Osprey Trailhead

"Short but nice tail with lots of wildlife on it. Worth going out at low tide to the end to look at the tide pools."

"We rode the Osprey trail while visiting the Honeymoon Island State Park. This nature trail, located at the north end of the island is about a 2 mile loop trail on mostly packed sand trails. There are a lot of splash pines and palmettos along the path. As far as wildlife we saw numerous birds including osprey and a great horned Owl and even saw an armadillo on our ride. We were told and eagle would commonly nest on the very north end of the island. The park ranger was very friendly and informative. Osprey trail was a lot of fun and well worth the time if you are a nature lover."

"Osprey trail is located at the north end of Honeymoon Island State. The trail is mostly hard packed dirt, patches of grass with some very sandy spots. The trail map shows this as a 2 mile loop trail, but it's blocked off at the very north end because of the Eagles nest. You can also access the Pelican trail which can add some extra distance to your hike. Forgot now peaceful and quiet it can be when on this trail. Actually got to see the Eagle sitting next to it's nest, along with a few gopher turtles. If you take the pups be sure to bring some water for them and yourself water fountain is located at the restroom (no bowl for dogs). Haven't been to Honeymoon Island State Park in a very long time and they made some changes to the front gate area which might help with the long lines of cars trying to get in. Definitely will come back to see if there's any other changes. Been coming here before it was a state park so I'm thankful for the opportunity to get away from the daily rush we have to deal with."

"This is a hike through the woods. This is not a pretty boardwalk type of hike, expect bugs, sand, mud puddles. It's very natural. That said I love this place. If you want to see some Osprey and their nest you will find them on these trails. We saw more than I could count. There is also an eagle nest that seems to be an annual thing now. The trail starts near the only restrooms you will find. I suggest a backpack, water and bug spray. The trails are closed off near the Eagles nest. If you are interested in walking to the northern tip, you have to take one of the other routes. Once you get to the far end, there are tiny sandy spots, mangroves for some shade if you like and the sand can be a bit muddy feeling if you get in the water. There is a lagoon that is to the west and a sliver of land that makes this a more protected shoreline that the true "beach" side of Honeymoon Island. I do enjoy hiking these trails as you have seabirds, all types of mangroves, turtles, snakes and a mix of saltwater life and things you might see more inland. We spotted about 5 gopher turtles, one large diamondback rattlesnake looking to cross the trail, a great many ospreys, one eagle and three owls. The park is such that if you want to hike and then go to the beach after you can change in the very nice bathhouses / restrooms. You can take a trail that leads to the northern end of the beaches within minutes. Picnic tables are plentiful near the parking area ( no tables or restrooms on the trails) so a lunch for after your hike and before the beach can make for a very full day. I have reviewed the beach before so I will leave you to look at that review if you care to. We saw several birdwatchers while on the trail who were happy to point out some of the wildlife."