South Central Florida Gulf Coast

The south-central part of Florida along the Gulf Coast is much more than the famous white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, there are a large number of state parks, county parks and preserves that contain Florida’s original habitats of yesteryear.

Just off the central portion of the Gulf Coast is Little Manatee River State Park, where the river flows for 4.5 miles through 11 unique natural communities. With over eight miles of hiking trails, this park has one of the best trail systems in Southwest Florida, showcasing some of Florida’s natural ecosystem. The southern portion of the park has three stacked loops covering a little over two miles where the trail skirts the river through oxbow wetland, flat scrub, sand pine, and scrub oak. Located in wilderness in the northern half of the park are two stacked loops covering a little over six miles, where the rustic trail leads through floodplain, flat scrub, riparian hammock, and mature sand pine forest. The trail crosses Cypress Creek and winds over high riverside bluffs that offer picturesque views of the Little Manatee River.

Just off the coast of Dunedin is Honeymoon Island State Park, one of Florida’s most beloved parks because of the four miles of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters to the 2.5-mile hiking trail through one of the few remaining virgin pine forests. in Florida. Also, located at the trailhead are pavilions complete with tables, grills, and a playground.

Just east of Sarasota is Florida’s first State-designated Wilderness and Scenic River flowing through a vast expanse of pristine prairies, pine lands, hammocks and wetlands that make up Myakka River State Park, where miles of trails Walking and biking trails wind through arching palms and live oaks reflecting in a tea-colored creek. The highlight of the park is the Myakka Canopy Walkway suspended 25 feet above the ground and stretching 100 feet through a canopy of oak trees and hammocks. The walkway is located just off the 1 mile nature trail through palm trees and hammocks.

Trails, history, and pristine white-sand beaches make up Fort De Soto Park, just south of St. Petersburg. The park’s 1-mile and 1.25-mile loop nature trails wind through native wildlife, flora, pine and palm trees showcasing the natural habitat of many bird species. Fort De Soto was built in 1898 during the Spanish-American War to protect the Tampa Bay area, which became the port of embarkation for American troops and supplies headed to the Caribbean war zones. In 1977 Fort De Soto was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The parks seven miles of shoreline offer 3 miles of beautiful white sand beaches that make this park one of the most popular on the central Gulf Coast.

Once a natural ecosystem converted to agricultural land, Terra Ceia Preserve is now the site of a major habitat restoration project returning it to its former ecologically diverse state. Three trails covering nine miles lead through wetlands and lush forests where migratory birds take refuge, as this land now plays an important role in Florida’s natural environment.

Now a historic site where James Alderman built his home in 1848 along the Alafia River has become a hot spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Alderman’s Ford Conservation Parks six more miles of trails on four different loops, weave their way through lowland forests, streams and pine forests, and portions of the Alafia River flowing over limestone boulders that are fascinating to listen to and watch . The half-mile boardwalk loop that rises six feet above the forest floor allows for great views of the Alafia River as it meanders through a thick forest of palm and oak trees.

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