The Best Scenic hiking trails in Jay, Florida

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is a sprawling natural oasis located in New Port Richey, Florida. This park covers over 8,000 acres of pristine wilderness, making it a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore miles of hiking and biking trails, spot a variety of wildlife, and enjoy picnicking and camping facilities. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and kayaking in its scenic waterways. With its tranquil atmosphere and abundant natural beauty, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park is a peaceful 845-acre park located at 630 Daffodil Street in Lake Placid, Florida. This park serves as a sanctuary for the endangered sand scrub ecosystem and is home to some of Florida's rarest plant and animal species, such as the Florida scrub-jay and gopher tortoise. Visitors to the park can enjoy bird-watching, nature study, hiking along white sand fire lanes, and fishing from the lakeshore. The park also offers a half-mile nature trail, a picnic area with shelter, and the opportunity to launch canoes or kayaks onto the lake.

Santa Rosa Ranch is a sprawling park located in Jay, Florida, United States. This picturesque institution offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its lush greenery, winding trails, and peaceful atmosphere, Santa Rosa Ranch is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with loved ones, or simply enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, this park has something for everyone. Come and experience the tranquility and beauty of Santa Rosa Ranch today.

Welcome to Hidden Lake Resort, your idyllic escape nestled in the serene surroundings of Jay, Florida. Located at 4414 Wildhorn Trail, our enchanting campground and lodging destination offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure, set amidst the natural beauty of the Sunshine State. Hidden Lake Resort is more than just a place to stay; it's a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Our expansive park area invites you to explore lush landscapes, pristine trails, and the captivating beauty of our hidden lake. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, our resort caters to all your desires.

Manasota Scrub Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 2695 Bridge Street in Englewood, Florida, United States. This unique preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse ecosystem of scrub habitats, pine flatwoods, and wetlands. With miles of hiking trails, boardwalks, and observation platforms, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this protected area. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, scrub jays, and a variety of bird species. Whether you're looking for a peaceful nature walk or a chance to spot some rare wildlife, Manasota Scrub Preserve is the perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.

Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve is a 1,181-acre park located at 12181 East Bay Road in Gibsonton, Florida, United States. This nature preserve features a variety of unique habitats, including endemic scrub habitats, pine flatwoods, wet prairie, hardwood swamp, and freshwater marsh. Visitors can explore a 3-mile loop hiking trail, which offers scenic views of the diverse landscape. Rare species such as the Florida goldenaster and Florida Scrub Jay can be found within the preserve. Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve was acquired by Hillsborough County through the ELAPP program in 1995, making it a valuable conservation area for the community to enjoy and explore.

Located at 12108 Rhodine Road in Riverview, Florida, the Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve is a 448-acre park and tourist attraction in the heart of Hillsborough County. This unique preserve is home to the Florida Scrub habitat, known as the "Florida desert," which supports a variety of plant and animal species not found anywhere else. Visitors can explore two miles of trails that wind through the scrub and around an open water marsh, providing opportunities to spot a diverse range of bird species such as blue-gray gnatcatchers, mockingbirds, and blue jays. Keep an eye out for mammals like raccoons, bobcats, and opossums, as well as reptiles including black racers and the keystone species, the gopher tortoise. Rhodine Scrub Nature Preserve offers a one-of-a-kind experience to connect with nature and learn about the unique ecosystems of Florida.

Duette Preserve, located at 2649 Rawls Road in Duette, Florida, is the largest Preserve in Manatee County, covering over 21,000 acres. This beautiful park in the northeastern part of the county is home to a diverse range of game and non-game animals, including several species of special concern and endangered/threatened species such as the Florida scrub jay, Florida panther, and Eastern indigo snake. Visitors to Duette Preserve can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding on designated trails, with parking available at three different locations. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset for pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian traffic, except on certain weekends when it is closed for the Hunt Program.

Welcome to Starkey Park Pipes, located along the scenic Starkey Park Bike Trail in New Port Richey, Florida. Nestled within the lush landscapes of Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, our unique park offers visitors a serene escape into nature's beauty. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a family looking for a day of fun, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, Starkey Park Pipes is the perfect destination. Explore our well-maintained trails, ideal for biking, hiking, and leisurely walks amidst the towering trees and diverse wildlife. Discover the charm of our park's namesake feature—pipes that add a quirky touch to your nature experience. Picnic areas provide a perfect spot for gatherings and relaxation, while our open spaces are great for recreational activities.

Welcome to Starkey Park Entrance, your gateway to nature and adventure in New Port Richey, Florida! Nestled in the heart of Florida's scenic landscape, our park offers a serene escape for nature lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore miles of picturesque trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, or enjoy a leisurely picnic surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Starkey Park Entrance is not just a park; it's a community hub where visitors can connect with nature and each other. Our well-maintained facilities include ample parking, clean restrooms, and designated picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit for everyone. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an active day out, Starkey Park Entrance is the perfect destination.