Nature Coast” is home to many quaint preserves and parks. Most tourists tend to stay in the Clearwater/St. Pete area. Come over to Pasco and check out this preserve or any other for a day of peaceful walking and wildlife watching. It is such a great place to simply enjoy old school nature before all the commercialization took over.
We took a visiting family member here and they loved seeing all the wildlife and walking the rustic trails much more than visiting beach. Although in all fairness, the beaches are pretty awesome too!
