From shady hammock loops to breezy waterfront boardwalks, these are the trails locals actually walk on the weekend.
Pinellas County packs an astonishing amount of nature into a narrow peninsula. Between the Gulf beaches and Tampa Bay you'll find pine flatwoods, coastal hammocks, and mangrove-lined estuaries — all threaded together by some genuinely great trails. Here are eight that reward the effort.
Brooker Creek Preserve
At more than 8,000 acres, Brooker Creek is the largest natural area in the county. The Education Center trails are family-friendly and well-marked, while the Wilderness Trail rewards experienced hikers with quiet stretches of oak hammock and cypress swamp. Go early — the wildlife is most active before the heat sets in.
Weedon Island Preserve
Weedon Island is a paddler's paradise, but the elevated boardwalk and observation tower make it just as good on foot. The interpretive signs cover the area's rich Tocobaga history, and the tower gives you a sweeping view of Tampa Bay that's especially pretty at low tide.
Honeymoon Island Osprey Trail
One of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests in South Florida sits right on Honeymoon Island. The Osprey Trail is flat and sandy, and — true to its name — you'll almost certainly spot ospreys nesting overhead. Pair it with a beach afternoon for the perfect Dunedin day.
Fred Howard Park
Tarpon Springs' Fred Howard Park has a shaded loop through the picnic area and a mile-long causeway out to a tiny Gulf beach. It's a favorite for cyclists and anyone who wants their trail to end with toes in the water.
What to bring
- Water — more than you think you need
- Bug spray, especially near the mangroves
- Closed-toe shoes for the wilderness routes
- A hat and reef-safe sunscreen
The best part about hiking in Pinellas is that you're never far from a great meal or a cold drink afterward. Lace up, head out early, and let us know which trail is your favorite.
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